Scalp Pain and Hair Loss
Scalp pain and hair loss explained: trichodynia, folliculitis, tight styles and scarring alopecia, which treatments help and which signs need a doctor.
Reviewed 13 Oct 2026
Hair Library · Category
Scalp Conditions
Scalp pain, bumps, pimples and yeast infections: what causes them, how they are treated and when they need a doctor.
Entries
Bumps on the Scalp
What a bump on the scalp can be: pilar and epidermoid cysts, lipomas, inflamed follicles or injury swelling, how doctors tell them apart and when to check.
Reviewed 13 Oct 2026
Pimples on the Scalp
What causes pimples on the scalp, which shampoos and home steps help, why you should not pop them, and the warning signs that mean a dermatologist should look.
Reviewed 13 Oct 2026
Scalp Yeast Infection
What a scalp yeast infection is, how it differs from dandruff, ringworm and psoriasis, which antifungal shampoos help, and when to see a dermatologist.
Reviewed 13 Oct 2026
Planned entries
Topics this category still needs. Each is written from peer-reviewed sources and medically reviewed before it is published.
Folliculitis
Key terms
What is folliculitis?
Folliculitis is inflammation of the hair follicles. It often looks like a sudden acne breakout; each spot may have a red ring, and the skin can itch or feel painful.
Full entry: Scalp Pain and Hair Loss →What is a pilar cyst?
A pilar cyst, also called a trichilemmal cyst, is a keratin-filled cyst that starts in the outer root sheath of a hair follicle. DermNet says about 90% are found on the scalp.
Full entry: Bumps on the Scalp →What is seborrheic dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis causes an itchy, flaky, scaly rash on oily areas such as the scalp. It is the Malassezia-linked condition most people mean by a scalp yeast infection.
Full entry: Scalp Yeast Infection →What is trichodynia?
Trichodynia is pain, burning, tingling or soreness of the scalp in people who are losing hair. It is common in telogen effluvium and pattern hair loss.
Full entry: Scalp Pain and Hair Loss →