Red bumps on scalp(non-itchy)

subject:male

I have been getting my hair cuts close to the scalp for several years. Until now, I never had these red bumps on the back of my scalp where i get close haircuts. I go to a professional barber who uses clean equipment. These red bumps are not itchy and dont have any pus. The bumps look like acne with no pus. I wash my hair daily. I havent used any new products. Are these red bumps due to scalp folliculitis? What is it? Is there any treatment? I like to keep my hair short(military). Any advice would be appreciated. thanks

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
These bumps can be due to folliculitis or acne keloidalis nuchae(AKN). It occurs when hairs on the back of the head and neck grow into the skin, become inflamed, and cause scar tissue. These ingrown hairs usually occur following a short haircut on the back of the head and nape of the neck.

Treatment of AKN includes suppression of the inflammation with antibiotics and steroid gels or intralesional steroid injections. So apply antibiotic cream like Neosporin or bactroban.If the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics and steroids may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.

Larger bumps of AKN present for a while or if not responding to treatments may need surgical removal. 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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.