Scalp infections are more common in summer due to increased heat, sweat, and humidity. The combination of excessive moisture, poor hygiene, and environmental exposure creates an ideal environment for bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens to thrive. These infections can cause itching, redness, flaking, and even hair loss if not managed properly. Understanding the causes, preventive measures, and available treatments can help maintain a healthy scalp during summer.
Below you will learn the main reasons people get infected with sore scalp skin in the summer season.
Excessive sweating and scalp oil: In the summertime, the surface of the skin tends to become hotter, leading to increased scalp sweat and oil production. Sweat-created oil is sticky and can trap hair follicles, resulting in bacterial and fungal overgrowth.
Fungal scalp infections: Increased heat and moisture lead to the development of candida and Malassezia fungi, which can further infect other thyroid nodules with softer tissues around the head, leading to dandruff, seborrhoeic-like dermatitis, or ringworm fungus called tinea capitis.
Bacterial scalp infections: An increase in summer allows for the increase of staphylococcus bacteria which can inflame scalp hair roots leading to folliculitis inflamed and pus-filled lumps that appear on the surface of the scalp.
Inadequate cleaning: not washing hair as frequently as needed, swapping brushes, and using unclean hair brushes increase the chance of sore scalp skin infection
Long exposure to the sun: Too much sun heats the scalp which can lead to burns allowing easy sore scalp skin infection entry to the body Make the skin-protecting barrier weaker and more exposed to burning.
Allergies And Insect Bites: Scratching bug bites and allergic responses from some hair products can lead to inflammation and further scratching which may result in secondary infections.
Infective scalp hygiene prevention measures
• Scalp Hygiene – Routine washing of oily hair with moderate, antifungal or antibacterial shampoo helps get rid of some oil, sweat, and other harmful microorganisms.
• Refrain from Using Common Personal Items – Brushes, combs, towels, or any headpiece should not be shared because they transmit fungi and bacteria.
• Keep Scalp Temperature Low – To discourage scalp infection due to bacteria growth, overly moist hair should be dried as quickly as possible. If perspiration is too much, use a sweat-absorbing scalp powder.
• Avoid Heavier Water-Based Hair Products – In hot weather, using gels, oils, and serums is not recommended because they are heavy. They could also block hair follicles leading to scalp infections. Lightweight and non-comedogenic products are recommended.
• Scalp should be shielded from the sunlight – Allowing air circulation while shielding from sunburn can be obtained by the use of light hats and scarves or cloths to reduce sweat build up.
• Vitamin- and mineral-enriched foods should be included in one’s diet – This kind of diet can help strengthen immunity towards infections and promote a healthy scalp.
Available Treatments For Scalp Infections
Treatment option depends on the condition of your scalp and severity of the infection. Since every person is different, treatment can be better suggested after a proper analysis of the scalp.
Shampoos And Creams Antifungal- Ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, and zinc pyrithione shampoos are useful for treating scalp infections.
Antibacterial Treatments- A dermatologist may recommend topical or oral antibiotics for a bacterial infection.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications- As per your condition a doctor can suggest Corticosteroid lotions or antihistamines to relieve the itching and swelling associated with inflammation.
Proper Hair Care Routine- Gentle salicylic acid based scrubs or shampoo exfoliate the scalp and remove dead skin and oil, preventing further infections.
When to See a Doctor
If you experience continuous itching with redness, swelling, hair loss, or pus-filled sores, a visit to the dermatologist is in order. The sooner the issue is diagnosed the earlier a treatment can be planned. Delaying the treatment will only worsen the condition. So, if you are facing scalp infection after following the above management options its better to make a visit to a doctor and enjoy a healthy scalp throughout the summer.
Inputs by Dr. BL Jangid, Dermatologist, Hair Transplant Surgeon, SkinQure Clinic, Saket, Delhi
Source: times of india
