scalp folliculitis Archives - Miami Hair Institute

September 18, 2017

Will Use of Hair Products Cause Hair Loss?

With more than 300 genetic bases for hair loss, what we come into this world with genetically plays an outsized role in the strength, resiliency, and growth of our hair. But genes aren’t the only things at play when it comes to hair loss. The foods we consume, the beverages we drink, and the lifestyles we lead can all impact our follicles and either contribute to or slow down hair loss. It would make sense, then, if what we do to our hair directly – the products we apply and styling techniques we use – also affect our hair health.

Styling Products Are Fine, If You Keep Them From Building Up

Many patients express concern about whether gels, mousse, hairspray or other styling products contribute to hair loss. Fortunately, there is little evidence that common hair products have any negative effect on our follicles if used correctly.

The key is ensuring that you wash your hair regularly to prevent such products from contributing to any long-term buildup of sebum-based plaque. When combined with pollutants, oils, and sweat, this buildup could lead to a condition called scalp folliculitis. Over time, the irritation that is the most noticeable symptom of folliculitis may make it impossible for the hair follicle to support a normal hair growth cycle. This irritation can become so severe that it damages the hair follicle entirely, rendering it incapable of producing any hair at all.

Again, however, it is not styling products themselves which cause any damage to your hair or lead to hair loss, it is the failure to keep those products from building up on the scalp. So long as you wash your hair and don’t overuse gel, pomade, or other substances, you can keep on using whatever styling product makes your hair look like you want it to without worrying that it will lead to hair loss.

Schedule an Appointment for a Hair Loss Evaluation Today

At the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami, our skilled physicians diagnose and treat hair loss cases that can’t be reversed at home or through changes in lifestyle or diet. Through advanced hair restoration surgery techniques and alternative non-invasive treatments, we can help patients suffering with hair loss.

To receive a personalized evaluation and treatment plan, contact us online or call or office directly at 305-925-0222.

May 22, 2017

How to Relieve Scalp Folliculitis at Home

Irritation. Itchiness. Burning sensations. Hair loss. Any or all of these unappealing symptoms and more may mean you are suffering from a condition called hair folliculitis. Also called scalp folliculitis, this condition is common among both men and women. Luckily, there are several effective, affordable, and easy home remedies to relieve the discomfort and disruption of normal hair growth caused by scalp folliculitis.

Hair folliculitis is most commonly caused by the following:

Yeast
Fungus
Bacteria
Contact/rubbing from tight clothing
Damaged hair follicles (e.g. shaving irritation)
Blockage caused by irritants like sweat, oils, and cosmetic makeup

Usually, the cause of your folliculitis determines the most effective treatment. For example, if a physician determines your condition was caused by a bacterial infection, an over-the-counter antibiotic is often the recommended treatment. Conversely, such medication would be a waste of money if irritation from shaving, clothing, sweat, or makeup were the culprits. That is why it is imperative to consult with a hair loss professional as soon as you notice any symptoms of folliculitis. He or she can evaluate your condition, determine its cause, and recommend the most effective course of treatment.

Many of those treatments are ones you can take care of without visiting a doctor. Here are a number of ways to relieve scalp folliculitis at home:

Antibiotics. As noted, folliculitis caused by infection can be treated with over the counter antibiotic oral medication, ointments, and washes such as benzoyl peroxide (Clearasil, Proactiv), chlorhexidine (Hibiclens), or Phisoderm.

Antifungal shampoos and washes. If fungus is the source of your folliculitis, antifungal shampoos such as Nizoral A‑D, available over-the-counter, will reduce and eliminate the source of your condition when used regularly.

Natural remedies. While medication and medicated shampoos are effective scalp folliculitis treatments, nature has also provided many ways to treat this condition. These include:

Tea tree oil. Noted for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, tea tree oil can be applied to the affected areas of the scalp as an easy remedy. Just a few drops on a regular basis may be all you need to take care of the problem.
Castor oil. As with tea tree oil, castor oil is effective at killing folliculitis-causing bacteria and also has the added benefit or relieving pain and itching where applied.
Coconut oil. It should be clear by now that oils are an effective and popular way to address scalp folliculitis, and cold-pressed coconut oil is no different. You can massage it into your scalp every day or multiple times a day until the symptoms recede.

Folliculitis Diagnosis and Treatment in Miami

In addition to discomfort, scalp folliculitis can be a contributing factor to hair loss. If you believe hair folliculitis might be causing you hair to thin, recede, or bald, schedule a hair loss evaluation to learn more about hair loss treatment with world-renowned experts at the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami. Our surgeons, nurses, and staff represent the finest team in Miami. To learn more about treatment, contact our clinic at 305-925-0222.

November 9, 2015

Scalp Folliculitis and Hair Loss

Scalp folliculitis, or hair folliculitis, is common among both men and women. This condition is characterized by moderate to severe irritation of the hair follicle(s), which may disrupt normal hair growth when left untreated.

Know the symptoms. If the irritated area of skin exhibits red pimples that appear to have a hair growing from the center, you may have hair folliculitis. This condition is easily recognized on the arms, back, legs, and beard/neck area. It is not so easily recognized when it occurs on the scalp, making it important to consult a hair loss professional should you notice pimples, itchiness, burning sensations, or discharge along the hairline, crown of the head, or rear/sides of the scalp.

Use the information below to learn more about hair folliculitis, scalp irritation, and hair loss. If you believe hair folliculitis might be causing you hair to thin, recede, or bald, schedule a hair loss evaluation to learn more about effective treatment with world renowned experts at the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami.

What causes hair folliculitis?

Hair folliculitis is most commonly caused by the following:

Yeast
Fungus
Bacteria
Contact/rubbing from tight clothing
Damaged hair follicles (e.g. shaving irritation)
Blockage caused by irritants like sweat, oils, and cosmetic makeup

Can folliculitis lead to hair loss?

At first, the follicle may maintain its hair fiber while folliculitis begins to take effect. In time, irritation may make it impossible for the hair follicle to support a normal hair growth cycle. When pronounced, folliculitis can cause irritation so severe that it damages the hair follicle entirely, rendering it incapable of producing any hair at all.

Treat and Reverse Hair Folliculitis

There are a few effective ways to treat and reverse hair folliculitis.

Get a hair loss diagnosis. Because hair folliculitis can be difficult to identify, it’s important to consult a hair loss professional should you notice any of the symptoms described above.

Treat the folliculitis. Sometimes, folliculitis is caused by a bacterial infection that can be treated with an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment. In other cases, non-infectious hair folliculitis can be treated by thoroughly cleaning excess sebum from the scalp. When treating folliculitis, it’s important to follow the recommendation given by your hair loss professional.

Regain what’s lost. Finally, consider additional hair loss treatments to prevent additional hair loss while also thickening your hair. Topical foam, prescription medication, and low-level laser therapy are among the most common forms of treatment. More information on each of these hair loss treatments is provided below.

Topical Hair Loss Foam

Everyone has seen a commercial for Rogaine®. As one of the most popular topical hair loss foams, Rogaine is widely recognized by men, women, and hair loss professionals as a viable option for slowing and stopping the progression of hair loss. Visit the following page to learn more about hair loss treatments like Rogaine.

Prescription Hair Loss Medication

One of the most common prescription medications for hair loss is finasteride, better known as Propecia®. This drug is available only for men, and women must be careful not to handle these tablets, especially while pregnant or nursing. If you are a man suffering with hair loss, visit the following page to learn more about prescription medicines like Propecia.

Laser Hair Restoration

Laser Hair Restoration (LHT) is enjoying a lot of recent popularity among men, women, and physicians. This is a minimally invasive, nonsurgical hair restoration option that involves laser treatment up to 3-4 times weekly. Patients may visit our office to receive laser therapy, or they may purchase a personal-use hair restoration laser like the Capillus272™ Pro for use at home.

Folliculitis Diagnosis and Treatment in Miami

If you believe hair folliculitis might be causing you hair to thin, recede, or bald, schedule a hair loss evaluation to learn more about effective treatment with world renowned experts at the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami. Our surgeons, nurses, and staff represent the finest team in Miami. To learn more about treatment, contact our clinic at 305-925-0222.