How to Treat Bacterial Scalp Infections and Prevent Hair Loss

Can scalp infections cause hair loss? Yes, when left untreated, scalp infections can lead to severe outcomes like scarring and permanent loss of hair. That’s why it’s so important to learn to look out for signs of infection and learn how to treat and prevent them in the first place.

Scratching your head out or wondering why you’re breaking out along your hairline? If you’re noticing small, red bumps that look like acne on your scalp, or experiencing pain, stinging or tenderness on the scalp skin, you could be dealing with folliculitis, a skin condition whereby hair follicles become inflamed.

If alarm bells are going off in your head, it’s not time to fret, yet! Folliculitis is a fairly common condition and mild cases will clear up after a few days with some simple self-care measures. Severe cases of this bacterial infection can lead to permanent hair loss and scarring, which is why it’s important to treat the condition before it gets so bad that even a hair loss shampoo can no longer help!

Symptoms and Causes of Scalp Infections

As mentioned earlier, folliculitis can look and feel like acne, as it can manifest as clusters of small red bumps, with or without white heads, where there are hair follicles. It can also appear as pus-filled or crusty sores, or a large swollen bump or mass.

So if you frequently sport tight ponytails, wear a cap or load up on hair styling product, it’s time to rethink some habits. That’s because the above actions can damage the hair follicles, leaving them vulnerable to bacteria or fungi that can cause scalp folliculitis. Men who shave frequently, and those with coarse or curly hair, are also more prone to hair follicle damage and therefore folliculitis.

 

 

How to Treat Folliculitis Scalp Infection

With proper care, mild cases of folliculitis usually go away on their own after a few days. Applying a warm compress to the area can help to relieve some pain and encourage the pus to drain. Make sure to wash your hands before you touch the infected spots, and do wash any items that have been in contact with the infected area, such as hats, brushes or pillowcases. In severe cases or if the infection doesn’t go away, be sure to seek professional advice.

 

 

Prevent Hair Loss by Preventing Scalp Infections

While it’s true that we have phenomenal hair growth shampoos and hair growth tonics that can help our customers regain a full, thick mane, at PHS HAIRSCIENCE, we firmly believe that prevention is better than cure. That’s because once the scalp deteriorates, it takes much more effort to get it back on track. And when scalp health is less than optimal, the hair growth cycle and hair health are also affected.

A proper daily scalp care regime goes a long way in preventing scalp infections. Double Cleanse daily to keep scalp clean of unhealthy buildup such as excess sebum, dirt and product residue that can clog follicles. Once a week, enjoy a gentle scalp exfoliation with ADV Elixir to help remove impurities and prime the scalp to better absorb vital nutrients and other product benefits.

 

 

If you suffer from chronic scalp flare-ups or infections like folliculitis, regular scalp treatments such as the H2 Advance Scalp Repair Treatment may help to rebalance the scalp, alleviate discomfort, transform scalp health and prevent future scalp infections. Interested to find out more? Sign up for a complimentary hair and scalp analysis here to find out what you can do to get a healthier scalp and fabulous hair!