Red bumps / pimples in hair

I've had a problem for close to 15 years, and have never been able to get an answer as to what the problem really is and how to correct it.

I have these very small red bumps / pimples in my hair.  I've tried all the shampoos out there over time, and none ever work.  I've been able to somewhat control it by keeping my hair short and as dry as possible.  Dandruff shampoos make matters worse, not better. (Selson Blue, Coal Tar extract, Head & Shoulders. . . )  They dry out my scalp and actually make matters worse.  If I work out hard and sweat, or go out in the rain, or wash my hair and not fully dry it immediately, the bumps appear.  As long as I can keep it dry, or dry it often when working out, or doing something that causes me to sweat, it's not terribly bad.  They are not what I would call real painful, but they are an annoyance.  As my hair grows back, the problem gets more pronounced.  Get it cut short where it helps to keep it dryer, not as bad.  Anyone else with this exact same problem that found a solution?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to folliculitis or perifolliculitis scalp. Perifolliculitis is characterized by small, very itchy pustules within the scalp, often most troublesome on the frontal hairline. The scalp should be washed with a mild normal shampoo as often as desired. Antidandruff shampoos containing antifungal agents such as ketoconazole or ciclopirox are sometimes helpful. Apart from that you need topical and oral antibiotics, antihistamines, oral steroids and topical tretinoin.

My sincere advice is to get it examined from a dermatologist. It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.