Pus on the head is caused by a bacterial infection and can be accompanied by inflammation, pain, and redness. Treatment includes antibiotics and avoiding hair products. Pus consistency and color do not indicate the severity of the infection. Abscesses may require draining or lancing, and close contact should be avoided until the infection is treated. Bleeding may occur after treatment, but the infection usually clears up without complications.
Pus on the head is caused by a bacterial infection. In addition to pus, an infection can cause inflammation, pain, and redness. An infection that produces pus is also referred to as a purulent infection and can also cause body aches, chills, fever, vomiting, and general malaise. Treatment depends on the cause of the infection, but usually includes oral or topical antibiotics or a combination of both.
An ingrown hair, boil, or staph infection can cause pus on the head, and scalp oils and hair products can sometimes make the infection worse. Until the problem resolves, patients should wash their hair with a mild shampoo and avoid using hairsprays or other styling products. The pus can be gently removed, but it should not be pushed out or drained, as doing so could spread the infection. The individual should also avoid vigorously brushing or combing the hair around an infection to avoid irritating the area and causing permanent tissue damage.
The consistency of the pus can range from thin to very thick and sticky, and the color can range from light to dark. Pus can also appear green or brown, or it can look red or pink when it mixes with blood. Neither the color nor the consistency of the pus should be used as an indicator of the severity or type of infection. Pus can also have an unpleasant odor, but a healthcare professional may recommend an antibacterial body wash to help ease the odor.
If pus on the head is caused by an abscess, a doctor may choose to either drain or lance the abscess. Depending on the size and location of the abscess, the hair may be trimmed or shaved, but in most cases, it will grow back. If the abscess is deep or extensive, however, damage to the hair follicles can occur, causing hair to stop growing permanently.
When pus oozes from the abscess, close contact with others should be avoided until a doctor has treated or contained the infection. Because the scalp is very vascular, it can bleed a lot after an abscess has been punctured or drained. The bleeding will gradually decrease, but if it becomes persistent, further treatment may be needed to close the wound, such as applying a special dressing or stitches. After the infection has been treated, it usually clears up completely and without complications.
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