What Causes a Scalp Infection and Can You Treat It? (2025)

Scalp infections are caused by bacteria or fungi that enter 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.

Treatment for scalp infections will vary depending on the cause.

This article discusses types of scalp infections, their symptoms, and how to treat them.

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.

Scalp folliculitis causes small, very itchypustules to formon the scalp, often most troublesome on the frontal hairline. There may be many or only a small number oflesions (abnormalities in the skin). They are often itchy and become sore, tender, andcrusted.

The cause of scalp folliculitis is not exactly clear. It is generally considered to be an inflammatory reaction when hairfollicles get infected by microorganisms, such as:

• Bacteria, such as Staphylococcusaureus
• Yeast, specifically the Malasseziaspecies
• Mites, which are insect-like organisms

Treatment

In cases of mild folliculitis, treatment may not be necessary and the condition will clear up on its own. Treatment options may include:

• Topical antiseptics such as benzoyl peroxide or hypochlorite may be used to help slow the growth of bacteria or other organisms on the skin that are causing the infection.
• Topical antibiotics such as clindamycin or mupirocin may be needed to help with the overgrowth of bacteria. Antibiotics may also be used with medical drainage of boils if they have developed. Medical drainage involves having the boils drained by a healthcare provider.
• Oral antibiotics may be used if the condition has progressed and if you have other symptoms such as fever. Systemic antibiotics are taken orally and could include dicloxacillin and cefadroxil.
• Mild topical steroid lotions or creams may help with the itchiness.
• Oral antihistamines may also help with itchiness.

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.

Symptoms of a scalp yeast infection caused by Candida may include:

• Crusts on the scalp that may lead to hair loss
• Purple or red patches of skin
• White, flaky scales on the scalp
• Patches of red and itchy skin
• Pustules filled with pus that appear like pimples

Malassezia can cause scalp infections such as folliculitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and pityriasis versicolor.

Treatment

Treatment options for a fungal infection affecting the scalp include:

• Antifungals: Antifungal medications can come in ointments, shampoos, or foams. Fluconazole is one such antifungal used for a scalp yeast infection. Shampoos containing ketoconazole may also be used to help treat the infection.
• Over-the-counter (OTC) shampoos: If the infection is caused by the Malassezia yeast, shampoos with active ingredients, such as selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, and coal tar, may be used.
• Corticosteroid shampoos: In some cases, corticosteroids can help relieve inflammation caused by the infection. A shampoo with clobetasol is one example.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a very contagious skin infection that can be caused by Group AStreptococcus (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. Symptoms of impetigo include:

• Red and itchy sores that can break, causing the release of pus or clear fluid
• Scabbing of the sores that are honey-colored or yellow

Treatment

Since impetigo is a bacterial infection, the only way to treat it is through the use of antibiotics. Topical antibiotics are typically preferred, but in some cases, oral antibiotics may be needed if the infection is severe or spreading. Oral antibiotics that are often used include doxycycline, amoxicillin, and clindamycin.

Since impetigo is contagious, the wounds on the scalp should be covered as best you can to avoid spreading the infection to others.

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.

When ringworm affects the scalp (tinea capitis), it can lead to symptoms such as:

• A scaly, circular bald spot
• Itchiness in the affected area
• Redness
• Cracked skin
• A kerion (swollen, pus-filled sore)

Treatment

Treatment for ringworm on the scalp requires oral antifungal medications. The antifungals used most to treat ringworm can include:

• Terbinafine
• Itraconazole
• Posaconazole
• Griseofulvin

It could take up to three months for the antifungal medication to clear up the infection completely.

Ringworm is very contagious. It can spread through skin-to-skin contact. It can also be spread through indirect contact. For example, if a person has a ringworm infection and you touch their clothing or another object that has come into contact with their infected skin, you could contract ringworm.

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

Treatment

Treatment focuses on reducing the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis and managing flare-ups, and may include:

• OTC dandruff shampoos with selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, or coal tar
• Antifungal shampoos containing ketoconazole and ciclopirox
• Topical corticosteroids such as betamethasone valerate and fluocinolone to help reduce inflammation on the scalp
• Shampoos containing tea tree oil

Summary

Scalp infections are a result of bacteria or fungi that entered the hair follicles or skin of the scalp. There are many different types, including folliculitis, impetigo, lichen planus, and ringworm. Depending on the cause, each can be treated with antibiotics or antifungal medications as well as over-the-counter steroid creams to reduce uncomfortable symptoms like itching.

If you suspect you or a loved one has a scalp infection, talk to your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.