What should you know about cellulitis in the scalp?

The infection affects deeper layers of skin, often after a scratch, bite, irritated follicle, wound, or another break in the scalp barrier. The area may become warm, red, swollen and painful, and the redness can expand. Tender glands in the neck may occur. It can be difficult to see the full edge beneath hair, so ask someone to help check whether the affected area is spreading. A fungal foot infection such as Athlete's Foot can create cracks that allow bacteria to enter elsewhere, while Type 2 Diabetes can make skin infections harder to control.

Arrange same-day medical advice when the scalp is increasingly red, swollen, warm or painful, especially if there is drainage, a wound, or a weakened immune system. A clinician will examine the skin and may prescribe antibiotics; take them exactly as directed and do not share leftover medicine. Keep the area clean and avoid scratching, shaving over the sore spot, squeezing it, or applying irritating products. Note when the change began and mark the visible edge only if a clinician advises it, so progression can be described accurately.

Seek urgent help for fever, rapidly spreading redness or swelling, severe pain, confusion, faintness, unusual drowsiness, or trouble staying awake. Infection near the eye, face or neck deserves prompt assessment because swelling can extend beyond the scalp. These symptoms can signal a serious worsening infection, including Sepsis, and should not wait for a routine appointment.

Ask what may have opened the skin, whether the area could be an abscess or another condition, which treatment is appropriate, and what change should prompt reassessment. Also ask how to care for any wound and whether an underlying problem needs attention.