Does Folliculitis Lead to Permanent Hair Loss of the Scalp?
Scalp Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicle and can lead to permanent hair loss. It can occur wherever hair is present on the body. When it occurs on the scalp however, it can put the long-term health of your hair in serious jeopardy. The condition can cause scarring (cicatricial) alopecia and lead to permanent hair loss.
The inflammation caused by the condition can lead in certain instances to permanent loss of hair, but more often the effects are only temporary. The hair quickly grows back with proper medical treatment to prevent hair follicle scarring.
When folliculitis occurs on the scalp, it often appears like small, raised, itchy or inflamed red bumps, similar to pimples. While they can appear anywhere on the scalp, they are often most notably present around the hairline. In its initial presentation, it begins to appear as a red ring surrounding the base of the hair follicle. As the condition progresses, hair will begin to fall out. Without proper treatment, it can develop into hairless keloids (a thick red scar) on the scalp, scarring alopecia, and permanent hair loss.
Why Does Folliculitis Lead to Permanent Hair Loss?
As is the case with rashes, you should never scratch these bumps. To do so can cause them to become more inflamed, itch more, and form a scab or crust over the bumps. Does Folliculitis Lead to Permanent Hair Loss? Because folliculitis can lead to permanent loss of hair in the affected areas, it is not uncommon to see the development of areas of patchy bald spots.
Another type of folliculitis is a condition called acne necrotia, which causes large nodules or bumps to develop and quickly leads to scarring. Because folliculitis can lead to permanent hair loss, it is important that you seek medical treatment if you think that you may have any form folliculitis.
Possible Causes and Treatment
Folliculitis occurs when a hair follicle becomes inflamed as a result of a bacterial infection, mites, or yeast. There are some severe cases in which the bacteria staphylococcus aureus causes the inflammation. In some cases, folliculitis on the scalp can also be caused by a buildup of oils.
If you are an individual that shaves your head, then you may be at an increased risk of developing the condition. This can in turn cause other health problems that can have an impact your immune system or use of certain medications like topical steroids or antibiotics.
With mild cases of folliculitis, hair loss may be only temporary in nature. However, as with any medical condition, the longer treatment is delayed, and the more the hair follicles become inflamed, as the condition worsens, scarring can occur and cause hair growth the cease altogether. And because folliculitis is itchy, the more likely a person is tempted to scratch the inflamed area, leading to further damage. With prompt medical treatment, folliculitis can be quickly resolved.