NIC Barber Written (Theory) ExamHair Care ServicesMedium
A barber is preparing a client for a haircut and notices the client's scalp has red, inflamed areas with small, pus-filled lesions around the hair follicles. The client reports these areas are itchy and sometimes painful. What is the most likely scalp condition?
- APsoriasis
- BPityriasis steatoides
- CTinea capitis
- DFolliculitis
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Folliculitis
Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles, often caused by bacterial or fungal infection, resulting in small, red, pus-filled bumps (pustules) that can be itchy and painful, matching the client's symptoms.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Psoriasis presents with thick, silvery scales on red patches, not primarily pus-filled lesions around follicles.
- B. Pityriasis steatoides (greasy dandruff) is characterized by greasy, yellowish scales and inflammation, but not typically pus-filled lesions.
- C. Tinea capitis (ringworm) is a fungal infection with red papules, scales, and often hair breakage, but usually not pus-filled lesions directly at the follicle opening.
Folliculitis
An inflammation of the hair follicles, typically caused by bacterial or fungal infection, presenting as small, red, itchy, and sometimes painful pus-filled bumps (pustules) around the hair follicles.
- Inflammation of hair follicles
- Caused by bacteria, fungi, or irritation
- Small, red, pus-filled bumps (pustules)
- Often itchy and tender/painful
- Can occur anywhere hair grows
Memory trick: Pus-filled bumps at the follicle? Folliculitis is the culprit.