Folliculitis, My Scalp is Itchy
Table of Contents
Hello, I am Choi Yeon-seung, the head physician at Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic.
Today, I would like to discuss 'folliculitis,' a condition that threatens scalp health.
Table of Contents
- What is Folliculitis?
- Main Causes of Folliculitis
- A Korean Medicine Approach to Folliculitis
- Lifestyle Improvement is Important
- Folliculitis: Dangerous if Left Untreated
Lately, my scalp has been persistently itchy, red spots have appeared, and now it seems I'm losing a lot of hair. Changing shampoos didn't help.
As in the case above, a scalp condition you might have dismissed as mere dandruff or itchiness could actually be folliculitis.
1. What is Folliculitis?
Folliculitis is a condition where inflammation occurs around the hair follicle, which is the pore from which hair grows. Initially, symptoms such as localized redness, swelling, and pain appear on the scalp, but as it progresses, pustules can develop and lead to hair loss. Particularly, if left untreated, the hair follicles can be completely destroyed, leading to an irreversible condition.
2. Main Causes of Folliculitis
Folliculitis is commonly known to be caused by bacterial infection. However, it can also develop when the body's immune system is weakened, under significant stress, or due to the use of unsuitable shampoos or hair dyes.
I was constantly overworked with late nights, suffering from extreme stress and lack of sleep. My meals were also irregular. At some point, my head became so itchy that when I looked in the mirror, my entire scalp was red and swollen.
3. A Korean Medicine Approach to Folliculitis
In Korean medicine, folliculitis is viewed as a problem of Blood Deficiency (血虛) caused by Wind-Heat (風熱). That is, accumulated Heat in the body obstructs blood circulation and prevents adequate nutrient supply, hindering proper hair growth. The function of the Liver (肝) is also crucial for hair growth; Liver Blood Deficiency (肝血不足) or Liver Qi Stagnation turning into Fire (肝鬱化火) can be contributing factors. Based on such Korean medicine diagnoses, Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic prescribes customized herbal decoctions tailored to the individual's constitution. This treatment promotes blood circulation and cools down scalp heat using herbs that Clear Heat and Cool Blood (清熱凉血), and Nourish Blood and Invigorate Blood (補血活血).
4. Lifestyle Improvement is Important
By consistently taking herbal medicine and adopting regular lifestyle habits, my itchiness gradually subsided, and the red spots significantly reduced. Most importantly, I'm happy that my hair is no longer falling out.
In treating folliculitis, not only herbal medicine but also lifestyle improvement is essential. First, one should improve blood quality with a diet rich in hydration and nutrients, and promote circulation through regular exercise. Furthermore, stress management and regular sleep habits are also important. Avoiding excessive hair dyeing or perms and using mild shampoos can also be beneficial.
5. Folliculitis: Dangerous if Left Untreated
The initial symptoms of folliculitis may not be severe and can be easily overlooked, often dismissed as merely a cosmetic issue. However, if it becomes chronic, it can lead to irreversible hair loss, making professional treatment absolutely necessary.
Untreated folliculitis can completely destroy hair follicles, leading to an irreversible condition. Therefore, it is crucial to start treatment immediately upon the appearance of initial symptoms. Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic has treated various scalp conditions based on extensive clinical experience. Through accurate pattern identification and treatment, we identify the fundamental cause and combine personalized herbal treatment with lifestyle guidance to restore a healthy scalp free from hair loss. Don't suffer alone with scalp concerns; please visit Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic. You can now let go of your worries about hair loss.
Thank you.