My daughter, who is just about 3 years old has had constant scalp infections since she was under age two. We have taken her to a dermatologist who gave us a topical antibiotic and Fluoccinolone Acetonide oil. They help for the symptoms but the flair ups will come and go. They are all near the top of her scalp but can vary to the sides a bit. Are purulent and seem like deep zits. They also itch which is a big problem as she will scratch them raw and already has given herself a small scar on her head from it.
The problem seems to be no real diagnosis, with symptomatic only treatment. I have a medical background but this is not my field, though the idea of just having chronic purulent discharges on an otherwise healthy child seems to be something that requires more investigation than just hoping it goes away.
I'm just looking for a differential diagnosis that would give us some new directions to look.
These sound like folliculitis. Usually it is caused by bacterial infection but sometimes may be caused by fungal infection as well when it is called pityrosporon folliculitis. Pityrosporum ovale is the most common yeast to cause folliculitis. It is an itchy acne-like infection that is referred to as pityrosporum folliculitus. I suggest you to get a culture sensitivity of the follicles discharge and KOH examination of the discharge and skin scrapoings to confirm the diagnosis. Then specific antimicrobial can be started.
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.