What is folliculitis? Folliculitis is the inflammation of the hair follicle. It is mostly due to infection either by bacteria, virus, fungus or mites. Folliculitis of the scalp is a common problem faced by many and often confused with acne. Folliculitis may be presented as superficial or deep inflammation. The former has the characteristics of small, red papules or pustules (a small bump on the skin less than 1cm in size). Deep folliculitis, meanwhile, has a bigger bump called nodule. 

Scalp folliculitis is also itchy in nature. Besides infection, there is also non-infectious folliculitis that can be due to HIV or drugs side effects. Both of the non-infectious folliculitides will not be covered here. Folliculitis, like any other form of a skin infection, can be treated and cured with appropriate medication. Here are a list and explanation of the scalp folliculitis treatment. 

• Bacterial Scalp Folliculitis

Treating scalp folliculitis has to be as accurate as possible and this depends on the risk factors the patient may present in the history and examination during the consultation with a doctor. Bacterial scalp folliculitis is the most common form of scalp folliculitis among the other infectious organisms. 

As with other infection, bacterial scalp folliculitis can be treated with topical (on-site) antibiotics. The choice of antibiotics will depend on the likely organism that causing the infection. Prevention of bacterial scalp folliculitis involves avoidance of risk factors such as sweating and also the use of shampoo with antiseptic properties like chlorhexidine. 

• Fungal Scalp Folliculitis

Scalp folliculitis due to fungal infection is the second most common cause of folliculitis. Fungal infection of the skin generally takes a longer time to resolve and needs different medication than the ones used for bacterial scalp folliculitis. Antifungal such as ketoconazole and fluconazole are commonly used to treat this condition. Antifungals for scalp folliculitis should be used as a topical form since oral intake has many adverse effects in the long run. 

• Viral Scalp Folliculitis

This is not as common as the other two and always being associated with the virus causing chickenpox (varicella-zoster) or herpes simplex virus (which cause the common cold and genital herpes). Treatment is by antivirals such as acyclovir usually for 5-10 days. 

• Mites Scalp Folliculitis

Mites, specifically the Demodex folliculorum is thought to cause scalp and face folliculitis. The role of mites in causing folliculitis is a bit controversial as most people host this organism without having the infection. Mites cause a skin condition called rosacea. Treatment of suspected mites scalp folliculitis uses special creams like the permethrin, sulphur or ivermectin with oral metronidazole. 

Before treating scalp folliculitis, the diagnosis of scalp folliculitis has to be confirmed from the clinical history and physical examination by an experienced dermatologist or general practitioner. Further investigation is rarely needed for scalp folliculitis.  Nowadays patient can have a private and quick consultation from the comfort of their home through online consultation with certified doctors. People can now have online consultation and have their prescribed medication deliver in front of their door.