Folliculitis of the Scalp

[Eddie504]

I am a African American male suffering from folliculitus located on the back of my head. For a few years I was treated with injections, foam, and medicated shampoo, and steroids for the irritation.  The injections were done on a monthly basis, and all treatments temporarily contained the problem but never cured it.  I no longer have insurance, and cannot afford injections.  The inflammation is getting worse and seems to have spread.  Do you have any alternative methods for treating this?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination,but it can be due to Acne keloidalis nuchae. 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.Pls 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 doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Caryopteris]

Have you ever tried neem shampoo?  

Are they absolutely sure it's folliculitis?  

Did they check you for food sensitivities, or did you only see dermatologists, who seem to forget the skin is closely connected to digestion and nutrition?  

Are you aware of any food sensitivities, such as dairy, gluten, soy, nuts, citrus?  If you are suspicious of any of these foods, you might want to try stopping the problem foods.  

You might want to try a treatment for psoriasis just in case.  I found a cream that is very effective.  It is called Psoriaflora.  You could order it on line, but I found it at Whole Foods.