Bumps on the scalp can result from various health issues, such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, pilar cysts, hives, or ringworm. Some causes of bumps, such as skin cancer, require urgent medical attention.
Bumps on the head can be caused by direct injury or trauma, acne, cysts, infections, ingrown hairs, bone spurs, or tumors. Most bumps are caused by something easily explainable. Bumps are rarely caused by tumors. Most bumps on the head are benign and easily treatable.
Bony growth
Bony growths, or exostoses, are usually benign bone tumours rarely found on the skull. They can be caused by long-term irritation, osteoarthritis, infection, or trauma. Bony growths can lead to chronic pain.
What do stress rashes look like? Stress rashes often appear as raised red bumps called hives. They can affect any part of the body, but often a stress rash is on the face, neck, chest or arms. Hives may range from tiny dots to large welts and may form in clusters.
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.
Product residue occurs when hair products — such as shampoo, conditioner, or styling products — are not fully rinsed out of the hair when washed, leading to a buildup of product on the scalp. Dead skin cells cause buildup when the scalp sheds skin cells at an accelerated rate, resulting in flakiness and an itchy scalp.
Clogged hair follicles cause pimples on your scalp (scalp acne). Your hair follicles are the canals where your hair grows out of your skin. They could be clogged due to: A buildup of hair products like shampoo, hair gel or hairspray.
Idiopathic calcinosis cutis often shows up in teenagers and children. Some children are born with these bumps on their scalp and face. Iatrogenic. Iatrogenic calcification happens when you are given a calcium phosphate drug or solution.
Dermoid and epidermoid cysts These are benign “inclusion” cysts that develop when some skin elements get trapped below the scalp. They may involve the scalp or skull. They are the most common lump or bump. They can grow rapidly or virtually not at all.
Osteoid osteomas may go away on their own. But these tumors may not disappear for years.
A trichilemmal cyst, also known as a pilar cyst, is a keratin-filled cyst that originates from the outer hair root sheath. Keratin is the protein that makes up hair and nails. Trichilemmal cysts are most commonly found on the scalp and are usually diagnosed in middle-aged females.
Osteomas are benign head tumors made of bone. They're usually found in the head or skull, but they can also be found in the neck. While osteomas are not cancerous, they can sometimes cause headaches, sinus infections, hearing issues or vision problems – however, many benign osteomas don't require treatment at all.
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.
Bumps on the scalp can result from various health issues, such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, pilar cysts, hives, or ringworm. Some causes of bumps, such as skin cancer, require urgent medical attention. But often, a person can address the issue at home.
Q: Do you need to exfoliate your scalp? A: Dr Burg says it's important to help scalp skin cell turnover with regular exfoliation. “A build-up of cells and oils [on the scalp] can lead to imbalances, irritation, and inflammation, which can impact the scalp environment, thus affecting hair growth.”
A medicated shampoo such as anthralin (Zithranol®). Scale softeners containing salicylic acid to help soften thick patches. Topical medications containing vitamin D such as calcipotriene (Dovonex Scalp®). You apply the medication directly to your scalp to help slow down excess cell production.
Scalp buildup occurs when natural oils, dead skin cells, and hair products accumulate on the scalp. Over time, this can create flakes very similar to those that form in other conditions, such as psoriasis.
Flaking of the scalp can be the result of dermatitis, dandruff or psoriasis. Of all types of dermatitis the most likely to peel your scalp are: seborrheic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. A dry scalp can be uncomfortable and if it leads to itching and peeling, you can have a bad feeling about your hair condition.
Look for a clarifying shampoo that contains salicylic acid, which helps to break down sebum plugs. Exfoliate your scalp: Just like exfoliating your skin helps remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, exfoliating your scalp can help to remove sebum plugs.
Have you ever scratched your scalp and noticed white, waxy buildup under your nails? That's sebum mixed with dead skin cells. It's hard for shampoo alone to wash away your oily scalp issues. And issues like stress and weather can increase the scalp's sebum production, making you even oilier.
Dermatillomania is a mental health condition where a person compulsively picks or scratches their skin, causing injuries or scarring. Also known as excoriation disorder or skin-picking disorder, this condition falls under the category of obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCDs).
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.