Scalp infections are often caused by improper initial treatment of wounds and typically occur in the subcutaneous tissue layer. If not managed properly, the patient's scalp may develop necrosis or erode deeper, leading to skull osteomyelitis, epidural abscess, and even subdural effusion or brain abscess.

bubble_chart Pathogen

Pyogenic bacteria are mostly staphylococci, streptococci, and anaerobes.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

1. Scalp abscess often occurs as an infection in the subcutaneous tissue layer, presenting with localized redness, swelling, heat, and pain, as well as enlarged and tender lymph nodes in front of or behind the ears or under the occiput. Due to the fibrous septa connecting the scalp to the galea aponeurotica, the inflammatory area has high tension, causing patients unbearable pain, accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fear of cold and fever. In severe cases, the infection can spread through emissary veins to invade the skull and/or intracranial space.

2. Subgaleal abscess manifests as scalp swelling, pain, eyelid edema, and enlargement of draining lymph nodes. In severe cases, it may be accompanied by systemic toxic reactions.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

1. Treatment of scalp abscess: The principle is to administer antibacterial drugs and apply local hot compresses in the early stage. In the late stage [third stage], when an abscess forms, incision and drainage should be performed, followed by systemic anti-infection treatment for 1–2 weeks.

2. Treatment of subgaleal abscess: Antibacterial drugs. Incision and drainage. The method involves making multiple incisions at low positions for drainage, removing pus and necrotic tissue, and irrigating the abscess cavity with a solution containing 500μ/ml bacitracin, 1.0% neomycin, and 0.1% polymyxin. Then, a rubber drainage tube is placed for postoperative irrigation and drainage. After the procedure, the drainage incisions are loosely sutured. Postoperative anti-infection treatment continues for 1–2 weeks, and the drainage tube is removed within 4–6 days.

Osteomyelitis of the skull, epidural abscess, and even leading to subdural effusion and brain abscess.