US Marine in Iraq with Infected Wound on Head

I am writting to you so that maybe you can answer some questions for me. I am a US Marine currently deployed in Iraq and about a month ago I got a bite or something on the back of my head. It swole up really big and when squeezed alot of puss and blood would come out of it. I was given atibiotics like cephalexsin and steriods such as zithromax, which worked temporarily, but the infection would come back after about a week. I now have a bald spot the size of a dime-nickel which continues to get bigger. Will the hair grow back? ANd if not, could any surgery or procedure be done to fix the bald spot? Thank you so much for your time, and I eagerly await your response. Thank you again

It sounds like you had a local infection that has now cleared. Unfortunately, it seems you are left with a bald spot that is most likely the result of ‘reactive’ hair loss, something that we often see in such situations. The localized hair loss is likely temporary and it may return in 3-8 months.

If it does not return by the 8-12 month time frame, it is probably permanent. You can have a hair transplantation to cover the area. In fact, it is a relative common procedure to cover the scarred/bald areas on the scalp. Hopefully though, you will not need a hair transplant and it will regrow on its own.

I am a former Army Vietnam surgeon and I personally understand what war is from a first hand experience and how painful war is for everyone involved. Have a safe return home. Hoorah!