Infections of the face and scalp are typically caused by bacteria that are present on the skin, including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species. Bacteria can form an infection by means of a break in the skin or via a hair follicle. Symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, and warmth of the skin, fever, and malaise. Some facial and scalp infections can be treated with antibiotics alone while others that have formed a pocket of pus require surgical drainage.  At times, imaging is required, such as a CT scan, to determine whether a pocket of pus has formed.

More and more commonly, infections of the face are caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. This is a version of a common skin bacterium that has acquired a resistance to commonly used antibiotics. The bacteria tend to form pus and surgical drainage is frequently required. Certain antibiotics are required as well.

Some facial infections result from an infected tooth and may require removal of the tooth along with treatment of the infection. These infections may be seen in the cheeks, under the lips, or along the jaw. Symptoms include swelling and pain often associated with a painful tooth and sometimes difficulty opening the mouth.

The major salivary glands can become infected, usually due to a decrease in flow of saliva as seen with dehydration or blockage of the gland. Stones can form in the glands that can obstruct flow of saliva. The major salivary glands are present in the cheeks in front of the ears and under the jaw line. Symptoms include swelling, pain, and warmth in any of these locations along with fever and malaise. Treatment typically involves antibiotic therapy along with stimulation of saliva flow with lemon drops, massage of the gland toward the mouth, application of warm compresses, and hydration. Rarely is surgical intervention needed.

Deep neck infections can be quite serious and require surgical drainage. These often arise due to infected teeth or may result from an infected lymph node. These infections often have multiple types of bacteria present, similar to those that exist in the mouth. Symptoms include pain, swelling, warmth, and redness of the neck. Serious symptoms may include difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, a change to the voice, difficulty opening the mouth, and difficulty turning the head. Imaging is often required to determine the extent of the infection and whether pus has collected. If so, surgical drainage is required in order to control the infection.  Of particular importance in managing this problem is whether the infection is impacting on the ability to breath. The throat will be carefully examined, sometimes with a telescope, to check for swelling. Ensuring a safe airway is of utmost importance. Treatment often requires hospitalization so antibiotics can be given by IV.