Scalp Boils/Boils on Scalp

Boils can be categorized into various types. They are differentiated on the basis of their nature of formation and their location in the body. Scalp boils are mainly boils type furuncles that occur due the occurrence of infection in the hair follicles. Furuncles with several heads are known as carbuncles and are quite painful. Boils on scalp are exceptionally painful when you comb your hair. Sometimes the furuncles form pus which further worsen the condition of the infection.

If you are suffering from scalp boils recurrently you should visit a doctor. In several cases the boils on scalp are due to the presence of dandruff on the scalp. The doctor would probably prescribe you with an antibacterial soap which can help to get rid of the boils to a great extent. In spite of using shampoo, if you find yourself to be the victim of boils your doctor can carry out clinical tests and bacterial culture to detect the exact cause behind the repeated development of boils. For further accuracy he can even recommend you to go for a biopsy test.

In most cases scalp boils are in the form of furuncles. Actually, furuncles can occur in various parts of the body except the palms of the hand and the soles of the feet. Furuncles can occur in any place of the body wherever the skin contains hair follicles. Each hair follicle is attached to a muscle underneath the epidermal skin. Above the muscles lies an oil producing gland named as the sebaceous gland, the gland is so named as the oil produced is termed as sebum. The sebum is secreted to lubricate the hair follicle and the hair shaft.

Due to exposure to dirt and dust often the hair follicles get jammed or clogged with foreign particles. In the presence of moisture and incidence of germs the bacteria causing boils attack the hair follicle and cause the development of boils on scalp.

A furuncle on scalp at first develops as a reddened surface across a single hair follicle. With time as the infection spreads the redness spreads to the neighboring hair follicles. The furuncle then gradually grows in size and develops a substance called pus at its center. Sometimes with maturity of the boil the pus flows out as it comes in contact with the other hair follicles and causes formation of more number of boils.

Causes of Scalp Boils

You may take a note of the following causes behind the development of follicles on the hair scalp.

• Due to excessive perspiration. If you sweat and perspire to a great degree, the hair follicles get packed with the residue (salt and other minerals) that is left after the drying up of the sweat ultimately causing boils.

• Sometimes the damage of the skin texture may also be the cause behind the development of boils. The skin gets prone to the occurrence of boils if it is repeatedly attacked by acne and other skin diseases.

• Presence of abrasions or infliction of wound on the scalp and if not treated well may cause development of boils as the bacteria get the chance to get inside the skin of the wound and infect it.

• Excessive exposure of the scalp to friction may also give way to the formation of boils. Intense and vigorous combing of hair can often develop minute creases on the scalp which acts as a passage for the bacteria responsible for causing boils to get inside the skin.

Types of Folliculitis

Folliculitis is the process of the hair follicles getting infected with bacteria causing the development of boils. Folliculitis can be classified as superficial folliculitis and deep folliculitis.

Superficial Folliculitis

• Hot Tub Folliculitis – This type of infection is characterized by the formation of red bump within 10 to 12 hours of the attack of the bacteria called pseudomonas bacteria. Individuals who are in the habit of bathing in wooden hot tubs get infected with the bacteria commonly. The bacteria grow well in moist, humid and warm conditions. Persons who are often inflicted with cuts or suffer from immune damaging disease like diabetes are highly prone towards this skin disease.

• Barber’s itch - Barber’s itch is common in areas that are frequently shaved. They mainly occur in the facial regions of men. So, if the scalp of the head is exposed to shaving often may develop the skin disease. This boil infection is caused due to the incidence of bacteria named Staphylococcus aureus.

• Tinea barbae – This skin infection can occur in any part of the body. The infection is characterized by a red colored lump having a crusty appearance. It is pus filled infection and is not caused by interference of any bacteria but by fungus.

• Pityrosporum folliculitis – This skin infection is caused due to fungus named Malassezia furfur. It is characterized by a sensation of itching and can occur on any part of the body especially on face, neck, back and chest.

• Herpetic folliculitis - This form of folliculitis is formed when a blister developed due to the incidence of herpes simplex virus is broken. The pus then comes out of the blister and when in contact with the neighboring hair follicles cause the development of boils.

Deep Folliculitis

• Gram-negative folliculitis – This type of follicutilis occurs in individuals who consume large dosage of antibiotics in order to treat skin diseases like acne. The infection is the result of the counter reaction of antibacterial medicines. The medicines in order to balance the bacterial count produce large number of gram bacteria. The gram bacteria mainly stay in the regions like the nasal chamber from where they spread to the rest of the body parts.

• Carbuncles – Carbuncles are actually furuncles with several heads and are more severe in nature than the other. The carbuncles are deep rooted and generally involve unbearable pain and high fever.

Boils are to be treated carefully. In most cases boils heal in a natural way. Boils on scalp would be of great trouble while combing and tying your hair. You are advised to maintain a hygienic lifestyle. Usage of antibacterial soaps and shampoos may help you to get rid of the boils effectively.

Boils Info
What Are Boils?
What Causes Boils
Boils Symptoms
How to Treat Boils
Boils Prevention
Getting Rid of Boils

Homeopathic Boils Treatment
Recurring Boils
Remedy For Boils
Home Remedies for Boils
Ointment for Boils
Homeopathic Remedies for Boils
Natural Cure for Boils
Herbal Remedies for Boils
Boils and Diabetes
Boils and Pregnancy
Boils in Children
Chronic Boils
Poultice for Boils
Boils and Carbuncles

Various Types
Staph Boils
Acne or Pimples Boils
Cysts Boils
Skin Boils
Facial Boils
Boils on Buttocks
Groin Boils
Boils in Ear
Carbuncles
Skin Staph
Scalp Boils
Blood Boils
Underarm or Armpit Boils
Neck Boils
MRSA
Bexatrol