Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPsoriasisDermatitisRingwormFolliculitisLiceLichen PlanopilarisAcneAllergic DermatitisSkin CancerWhen to See a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Psoriasis
Dermatitis
Ringworm
Folliculitis
Lice
Lichen Planopilaris
Acne
Allergic Dermatitis
Skin Cancer
When to See a Provider
Scalp Psoriasis
Scalppsoriasisis a chronic (long-term) inflammatory condition. Half of those with psoriasis have it on their scalp, where it can look like red spots or sores.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealand and © Waikato Hospitalwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Psoriasis is considered an autoimmune disorder because the immune system attacks healthy skin cells, which leads to cells growing faster. Psoriasis tends to run in families (hereditary).
The symptoms of scalp psoriasis may include:
Scalp psoriasis is considered a chronic (long-term) inflammatory disorder. You will usually have times when your psoriasis symptoms go away (remit) and then come back (relapse). The condition cannot be cured, but there are treatments for scalp psoriasis.
Treatment
Scalp psoriasis can be hard to treat, depending on how severe the condition is.
For mild scalp psoriasis, at-home treatment like over-the-counter (OTC) medicated shampoo may be enough to help with symptoms.Shampoo with salicylic acid breaks down the scales or plaques from psoriasis, making them easier to remove.
Treatment of scalp psoriasis also includes avoiding triggers.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitisis a long-term, inflammatory skin condition that can cause red spots on the scalp.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
It is most often found in parts of the body that make oil (sebum) in special glands (sebaceousglands). The scalp is a very common area for seborrheic dermatitis because it produces a lot of sebum.
In babies, seborrheic dermatitis is calledcradle cap.
Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis may include:
Can Seborrheic Dermatitis Cause Hair Loss?With seborrheic dermatitis, you may have an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast on your scalp.Untreated, this overgrowth can damage the hair follicles and cause you to lose your hair.However, this type of hair loss is treatable and can be reversible.
Can Seborrheic Dermatitis Cause Hair Loss?
With seborrheic dermatitis, you may have an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast on your scalp.Untreated, this overgrowth can damage the hair follicles and cause you to lose your hair.However, this type of hair loss is treatable and can be reversible.
With seborrheic dermatitis, you may have an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast on your scalp.
Untreated, this overgrowth can damage the hair follicles and cause you to lose your hair.
However, this type of hair loss is treatable and can be reversible.
Although there is no cure for seborrheic dermatitis, there are at-home and prescription treatments that can help alleviate symptoms such as inflammation and itching.
Possible treatments for seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp include:
Ringworm (Tinea Capitis)
Tinea capitis(scalp ringworm)is a type of fungal infection that commonly affects small children and can cause red spots on the scalp. Ringworm often breaks out in schools or daycare centers because kids are in close physical contact.
Whenringwormis on the head, it’s calledtinea capitis; when it occurs on the skin, it’s known astinea corporis.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZ www.dermnetnz.org 2022
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZ www.dermnetnz.org 2022
The fungi that cause tinea capitis are tiny plant-like organisms that thrive in damp, warm, dark environments. When fungus grows on the scalp, ringworm can look like a small sore that appears pimple-like.
The affected area gets flaky, patchy, or even scaly. The flakes look like dandruff, but, unlike dandruff, ringworm can cause the hair to break off, forming stubble and leaving a bald spot on the head. Ringworm makes the scalp look red, and the affected area can be swollen and tender.
Sometimes, ringworm causes a mass filled with pus. Scalp ringworm can also cause swollen lymph nodes at the back of the neck.
Some at-hometreatments for ringwormlike antifungal sprays, creams, or powders can be enough to treat minor tinea capitis.
Ringworm on the scalp may need treatment for up to three months. Your healthcare provider might recommend antifungal shampoo to prevent the spread of ringworm to others.
Ringworm Spreads Easily
Folliculitisis an inflammatory disease of the skin and scalp that can cause red spots.
It can show up on parts of the body that have hair and hair follicles, including the head, beard, arms, back, legs, and buttocks.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Raimo Suhonenwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
The symptoms of folliculitis on the scalp could include:
Home remedies, such as warm compresses, can often treat mild cases of folliculitis.
Head Lice
Lice are often difficult to find, but their eggs, called nits, are usually easier to spot. The nits appear as oval-shaped or round globules, stuck to strands of hair; it takes a special type of comb to remove them.
Licecause the skin to develop red bumps on the scalp, neck, and shoulders. Symptoms include:
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoDermatitis herpetaformis and head lice.Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Thetreatment for liceis very specific. It involves killing the lice and getting rid of nits.
A combination of home treatments and prescription medications can kill lice:
Keep in mind that lice are very contagious. Avoid sharing combs, hats, clothing, towels, and other personal items with someone who has lice.
Symptoms may include:
Treatment for lichen planopilaris should be started as early as possible.
Once the hair follicle is scarred, nothing can be done to recover hairs that have been lost. The overall goal of treatment is to slow down the progression of the disorder and to manage symptoms. Hair loss may continue, even with treatment, but the goal of treatment is to slow it.
Oral medications that have anti-inflammatory properties are given for lichen planopilaris, including:
Although acne is typically associated with the face, back, neck, and shoulders, it is also possible to get acne on your scalp. You may get whiteheads on your scalp or pink or red bumps called papules that feel tender. You can also develop larger acne nodules and cysts that are deeper in the skin and can be very painful.
Often, the best treatment for scalp acne is a change in the haircare products you’re using. Look for shampoo, conditioner, and other products that don’t contain oil or are labeled as “won’t clog pores,” “non-comedogenic,” or “anti-acnegenic.”
If you have oily hair or use a lot of hair care products, you should wash your hair more often. Make sure to wash your hair whenever you have been in an environment that may cause you to get dirt in your hair or if you have been sweating.
If you wear hats or other clothing items that cover your head, be sure to keep them clean. Wash your bedding often, especially your pillowcases.
If your scalp acne doesn’t improve, try a medicated, oil-free shampoo such as:
In severe cases, your healthcare provider may recommend:
Allergic dermatitis is a condition that occurs when you are allergic to something that touches your scalp. This can happen if you don’t thoroughly rinse a product out of your hair or if you are sensitive to a product that is designed to be left in the hair. Allergic dermatitis can cause an itchy, red rash.
Shampoo, conditioner, and styling products can all potentially cause this kind of reaction. Many people are also allergic toparaphenylenediamine(PPD), a chemical found in hair dye.
If your scalp is sensitive, look for hair care products labeled as hypoallergenic or for sensitive skin.
The scalp is a common site for skin cancer. Although most cancers that appear on the scalp are benign, they account for around 13% of all malignant skin cancers.
The most common types of skin cancer are easy to treat, especially in the early stages. Treatment may include:
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you have a condition with red spots on the scalp and home remedies and OTC medications do not work, it’s time to talk with a healthcare provider.
If you have symptoms of infection (possibly from scratching itchy red spots on your scalp), you need medical treatment.
Signs of skin infection include:
Summary
To find out for sure why you have red spots on your scalp, see a healthcare provider. Many at-home remedies and medical treatments can help with your symptoms. Once you know what’s causing the red spots on your scalp, you can find the best way to treat them.
23 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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