What causes pimple-like sores on the scalp?

Folliculitis is a common skin condition that happens when hair follicles become inflamed. It's often caused by an infection with bacteria. At first it may look like small pimples around the tiny pockets from where each hair grows (hair follicles). The condition can be itchy, sore and embarrassing.

How do I get rid of small sores on my scalp?

First try a mild corticosteroid cream, foam, ointment or oil (Scalpicin Scalp Itch) on affected areas, keeping it away from the eyes. If that doesn't work, try the antifungal cream ketoconazole. Don't use styling products. Stop using hair sprays, gels and other styling products while you're treating the condition.

Why do I keep having small sores scabs on my scalp?

Dry scalp: Dry scalp is the most common cause of scabs on the scalp, often due to excessive hair washing, high mineral content in water, very hot water showers, harsh shampoos, and high heat treatments. Oily scalp: If your scalp is too oily, it can cause irritation and lead to scratching and scabbing.

Why is my scalp breaking out in sores?

Painful sores, blisters, or bumps that form on the scalp may be caused by: Infection of the hair shafts (folliculitis ) or the skin (such as impetigo ). An allergic skin reaction (contact dermatitis ). Viral infections, such as chickenpox and shingles .

What does folliculitis on the scalp look like?

In most cases, the main symptom of folliculitis is red bumps that look like pimples on your skin. These could also look like they're white-filled bumps or they could be filled with pus (pustules). Folliculitis can feel itchy and uncomfortable.

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What do scalp sores look like?

It may look and feel like a pimple, a painful red bump with or without a white head. These sores can be crusty and scabby, too. If an infection caused the folliculitis on your scalp, you might need an antibiotic (for a bacterial infection) or an antifungal (for a fungal infection).

Why do I have small sore bumps on my scalp?

A variety of health issues can cause bumps to form on the scalp, including sweating, folliculitis, acne, head lice, and eczema. Treatment will depend on the cause but may include medicated shampoos, ointments, and other topical products.

What shampoo to use for pimples on the scalp?

Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman recommends Neutrogena's T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo because it has salicylic acid, a common hair and skin care ingredient that helps to unclogs hair follicles and remove excess sebum.

What foods should you avoid if you have seborrheic dermatitis?

While there are no good clinical studies, yeast and mold elimination diets may be helpful for people who have a difficult time controlling their seborrheic dermatitis. This entails eliminating breads, cheeses, wine, beer, excessive carbohydrates, and other foods made by yeast or fungi.

Why do I suddenly have scalp folliculitis?

Folliculitis is often caused when hair follicles are infected with bacteria, commonly Staphylococcus aureus (staph). It may also be caused by viruses, fungi, parasites, medications or physical injury. Sometimes the cause isn't known.

What does seborrheic keratosis look like?

Seborrheic keratoses are usually brown, black or light tan. The growths (lesions) look waxy or scaly and slightly raised. They appear gradually, usually on the face, neck, chest or back.

What does a bacterial infection of the scalp look like?

Folliculitis causes a red ring to develop around each hair follicle. On darker skin types, rather than a red appearance, it may look like gray or brown bumps. This may cause pain or itching. People may find relief from redness and itching by applying a warm washcloth to the skin.

What does staph on the scalp look like?

The most common type of staph infection is the boil. This is a pocket of pus that develops in a hair follicle or oil gland. The skin over the infected area usually becomes red and swollen. If a boil breaks open, it will probably drain pus.

What foods should you avoid with scalp folliculitis?

Some research suggests that avoiding foods made with wheat can ease your symptoms. Give up the grease. Unhealthy fats, low-fiber foods, and processed products can all lead to flare-ups.

What is Hoffman's disease of the scalp?

Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp, also referred to as perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens or Hoffman's disease, is a rare form of scarring and permanent hair loss over the affected areas. This condition may present as pus-filled lumps and nodules over the scalp, with overlying scarring hair loss.

What does folliculitis look like?

Folliculitis is an infection of a hair follicle. It looks like a tiny red or white pimple at the base of a hair. There may be only one infected follicle or many.

What does a cancerous keratosis look like?

Rough, dry or scaly patch of skin, usually less than 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter. Flat to slightly raised patch or bump on the top layer of skin. In some cases, a hard, wartlike surface. Color variations, including pink, red or brown.

Is it okay to scratch off seborrheic keratosis?

Sometimes a seborrheic keratosis can itch. Scratching it can cause it to bleed and sometimes even scar. A seborrheic keratosis is removed only if it bothers you. The doctor will freeze it or scrape it off with a tool.

What autoimmune disease causes scalp folliculitis?

Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune blistering disease that commonly involves the scalp. Lesions of pemphigus vulgaris that persist on the scalp for a long period may be accompanied by tufted hair folliculitis.

Why do I have crusty scabs on my scalp?

Sores or scabs on the scalp usually clear up on their own. However, they are sometimes signs of a condition requiring treatment, such as psoriasis, contact dermatitis, or head lice. Treatment options for scalp sores or scabs depend on the cause but usually involve medications or medicated shampoos.

What can be mistaken for scalp folliculitis?

What happens if scalp folliculitis goes untreated?

If the folliculitis is left untreated and spreads deeper into the tissue, it can cause scarring and thus, permanent damage to the hair follicle. If that happens, new hair will not grow out of the damaged follicle anymore and you can experience patchy alopecia.