Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, noncontagious, easy-to-manage skin condition. This type of dermatitis causes itchy red patches and greasy scales on your skin along with white or yellow crusty or powdery flakes on your scalp.
Scabs and sores on the scalp are most often caused by dry scalp. Your scalp is protected by a natural barrier, controlled by the oil secreted by your sebaceous glands. When the pH of this barrier is damaged, it can cause your scalp to become dry and itchy.
Actinic keratosis is usually found on the face, scalp, back of the hands, chest, or places that are often in the sun. The skin changes begin as flat and scaly areas. They often have a white or yellow crusty scale on top. The growths may be gray, pink, red, or the same color as your skin.
Seborrheic (seb-o-REE-ik) dermatitis is a common skin condition that mainly affects your scalp. It causes scaly patches, inflamed skin and stubborn dandruff. It usually affects oily areas of the body, such as the face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids and chest.
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.
Several things can cause dandruff: Seborrheic dermatitis: This is oily, itchy, irritated skin that flakes off of your scalp. It also can happen with your eyebrows, groin, or chest hair. Contact dermatitis: Hair care products like shampoo, gel, or dye can irritate your scalp and cause redness, itchiness, and flakes.
Vitamins D, B2, B3, B6, B7 are usually associated with a flaky scalp. A deficiency of these vitamins can directly impact the immune system and increase the risk of inflammation. Vitamin B and Zinc also play an integral role in boosting your immune system to counter dandruff like ailments.
It can be tempting to pick at scabs on the scalp if they are itchy or painful, but this can cause complications such as infections or skin damage.
A regular exfoliation will help lift away build up. Try using a pre-wash scalp brush, and your fingertips (but not your nails) to massage in your shampoo. This will further help to physically remove any lingering build up. A clarifying shampoo two or three times a month can work wonders.
“Scabs on the scalp can be treated similarly to scabs on the rest of the body which respond well to healing ointments containing petroleum jelly such as Vaseline, Aquaphor, or CeraVe Healing Ointment,” Dr. Garshick says.
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.
Scabs on the scalp can emerge due to folliculitis, dermatitis, psoriasis or an allergic reaction to chemical products, like hair dye or or hair treatments. It is rare for scabs to form due to severe health conditions, like skin cancer.
Treatments for seborrhoeic keratoses? As they are harmless they do not require any treatment. Any itching or irritation can frequently be relieved by simple moisturisers such as E45 cream® or Vaseline Intensive Care lotion®. NHS services do not currently treat seborrhoeic keratoses.
Try not to scratch or pick at the affected area. This increases your risk of infection.
Hydrogen peroxide is used to treat raised seborrheic keratoses (waxy and scaly, raised areas of skin). This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor. This product is available in the following dosage forms: Spray.