Lumps on my scalp

for the past year I have had painful lumps on my scalp. They are they vary in size. I also have tiny sores on my scalp sometimes they are filled with pus. Some days the lumps are so painful that I cannot comb my hair I have been to the hospital and to my primary care physican. I was told that I have foliculitis (folliculitis) and was given a powerful anitbotic then was told to use medicated shampoo, nothing helped. and now my hair has begun to break off a lot.  My doctor will not refer me to see a dermatologist. Does anyone know what this could be, so that I can bring it up at my next doctor appointment?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it looks like folliculitis and infected hair follicles. Folliculitis is the inflammation of one or more hair follicles. The condition may occur anywhere on the skin. It starts when hair follicles are damaged by friction from clothing or blockage of the follicle. In most cases of folliculitis, the damaged follicles are then infected with the bacteria Staphylococcus (staph).

Please keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful. In case the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case. Also get your blood sugar levels estimated.
I hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

[SandyB68]

I too have the same problem with my scalp. I have been suffering for the past 5 years or more. I have been to the dermatologist to just be prescribed medications I can't afford. My hair have fallen out and I am forced to wear wigs which makes the itching worse. My issues with my scalp are confined to the top and middle of my head. The sides and back of my head are normal and do not itch or get pus filled bumps. The bumps are so painful sometimes that I just can't take it. I have had a biopsy done a few years ago when my hair first began falling out. The biopsy ruled out everything except alopecia. I don't believe it is alopecia because the hair grows a little and then fall out again. One dermatologist said it was eczema and prescribed me a foam that with my insurance still cost $90. The sample did sooth my scalp but I can't afford to get the medication. This is very frustrating and embarrassing for a woman. I used to have long beautiful hair and now my hair will not grow more than a half an inch. I do understand what you are going through and wish I had answers for both of us.
Ms. S