Scalp Conditions
Folliculitis treatment in Sussex: stop the infection & save your hair
What is Scalp Folliculitis?
If you have noticed small, red, tender bumps around your hair roots, you may be suffering from Folliculitis (an infected hair follicle). While less discussed than dandruff or thinning, this condition can be painful, unpleasant, and—crucially—contagious.
At Sussex Hair Clinic (based at The Anderida Practice in Forest Row), Consultant Trichologist Shuna Hammocks treats this condition regularly. It is vital to stop the infection early, as untreated cases can damage the follicle permanently, leading to scarring and irreversible hair loss. Folliculitis can also be contagious: if you scratch the infected area and then touch other parts of your scalp or body, the infection can spread, and the bacteria or fungus can pass to others in your household via shared towels or pillowcases.
Symptoms: how to spot Folliculitis
There are three main signs that point to Folliculitis rather than simple acne:
Red, Itchy Spots
Small inflammatory bumps develop around the hair follicle.
Pain or Tenderness
Unlike regular spots, these can feel sore to the touch.
Crusting
The spots may develop white heads or crust over.
What causes Folliculitis
In our Sussex clinic, we investigate the root cause to prevent it from returning. Common triggers include:
- Bacterial or fungal infection
- Excessive sweating
- Shaving (“Barber’s Itch”)
- Friction from tight hats or helmets
Can Folliculitis cause hair loss?
Yes. This is the biggest risk. If you scratch the itchy spots, you risk breaking the hair. More seriously, deep inflammation can destroy the follicle. “When treated early enough, any hair loss is usually temporary,” says Shuna. “However, if the infection is ignored, it can lead to Cicatricial (scarring) Alopecia, where the hair can never grow back.”
Clinical scalp therapy
We treat the scalp in-clinic to cleanse the area and reduce bacterial load, alongside home medication—specific lotions, creams, or shampoos to continue treatment.
Hygiene advice & referral
Guidance on washing frequency and preventing reinfection; if the case is severe, Shuna can recognise this immediately and refer you for oral antibiotics if necessary.
“I had been suffering with a sore scalp for months and thought it was just bad acne. Shuna identified it as Folliculitis immediately. After following her hygiene plan and using the prescribed lotions, the redness has gone and my hair is growing back in the patchy areas.”
Frequently asked questions about Folliculitis
Is scalp folliculitis contagious?
Yes, it can be. If the cause is bacterial or fungal, sharing towels, combs, or razors can spread the infection to others. Avoid scratching to prevent spreading it to other parts of your own body.
Will my hair grow back after folliculitis?
In most cases, yes. If treated early, the hair follicle recovers. However, if the inflammation is deep and leaves a scar, the hair loss in that specific spot may be permanent. This is why early diagnosis is critical.
What triggers folliculitis on the scalp?
Common triggers include sweating, infrequent washing, shaving the head with a dull razor, or using heavy oils that clog the follicle (follicular occlusion).
Can I treat this myself?
Mild cases may resolve in 7–10 days with good hygiene. However, if the spots are painful, spreading, or causing hair loss, you need professional trichological or medical treatment to stop the infection.
Related conditions
Other scalp conditions we treat
Dandruff (Pityriasis Capitis)
Dandruff is more than just a nuisance; it is a metabolic disturbance of the scalp’s micro-flora. If over-the-counter shampoos haven’t worked, you may need a targeted clinical approach.
Read more
Allergic Reaction (Contact Dermatitis)
Have you reacted to a hair dye, new shampoo, or styling product? Contact Dermatitis causes sudden redness, burning, swelling, or blistering. We help identify the allergen and calm the reaction.
Read more
Scalp Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes the rapid buildup of skin cells, creating thick, silvery scales and dry, red patches (plaques). We offer descaling treatments that soothe the skin.
Read moreStop the infection, save your hair
Early treatment gives your follicles the best chance to recover. Book a consultation with Shuna Hammocks today.