Notes to infections of the scalp

1. 5. SCALP
INFECTIONS
Lecture by:
Ochogu wilson
Editor:
Gogo mngutswenga Andrew

2. • A scalp infection is caused by bacteria and
fungi that entered the hair follicles or skin of
the scalp. Having a scalp infection can lead to
various types of skin rashes on the scalp as
well as hair loss.

3. •
•
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is an
infection in which one
or more hair follicles
become inflamed and
swollen. It is most
commonly caused by
bacteria, but it can
also develop because
of a virus, parasite, or
fungus.
•
•
Fungal Infections
In some cases,
fungus can lead to a
scalp infection. Yeast,
a type of fungus, that
can lead to a scalp
infection include
Candida and
Malassezia.

4. • Folliculitis • Fungal Infections

5. •
•
•
Impetigo
Impetigo is a very
contagious skin infection
that can be caused by
Group A Streptococcus
(Group A strep) and
Staphylococcus aureus,
also known as staph.
Although anyone can get
impetigo, it is most
commonly found in children
between the ages of 2 and 5.
The bacteria enter the scalp
through open cuts or sores,
insect bites, or other rashes.
•
•
Lichen Planus
Lichen planus causes
swelling and irritation of
the skin. It is an
autoimmune disease
that affects hair follicles.
Typically, lichen planus
of the scalp affects
adults between the ages
of 30 and 60, and
females are more likely
to experience it. When it
develops on the scalp, it
is referred to as lichen
planopilaris.

6. • Impetigo • Lichen Planus

7. •
•
Ringworm (Tinea
Capitis)
Ringworm is a fungal
infection that can
affect the skin on any
part of the body. It
causes a circular rash
that appears as a ring.
•
•
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis
causes scaly patches and
red skin on the scalp. The
exact cause of this
condition is not clear, but
many factors can lead to its
development, such as a
Malassezia fungal infection,
inflammatory reactions in
the body, and a family
history of the condition.
Common symptoms of
seborrheic dermatitis
affecting the scalp include:
dandruff, red scales on the
skin, inflamed hair follicles.

8. • Ringworm (Tinea
Capitis)
• Seborrheic Dermatitis

9. •
•
•
SEBACEOUS CYST
Sebaceous cysts are small
lumps that arise within the
skin on the face, upper back
and upper chest. A
sebaceous cyst can form
when the opening to a
sebaceous gland becomes
blocked. The oily substance
called sebum continues to
be produced but cannot
escape to the outer skin
surface.
The cyst may remain small
for years, or it may continue
to get larger. These cysts are
rare in children but common
in adults. Sebaceous cysts
are not cancerous.
•
•
CEPHALOHEMATOMA
A cephalohematoma is
a hemorrhage of blood
between the skull and
the periosteum of any
age human, including a
newborn baby
secondary to rupture of
blood vessels crossing
the periosteum.
Because the swelling is
subperiosteal, its
boundaries are limited
by the individual bones,
in contrast to a caput
succedaneum.

10. • Cephalohematoma in newborns is a relatively
common condition in which a small pool of
blood develops into a mass just underneath the
baby's scalp outside the skull. The blood
Cephalohematomas are caused when the
pressure on a baby's head during vaginal
childbirth damages or ruptures very small
blood vessels in scalp. The damage to the
blood vessels causes them to hemorrhage
(bleed internally) and the blood collects into a
pool which forms into a benign mass.