Homeopathic Treatment for Scalp Folliculitis

The inflammation and infection of the hair follicles on the scalp is known as scalp folliculitis. The medical term for scalp folliculitis is acne necrotica miliaris. Another term is proprionibacterium folliculitis. The scalp is one of the major places for folliculitis as the follicles on the scalp are the most dense. The primary feature of this condition is the formation of red-colored itchy pimples or pustular eruptions on the scalp. This condition needs an early diagnosis and treatment as it carries the risk of permanent damage to the hair follicle and resultant hair loss.

Homeopathy is a natural healing science that offers great treatment for numerous skin ailments including scalp folliculitis. Homeopathic medicines are very beneficial to reduce inflammation of hair follicles, control the further progression and spread of the problem alongside healing eruptions on the scalp. It also helps in the management of the attending symptoms like itching, burning and pain. With homeopathic medicines, the intensity and frequency of symptoms gradually decline. They also manage hair loss. These can help to treat acute, chronic cases and also reduce the likelihood of recurrence of problem.

Homeopathy boost the self-healing mechanism

As scalp folliculitis may occur due to various reasons, homeopathy targets the specific underlying cause behind it. By stimulating the self-healing mechanism of the body, homeopathic medicines help overcome the cause behind it to bring great recovery in scalp folliculitis cases. By following the proper course of homeopathic treatment under the guidance of a homeopathic expert, most cases recover almost completely. The results however vary from case to case according to the intensity and duration of the problem.

Homeopathy does not recommend use of external application

As scalp folliculitis does not arise from any external source, homeopathy does not suggest the use of any external application on the scalp like any ointment, cream, gel, lotion or shampoo as a treatment mode of scalp folliculitis. These may give temporary relief but do not treat the root cause. Homeopathy recommends medicines taken orally that treat the basic cause and address the complaint internally at its root that cures the complaint on the skin surface.

Natural medicines

Homeopathic medicines are natural remedies that are mild and gentle to use, especially for the treatment of skin disorders. They have no side effects because the preparation of homeopathic medicine for scalp folliculitis is with natural products.

Top 8 Homeopathic Medicines for Scalp Folliculitis

The most commonly indicated medicines for scalp folliculitis are Sulphur, Silicea, Calcarea Sulph, Graphites, Mezereum, Merc Sol, Hepar Sulph and Arsenic Album.

1. Sulphur – For Scalp Folliculitis with Red Pimples with itching, burning

Sulphur is a very effective homeopathic treatment for scalp folliculitis where pimples appear on the scalp. In such cases, there is dryness, itching and burning on the scalp. Symptoms get worse in warm environment and on washing the scalp.

When to use Sulphur?

Sulphur is the best choice of medicine to manage red pimples that are very itchy along with burning sensation in case of scalp folliculitis.

How to use Sulphur?

This medicine is usually used in 30C potency. Sulphur 30C can be used once a day in moderate to severe cases while in mild cases can be used once or twice a week only.

2. Silicea – For Scalp Folliculitis with Pustular Eruptions

It is a very good medicine for folliculitis conditions with suppuration (pus formation). Silicea gives great results in cases of scalp folliculitis where pustules (pus filled eruptions) develop. It helps in absorbing pus and quick healing. The eruptions may be itchy, and the itch worsens during the day. Patients may also see an increase in sweating.

When to use Silicea?

Silicea is an excellent medicine to handle scalp folliculitis cases with presence of pus-filled bumps (i.e. pustules) that may be itchy during the daytime.

How to use Silicea?

Silicea is most of the times preferred in 6X potency that can be used twice or thrice a day.

3. Calcarea Sulph – For Yellow Discharge From Eruptions

Calcarea Sulph is a great homeopathic treatment for scalp folliculitis where the outbreaks are painful and ooze yellow discharge. The eruptions heal slowly and form a yellow crust. It is also indicated for hard swelling on the scalp on the hair margins that are painful to touch. These may bleed as well on scratching.

When to use Calcarea Sulph?

This medicine is recommended to manage scalp folliculitis when eruptions ooze yellowish discharge and from yellow crusts.

How to use Calcarea Sulph?

This medicine can be taken in 6X power two to three times a day.

4. Graphites – For Scalp Folliculitis when Discharge is Sticky

Graphites is a useful homeopathic treatment for scalp folliculitis where the primary feature is sticky discharge from the eruptions. The eruptions are moist rather than dry. These eruptions may also be very itchy. Washing the scalp may give temporary relief.

When to use Graphites?

It is an effective medicine for managing eruptions that ooze sticky fluid along with itching in scalp folliculitis cases.

How to use Graphites?

It works best in 3X potency that can be taken once daily. The dose can be increased as per the case afterwards.

5. Mezereum – For Scalp Folliculitis with Thick Crust

Mezereum works wonders in cases of scalp folliculitis where the unique feature is the formation of thick crusts on the scalp. Thick discharge may get collected under these crusts. It may also have intolerable itching and ooze a gluey discharge. The patient’s hair may get matted due to the discharge.

When to use Mezereum?

Mezereum can be selected for scalp folliculitis cases with eruptions covered with thick crusts and thick discharge underneath.

How to use Mezereum?

Mezereum can be used once a day in 30C potency.

6. Merc Sol – For Scalp Folliculitis with Blood-Stained Discharge

Merc Sol is an excellent homeopathic treatment for scalp folliculitis where the eruptions have an offensive, blood-stained discharge. There may be intense itching on the scalp. In most cases, symptoms get worse at night.

When to use Merc Sol?

Merc Sol is a useful medicine for managing blood-stained discharge from eruptions in cases of scalp folliculitis.

How to use Merc Sol?

It is available in different potenices from low to high potency, however initially it is advised to take it in 30C potency once a day.

7. Hepar Sulph – For Pustules With Painful and Sensitive Scalp

Hepar Sulph is a very beneficial homeopathic treatment for scalp folliculitis where the major complaint is pus filled eruptions on the scalp along with pain and sensitivity. The pain gets worse with the slightest touch. The scalp is sensitive to cold.

When to use Hepar Sulph?

This medicine can be considered in scalp folliculitis cases for pus-filled bumps along with pain and sensitivity of the scalp.

How to use Hepar Sulph?

This medicine can be used in both low and high potencies among which the most commonly used is 30C potency that can be taken once or twice a day. Higher potencies should be used under the guidance of a homeopathic physician.

8. Arsenic Album – For Scalp Folliculitis with Hair Loss

Arsenic Album works well in cases where hair fall occurs along with scalp folliculitis. Hair fall is in circular patches. Additionally, dandruff appears as dry scales.

When to use Arsenic Album?

One may opt its use to manage hair loss in scalp folliculitis cases.

How to use Arsenic Album?

Initially this medicine can be taken in 30C potency once a day. Higher potencies can be considered afterwards under the supervision of a homeopathic expert.

Causes behind scalp folliculitis

Scalp folliculitis can occur because of two reasons. The first is infections that include bacterial infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, fungal infections, yeast infections, viral infections and infections by mites. The second is non-infectious, in which scalp folliculitis develops due to over-production of sebum and oil resulting in clogging of hair follicles.

Risk factors

People having skin diseases like acne or dermatitis are more prone to developing scalp folliculitis. Medications like antibiotics or steroids may contribute to this condition. It can also develop due to irritation caused by certain hair products. Any wound or surgery to the scalp leading to skin damage makes a person prone to scalp dermatitis. Factors like wearing tight skull caps that increase heat, and sweating on the scalp also make the person prone to this condition. Bathing in poorly maintained hot bathtubs or swimming pools is another contributing factor. Shaving the head with infected tools can also cause scalp folliculitis. Apart from the above factors, certain medical conditions like diabetes mellitus, leukemia or HIV/AIDS can make a person prone to developing scalp folliculitis.

Signs and symptoms

The main sign of scalp folliculitis is the development of red pimples or pustules (pus filled eruptions) on the scalp. The eruptions can be very itchy and contain clear or yellow fluid. A crust develops over the eruptions. Burning, pain, soreness or tenderness accompanies these pimples. In severe cases, cases with a delay in treatment, or badly managed cases, there may be permanent follicle damage, scarring, hair loss or bald patches.