Tag: scalp fungus

October’s QOM- What causes sores or cysts on the scalp?

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Greetings hair Doctor,. I recently shaved my hair bald due to hair loss. I’m experiencing painful sores or cysts on the scalp and they are tough to regrow patches. What should I do? I really want healthy hair.

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Hi there,
It sounds like you could be having Dissecting Cellulitis, a very stressful and painful scarring type hairloss with recurrent sores or cysts on the scalp. Sometimes these sores or cysts on the scalp can ooze when they form sinuses or tracts. When they heal, they form scars which prevents regrowth of hair. Hence why you say it is tough to regrow hair in the affected areas.
You may have to be on long term antibiotics or other medications to help stop the progress of the condition. The best thing to do is to go to a dermatologist in order to be examined and have tests done including  a scalp biopsy so that you can find out what is wrong with your scalp. A fungal infection of the scalp can present in a similar manner, which can be easily cured with a course of antifungal medication.  Once you have determined the exact cause of your #hairloss, then hopefully you can get the best treatment for your condition.
Here’s a link showing what Dissecting Cellulitis looks like:
http://dermnetnz.org/acne/scalp-folliculitis.html
Here’s an article by the British Association of Dermatologists detailing the management of the condition:
http://ow.ly/Tiaj4

Does my child have scalp ringworm?

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Hello,

I have been taking my son to a new barber for the past month. I am now noticing he is having small dry patches throughout the top of his scalp. After washing his scalp with shampoo his head becomes very irritated( head and shoulders shampoo) and you can open the skin on top of his head. What should I do? Also, he had ringworm on the back of his neck after sharing a helmet with a teammate year around this time. Could this bacteria re-surfaced ? Thanks for any assistance!

 

 

J.

 

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Dear J,

Unfortunately, it sounds as if he contracted scalp ringworm (fungus) again, and may have become infected/irritated, as indicated by the description you gave. He will certainly need to see a doctor to get treatment. He should get both topical antifungal creams and oral antifungal medication, as well as an antifungal shampoo. The oral medication should be taken for 4-6 weeks, otherwise the scalp ringworm can return. Using a shampoo alone will not cure him. During the treatment, he is to not share any hats, combs, brushes, towels etc. Anything that goes on his head must be washed on a weekly basis. He is also to avoid going to the barber at this time.