What are the symptoms of scalp staph infection? What causes it? What treatments are available? Find out the answers to these questions and more.

Symptoms of Scalp Staph Infection

Scalp folliculitis, a type of staph infection, begins with small, inflamed bumps along the hairline. Over time, these bumps can grow larger and become more inflamed. Without treatment, the infection can spread to hair follicles in the center or back of the head. Other common symptoms include:

• Clusters of pus-filled or crusty sores
• Closed pimples with whiteheads
• Sores with brown or yellow scabs
• Inflamed skin
• Itching, burning, or tender skin
• Mild fever

Types of Scalp Folliculitis

There are several different types of folliculitis that can affect the scalp:

Dissecting Cellulitis of the Scalp

This condition is characterized by large nodules and patches of hair loss on the scalp. It is not caused by a bacterial or fungal infection, but secondary infections can develop if left untreated.

Pseudofolliculitis Barbae

Also known as “barber’s itch” or “razor burn,” this type of folliculitis is caused by ingrown hairs, often from shaving. It leads to clusters of tiny, red bumps on the lower face, genitals, and other shaved areas.

Bacterial Folliculitis

The most common cause of folliculitis is a bacterial infection, usually from Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria. These bacteria can overgrow on the skin or enter through an open wound.

Gram-Negative Folliculitis

This type of folliculitis occurs when antibiotic-resistant bacteria grow on the skin, often as a result of long-term use of oral or topical antibiotics.

Eosinophilic Folliculitis

This rare form of folliculitis causes deep-set, pus-filled lesions mostly on the face, neck, and scalp. It is more common in infants and people with weakened immune systems.

Causes of Scalp Folliculitis

The main causes of scalp folliculitis include:

• Bacterial infections
• Yeast infections
• Exposure to unchlorinated water in hot tubs
• Ingrown hairs
• Long-term use of topical antibiotics
• Weakened immune system

Folliculitis is not contagious, but infectious agents like bacteria and fungus can spread the infection if people share personal hygiene items like razors, towels, or hairbrushes.

Home Remedies for Scalp Folliculitis

For mild cases of scalp folliculitis, the following home remedies may provide relief:

• Avoiding shaving the head for several days
• Using a new, clean razor when shaving the head
• Applying a warm compress to soothe inflammation and drain pus
• Applying antibiotic ointment to large nodules and open sores
• Using mild antihistamines or topical steroid creams to reduce inflammation
• Washing hair with an anti-dandruff shampoo

When to See a Doctor

If scalp folliculitis does not improve with home or over-the-counter treatments, it’s best to see a doctor. A doctor can identify the underlying cause and prescribe more effective treatments, which may include:

• Oral or topical antibiotics
• Prescription-strength topical steroids
• Topical antifungal ointments
• Anti-microbial shampoos
• Light therapy to kill bacteria and fungus
• Laser hair removal to destroy infected hair follicles
• Surgical drainage of large pus-filled lesions

Preventing Scalp Folliculitis

To help prevent scalp folliculitis, it’s important to avoid sharing personal hygiene items like razors, towels, and hairbrushes, as this can spread the infection. Maintaining good hygiene, such as washing the hair regularly with an anti-dandruff shampoo, can also help reduce the risk of developing scalp folliculitis.

Conclusion

Scalp folliculitis is a common skin condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, including bacterial infections, ingrown hairs, and weakened immune systems. While mild cases can often be treated at home, more severe or persistent cases may require medical intervention. By understanding the symptoms, causes, and available treatment options, individuals can take steps to effectively manage and prevent scalp folliculitis.

Symptoms, pictures, causes, shampoos and creams

Scalp folliculitis is a skin condition where ingrown hairs, infection, and medication side effects cause inflammation of hair follicles.

In this article, we discuss the symptoms, causes, complications, and treatments of scalp folliculitis.

Share on PinterestA person with scalp folliculitis may experience clusters of pus-filled or crusty sores.
Image credit: Dr Raimo Suhonen | DermNet New Zealand.

Scalp folliculitis begins with small, inflamed bumps that appear along the hairline. Over time, these bumps grow larger and become more inflamed. Without treatment, scalp folliculitis can spread to hair follicles in the center or back of the head.

Other symptoms of folliculitis include:

• clusters of pus-filled or crusty sores
• closed pimples with whiteheads
• sores with brown or yellow scabs
• inflamed skin
• itching, burning, or tender skin
• mild fever

Folliculitis is a general term to describe an inflammation of the hair follicles. However, people can develop different types of folliculitis, depending on the cause. These can include:

Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp

Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp, or Hoffman disease, is where large nodules appear on the scalp. There could also be patches of hair loss. This condition is not due to a bacterial or fungal infection, but secondary infections can develop if a person does not treat these.

Pseudofolliculitis barbae

Pseudofolliculitis barbae, also known as barber’s itch or razor burn, is a type of folliculitis that develops from ingrown hairs. Razor burn usually leads to clusters of tiny, red bumps on the lower face, genitals, and other areas where a person regularly shaves.

Although anyone can develop razor burn, people with thick or curly hair may have a higher risk.

Bacterial folliculitis

Bacterial infections are the most common cause of folliculitis. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is the bacterium most often responsible for bacterial folliculitis. There are 30 different types of Staphylococcus bacteria, but S. aureus causes most infections.

S. aureus lives on the skin and inside the nose, but it does not always cause an infection. However, an infection can develop on the scalp, or other parts of the body, if too much S. aureus grows on the skin, or it enters an open wound.

Gram-negative folliculitis

Gram-negative folliculitis occurs most often when a person uses oral antibiotics, particularly tetracyclines. It could also develop after long-term use of topical antibiotics, where antibiotic-resistant bacteria grow on different parts of the body, including the scalp.

Gram-negative folliculitis leads to large, pus-filled pimples that sit in the deep layers of the skin. People may develop scars if they squeeze or pop these pimples. Doctors can prescribe oral isotretinoin to treat most cases of gram-negative folliculitis.

Eosinophilic folliculitis

Eosinophilic folliculitis causes deep-set, pus-filled skin lesions to occur mostly on the face, neck, and scalp. This form of folliculitis affects infants and people with weakened immune systems. The lesions can leave dark spots on the skin, which is also known as hyperpigmentation.

Eosinophilic folliculitis affects males more often than females, according to the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS).

Learn more about different types of infections here.

The causes of folliculitis include:

• bacterial infections
• yeast infections
• exposure to unchlorinated water in hot tubs
• ingrown hairs
• long-term use of topical antibiotics
• weakened immune system

Folliculitis is not contagious. However, infectious agents, such as bacteria and fungus, can cause folliculitis to spread if people share razors, towels, hairbrushes, and other personal hygiene products.

There are several treatment options for scalp folliculitis. The following home remedies may help treat mild cases:

• avoiding shaving the head for several days
• using a new, clean razor when shaving the head
• applying a warm compress to help soothe inflammation and drain pus
• applying antibiotic ointment to large nodules and open sores
• using mild antihistamines or topical steroid creams to reduce inflammation
• washing hair with an anti-dandruff shampoo

People may want to see a doctor if they have severe or persistent scalp folliculitis that does not improve with home or over-the-counter (OTC) treatments. A doctor can identify the underlying cause and prescribe an effective treatment. These can include:

• oral or topical antibiotics
• a prescription-strength topical steroid
• a topical antifungal ointment
• anti-microbial shampoo
• light therapy to kill bacteria and fungus on the scalp
• laser hair removal to destroy infected hair follicles
• surgically draining large pus-filled lesions

Scalp folliculitis is not a medical emergency. People can even treat mild cases at home. However, if a person does not treat scalp folliculitis, it can lead to:

• large, pus-filled furuncles or boils under the skin
• dark patches of skin
• scars
• permanent hair loss
• chronic or recurring follicle infections
• cellulitis or a bacterial skin infection

Anyone can develop folliculitis. However, the following factors may increase a person’s risk for scalp folliculitis:

• frequently shaving the head
• wearing hats or helmets
• scratching or rubbing the scalp
• pulling at the hair
• having thick or curly hair
• being male
• using antibiotics over the long term
• having acne or dermatitis
• having a weakened immune system

A person should contact a doctor if they have scalp folliculitis that does not improve, or worsens after trying home or OTC treatments.

People should also see a doctor if they develop:

• large pus-filled pimples under the skin
• open sores that drain pus
• thin or weak hair
• patches of hair loss
• a fever

In general, folliculitis is easily treatable. Many people can treat mild or superficial cases with OTC antibiotics, a medicated shampoo, and lifestyle changes.

Folliculitis due to ingrown hairs usually improves when a person stops shaving for up to 1 week.

Doctors can treat severe folliculitis with a prescription-strength antifungal or antibiotic ointment. They can also prescribe a medicated shampoo that relieves itching, and helps kill infectious microbes.

Eosinophilic folliculitis may become a chronic, but mild condition. According to NCATS, inflamed follicles usually last 1 or 2 weeks and reappear every 1 or 2 months. Doctors can prescribe effective treatments to help manage folliculitis outbreaks.

The following strategies may help prevent scalp folliculitis:

• washing the scalp regularly with a gentle shampoo
• rinsing out styling products as often as possible
• avoid wearing tight hats or helmets longer than necessary
• avoid shaving the head with a dull or unclean razor
• avoiding improperly treated hot tubs and pools
• washing the scalp immediately after sweating

To help reduce the risk of folliculitis, a person should treat their underlying conditions.

People who have medical conditions that affect their immune systems, such as rheumatoid arthritis, HIV, or diabetes, may want to consult a doctor to discuss prevention strategies.

People who have a long history of topical antibiotic use can discuss alternative treatment options with their doctors.

Scalp folliculitis can be uncomfortable and painful. However, there are several OTC and prescription treatments that can help relieve symptoms.

If a person has an underlying health condition that weakens their immune system, they may be at a higher risk of scalp folliculitis. They may wish to speak to a doctor, who can help manage their condition and prevent scalp folliculitis.

Symptoms, pictures, causes, shampoos and creams

Scalp folliculitis is a skin condition where ingrown hairs, infection, and medication side effects cause inflammation of hair follicles.

In this article, we discuss the symptoms, causes, complications, and treatments of scalp folliculitis.

Share on PinterestA person with scalp folliculitis may experience clusters of pus-filled or crusty sores.
Image credit: Dr Raimo Suhonen | DermNet New Zealand.

Scalp folliculitis begins with small, inflamed bumps that appear along the hairline. Over time, these bumps grow larger and become more inflamed. Without treatment, scalp folliculitis can spread to hair follicles in the center or back of the head.

Other symptoms of folliculitis include:

• clusters of pus-filled or crusty sores
• closed pimples with whiteheads
• sores with brown or yellow scabs
• inflamed skin
• itching, burning, or tender skin
• mild fever

Folliculitis is a general term to describe an inflammation of the hair follicles. However, people can develop different types of folliculitis, depending on the cause. These can include:

Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp

Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp, or Hoffman disease, is where large nodules appear on the scalp. There could also be patches of hair loss. This condition is not due to a bacterial or fungal infection, but secondary infections can develop if a person does not treat these.

Pseudofolliculitis barbae

Pseudofolliculitis barbae, also known as barber’s itch or razor burn, is a type of folliculitis that develops from ingrown hairs. Razor burn usually leads to clusters of tiny, red bumps on the lower face, genitals, and other areas where a person regularly shaves.

Although anyone can develop razor burn, people with thick or curly hair may have a higher risk.

Bacterial folliculitis

Bacterial infections are the most common cause of folliculitis. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is the bacterium most often responsible for bacterial folliculitis. There are 30 different types of Staphylococcus bacteria, but S. aureus causes most infections.

S. aureus lives on the skin and inside the nose, but it does not always cause an infection. However, an infection can develop on the scalp, or other parts of the body, if too much S. aureus grows on the skin, or it enters an open wound.

Gram-negative folliculitis

Gram-negative folliculitis occurs most often when a person uses oral antibiotics, particularly tetracyclines. It could also develop after long-term use of topical antibiotics, where antibiotic-resistant bacteria grow on different parts of the body, including the scalp.

Gram-negative folliculitis leads to large, pus-filled pimples that sit in the deep layers of the skin. People may develop scars if they squeeze or pop these pimples. Doctors can prescribe oral isotretinoin to treat most cases of gram-negative folliculitis.

Eosinophilic folliculitis

Eosinophilic folliculitis causes deep-set, pus-filled skin lesions to occur mostly on the face, neck, and scalp. This form of folliculitis affects infants and people with weakened immune systems. The lesions can leave dark spots on the skin, which is also known as hyperpigmentation.

Eosinophilic folliculitis affects males more often than females, according to the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS).

Learn more about different types of infections here.

The causes of folliculitis include:

• bacterial infections
• yeast infections
• exposure to unchlorinated water in hot tubs
• ingrown hairs
• long-term use of topical antibiotics
• weakened immune system

Folliculitis is not contagious. However, infectious agents, such as bacteria and fungus, can cause folliculitis to spread if people share razors, towels, hairbrushes, and other personal hygiene products.

There are several treatment options for scalp folliculitis. The following home remedies may help treat mild cases:

• avoiding shaving the head for several days
• using a new, clean razor when shaving the head
• applying a warm compress to help soothe inflammation and drain pus
• applying antibiotic ointment to large nodules and open sores
• using mild antihistamines or topical steroid creams to reduce inflammation
• washing hair with an anti-dandruff shampoo

People may want to see a doctor if they have severe or persistent scalp folliculitis that does not improve with home or over-the-counter (OTC) treatments. A doctor can identify the underlying cause and prescribe an effective treatment. These can include:

• oral or topical antibiotics
• a prescription-strength topical steroid
• a topical antifungal ointment
• anti-microbial shampoo
• light therapy to kill bacteria and fungus on the scalp
• laser hair removal to destroy infected hair follicles
• surgically draining large pus-filled lesions

Scalp folliculitis is not a medical emergency. People can even treat mild cases at home. However, if a person does not treat scalp folliculitis, it can lead to:

• large, pus-filled furuncles or boils under the skin
• dark patches of skin
• scars
• permanent hair loss
• chronic or recurring follicle infections
• cellulitis or a bacterial skin infection

Anyone can develop folliculitis. However, the following factors may increase a person’s risk for scalp folliculitis:

• frequently shaving the head
• wearing hats or helmets
• scratching or rubbing the scalp
• pulling at the hair
• having thick or curly hair
• being male
• using antibiotics over the long term
• having acne or dermatitis
• having a weakened immune system

A person should contact a doctor if they have scalp folliculitis that does not improve, or worsens after trying home or OTC treatments.

People should also see a doctor if they develop:

• large pus-filled pimples under the skin
• open sores that drain pus
• thin or weak hair
• patches of hair loss
• a fever

In general, folliculitis is easily treatable. Many people can treat mild or superficial cases with OTC antibiotics, a medicated shampoo, and lifestyle changes.

Folliculitis due to ingrown hairs usually improves when a person stops shaving for up to 1 week.

Doctors can treat severe folliculitis with a prescription-strength antifungal or antibiotic ointment. They can also prescribe a medicated shampoo that relieves itching, and helps kill infectious microbes.

Eosinophilic folliculitis may become a chronic, but mild condition. According to NCATS, inflamed follicles usually last 1 or 2 weeks and reappear every 1 or 2 months. Doctors can prescribe effective treatments to help manage folliculitis outbreaks.

The following strategies may help prevent scalp folliculitis:

• washing the scalp regularly with a gentle shampoo
• rinsing out styling products as often as possible
• avoid wearing tight hats or helmets longer than necessary
• avoid shaving the head with a dull or unclean razor
• avoiding improperly treated hot tubs and pools
• washing the scalp immediately after sweating

To help reduce the risk of folliculitis, a person should treat their underlying conditions.

People who have medical conditions that affect their immune systems, such as rheumatoid arthritis, HIV, or diabetes, may want to consult a doctor to discuss prevention strategies.

People who have a long history of topical antibiotic use can discuss alternative treatment options with their doctors.

Scalp folliculitis can be uncomfortable and painful. However, there are several OTC and prescription treatments that can help relieve symptoms.

If a person has an underlying health condition that weakens their immune system, they may be at a higher risk of scalp folliculitis. They may wish to speak to a doctor, who can help manage their condition and prevent scalp folliculitis.

Staphylococcus in a child – description, causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Infection with dangerous strains of staphylococcus in children is a danger to life and health. Serious pathologies can develop against the background of severe immunodeficiency, with prematurity, immaturity of the child. In the material we talk about the main pathogens, causes, diagnosis and treatment of staphylococcus aureus in children. If you find any alarming symptoms, we recommend that you do not self-medicate, but seek qualified medical help. Doctors of the clinic “Miracle Doctor” in Moscow will conduct a thorough diagnosis and prescribe adequate therapy.

About the disease

Staphylococci are anaerobic spherical bacteria. They cause a large group of diseases, including various skin infections, pneumonia, purulent-necrotic processes in the bones, inflammation of the meninges of the brain and spinal cord, and many others. Gram-positive immobile cocci, that is, not forming spores, are always present on the human body, but in order for them to become active, provoking factors are necessary, for example, a decrease in immunity.

It is staphylococcus in children that most often manifests its pathogenicity, since the body has not yet formed a stable defense mechanism. The infection is spread by contact, food, airborne droplets. Infants can become infected through the hands of the mother, medical personnel, underwear, care items. Diagnosis of staphylococcal lesions is quite complicated and requires a high level of professionalism from the doctor. Depending on the affected organ, both a pediatrician and an infectious disease specialist, an ENT, a dermatologist can deal with treatment.

Features of staphylococcal infection at an early age

The detection of bacteria in the body does not mean the development of the disease. The real-life staphylococcus in children is not indicated by a positive analysis, but by the symptoms – purulent mucus, pain at the site of the inflammatory process. The most severe consequences in children are caused by nosocomial strains that are regularly exposed to antibiotics and disinfectants, which makes them especially resistant and more difficult to treat.

All babies under the age of one are at risk, because their immune system is just developing and most often cannot cope with pathogens on its own. So, in infants, secretory immunoglobulin A, which plays an important role in the local defense of the body, is not released. Saliva has a weak bactericidal effect, and the mucous membranes and skin are too susceptible.

The risk of staphylococcal infection in children is increased in the following cases:

• 90,002 premature births;

• critical body mass;

• surgery in the first year of life;

• congenital malformations and pathologies of development;

• artificial feeding;

• frequent illnesses;

• insufficient hygiene care.

Types of pathogens

32 types of staphylococci are known, of which 16 cause infection in humans. The most common strains are:

Symptoms of staphylococcus in children

Since pathogens affect different organs and systems, the manifestations of the infection are very similar to other ailments. In order to identify the disease in time and start treatment, you need to see a doctor and take a bakposev. In addition, the severity of staphylococcus in children is influenced by the following parameters – the body’s defenses, age, type of bacteria and their number in the body.

Please note! The most pronounced reaction from the immune system is observed when infected with Staphylococcus aureus.

According to the ability to develop infection, two forms are distinguished:

1. Early – after the penetration of bacteria into the body, the first symptoms occur after a few hours. The disease is acute and severe. Children have fever, diarrhea, vomiting. The child refuses to eat, is constantly sleepy, sleeps too much.

2. Late – the disease makes itself felt on the 3rd-5th day after the ingestion of microbes. First, the skin and mucous membranes are affected. In the absence of timely treatment, the infection penetrates inside and develops in other organs, which provokes a generalized septic lesion.

To summarize all the symptoms of staphylococcus in children:

• severe toxic syndrome – headaches, fever up to 38 ° C, hyperemia (pathological overflow of blood vessels) or, conversely, blanching of the skin;

• severe weakness of the body, increased anxiety, groans and cries in sleep;

• chills, sweating;

• swelling of the face and eyelids;

• dry cough, runny nose, redness of the throat;

• violation of the gastrointestinal tract – heartburn, bloating, belching, constipation or diarrhea, nausea, vomiting;

• skin lesions that can be caused by increased sensitivity of the child to toxins and enzymes secreted by staphylococcus aureus in the course of its life;

• rashes on the skin, which can take various forms – pimples, blisters, boils, red spots, carbuncles, phlegmon, pustules, abscesses;

• lesion of the mucous membranes of the eyes and nose with purulent discharge.

The main diseases that develop with staphylococcus in children

Enterocolitis

Marked increased fatigue, weakness and drowsiness, refusal to eat, fever, headaches, body aches. The chair becomes more frequent up to 10-20 times a day.

Stools are liquid, with abundant impurities of mucus, sometimes there is blood or pus in the stool. Symptoms are accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea is accompanied by rapid dehydration, which is especially dangerous for children under 5 years of age.

Infectious conjunctivitis

The mucous membrane of the eye is irritated, reddens, a pronounced photophobia appears. There is lacrimation and swelling, vesicles appear on the inner eyelid with the release of pus, due to which, after sleep, the eyelids open with difficulty. Greenish-yellow crusts form.

Pemphigus

Small blisters with purulent contents form on the skin, which enlarge, burst and leave erosion. Epidemic pemphigus of newborns occurs in the first 10 days of life, the temperature rises. The rash is most often observed in the umbilical region, on the abdomen, buttocks and back. General symptoms are also expressed by loss of appetite, anxiety and sleep disturbance.

Pseudofurunculosis

Acute purulent inflammation of the sweat glands, which occurs more often in the first month of life, less often – at the age of up to 6 months. Multiple ulcers in the form of fistulas appear on the skin of the head, trunk, arms and legs. After healing, scars remain. When new nodes appear, the child’s health worsens. Body temperature can rise up to 39°C.

Sepsis

In children, the so-called blood poisoning is particularly transient. Among the main symptoms:

Causes of staphylococcus in children

With a decrease in immunity, pathogenic or opportunistic bacteria can enter the body and begin to develop. The result of the vital activity of microbes are toxins that have a negative effect on all internal organs.

A bacterial infection is transmitted to an infant by a carrier, mainly by airborne droplets or contact. Children of the first year can also become infected through the mother’s milk, if she has mastitis, cracks in the nipple, also through the use of mixtures into which cocci fall. Schoolchildren most often become infected through ingestion of infected food – creams, cakes, sour cream, butter, or poorly washed fruits and vegetables.

Pathogenesis

The mechanism of origin and development of diseases depends on the nature of the infection. If the pathogen penetrates through the skin, mucous membranes, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, umbilical wound, then an inflammatory focus develops with necrosis and suppuration. For example, when a pathogen enters the site of damaged skin, a boil may form. If the infection has penetrated through the oral mucosa, then this provokes a sore throat, stomatitis.

With the spread of microbes in the gastrointestinal tract, ulcerative, catarrhal or necrotic lesions of the stomach and intestinal lining can occur. A severe form of staphylococcus aureus causes blood poisoning. With strong immunity, the penetration of infection into the body is limited to local effects or does not cause disease at all.

Which doctors to contact

It is impossible to make a diagnosis and determine the type of pathogen at home. If there is a suspicion of staphylococcus aureus in a child, then you need to contact a pediatrician as soon as possible. You can make an appointment with us at the clinic at a convenient time.

The doctor will study the anamnesis, take into account complaints, previous circumstances, prescribe tests depending on the symptoms. Upon confirmation of the diagnosis, the doctor will give a referral to a specialist of the appropriate profile. Severe forms of diseases are treated by an infectious disease specialist.

How is staphylococcus diagnosed in children?

To prescribe effective treatment, the doctor prescribes the following tests:

• blood and urine;

• PCR – allows you to quickly and accurately find pathogens by detecting any DNA and RNA;

• ELISA (enzymatic immunoassay) – allows you to determine specific antibodies to the pathogen;

• mucosal smear, skin scraping, fecal analysis (depending on the location of the disease).

Laboratory analysis necessarily includes determining the sensitivity of the isolated culture or cultures to antibiotics.

Detection of staphylococcus in the feces of children

When staphylococcus is found in the feces of children, parents often panic and demand that their child be treated. However, bacteria in faecal crops without symptoms of any diseases do not pose a danger to health and life.

Staphylococcus can live in opportunistic flora without being harmful. Another thing is if bacteria begin to multiply in atypical conditions of their existence, for example, in a wound, then suppuration will occur. This means that treatment is required only if the child has the appropriate symptoms.

Treatment

Tactics of treatment of staphylococcal infection in children depends on the type of pathogen, the form and extent of the lesion, manifestations and immune status. The doctors of the medical center “Miracle Doctor” have more than 20 years of experience in dealing with such diseases, so they guarantee the selection of effective individual therapy.

Basic infection control:

• antiseptics for treating skin and mucous membranes;

• antipyretics above 38°C;

• antibiotics, depending on the location of the pathological focus, in the form of tablets, ointments or injections.

Prevention of staphylococcus in newborns

To reduce the risk of infection in an infant, you need to follow simple rules:

1. Before feeding and care, the mother must wash her hands.

2. It is required to treat even minor cuts, abrasions and wounds with antiseptics.

3. If someone wants to pick up a child, they should also ask that person to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water.

4. Contact your pediatrician if you have any suspicious symptoms that may indicate an infection.

In the complex treatment of staphylococcal infections in children, the main task is to influence the pathogen, that is, to eliminate the cause, without which the disease would not have developed at all. Carefully observe the general condition of the child. The main reasons to show the baby to the doctor: refusal of milk, formula, fever, crying for no reason, loose stools.

Pyoderma of the scalp: causes, symptoms, treatment

06/26/2019

Purulent infectious rashes most often occur on the face, hands, feet, neck, back, shins, forearms, and are also found on other parts of the body. All age groups are affected, from infants to the elderly.

The staphylococcus pathogen is characterized by the localization of the inflammatory process in the mouths of the hair follicles. Therefore, pyoderma of the scalp usually has a staphylococcal nature.

Head pyoderma types

A generally accepted complete classification of pathology has not been formulated, however, experts identify a number of parameters that determine the types of the disease.

1. By type of pathogen: staphylococcal, streptococcal.
2. According to the affected area: local, widespread.
3. By level of penetration: superficial, deep.
4. By the nature of the course: acute, chronic.

Pyoderma symptoms

Different types of the disease have their own characteristic symptoms.

Staphyloderma is manifested by the formation of foci inside the hair follicles, while the hair shaft, as it were, penetrates the abscess. The launched process penetrates deep into the hair funnel, takes on a multiple form, threatening mass hair loss.

Streptoderma is usually expressed in open areas of the skin with opaque blistering foci. The bubbles gradually dry up, forming a crust. Superficial crusts fall off by themselves, leaving no traces. With a deep lesion, noticeable pits remain on the skin.

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Causes of pyoderma

We have already established that the causative agents of the disease are coccal infections. Normally, they are present in the body of every person and are conditionally pathogenic. This means the following: in order for a person to get sick, a certain factor must work that lowers the immune barrier of the skin. Unfortunately, there are many such factors.

1. Internal problems of the body: gastrointestinal diseases, diabetes mellitus, nervous and endocrine disorders.
2. Mechanical violations of the integrity of the skin: scratches, cuts, insect bites.
3. Hyperactivity of sebaceous and sweat glands.
4. Contact with chemicals at work.
5. Unfavorable climate.
6. Poor hygiene.

Treatment of pyoderma of the scalp

It is necessary to start treatment as early as possible, contacting a dermatologist or trichologist at the first symptoms. Chronic pyoderma is treated longer and more difficult.

Basic principles of complex treatment:

1. Strict hygiene rules. The patient should not use other people’s personal belongings.
2. A diet that limits the intake of carbohydrates, fats, excluding alcohol, as well as spicy, smoked foods.