Red spots on the scalp can be sparked by infections, allergic reactions, or autoimmune disorders.
Common conditions includepsoriasis,seborrheic dermatitis,ringworm, and folliculitis.
Scalp Psoriasis
Scalppsoriasisis a chronic (long-term) inflammatory condition.
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Psoriasis tends to run in families (hereditary).
The symptoms of scalp psoriasis may include:
Scalp psoriasis is considered a chronic (long-term) inflammatory disorder.
Treatment
Scalp psoriasis can be hard to treat, depending on how severe the condition is.
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Treatment of scalp psoriasis also includes avoiding and identifying potential triggers.
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The scalp is a very common area for seborrheic dermatitis because it produces a lot of sebum.
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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.
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Untreated, this overgrowth can damage the hair follicles and cause you to lose your hair.
However, this jot down of hair loss is treatable and can be reversible.
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Ringworm often breaks out in schools or daycare centers because kids are in close physical contact.
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.
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The affected area gets flaky, patchy, or even scaly.
Ringworm makes the scalp look red, and the affected area can be swollen and tender.
Sometimes, ringworm causes a mass filled with pus.
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Scalp ringworm can also cause swollen lymph nodes at the back of the neck.
Oral medications treat the fungus systemically (circulating throughout the entire body).
Ringworm on the scalp may need treatment for up to three months.
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Your healthcare provider might recommend antifungal shampoo to prevent the spread of ringworm to others.
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Ringworm Spreads Easily
Ringworm is very contagious.
It can be easily spread by sharing personal items or touching a person who has ringworm.
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Folliculitis
Folliculitisis an inflammatory disease of the skin and scalp that can cause red spots.
Hair follicles are openings with very small pouches in which hair grows and sebum is produced.
Folliculitis could be because of a bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection.
Systemic medications such as oral antibiotics or antifungal medication can be prescribed by a healthcare provider if needed.
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Other Types of Fungal Infections
Fungi from the environment can also cause infections.
One example ismucormycosis, also known as zygomycosis.
Antifungal medications and, in some cases, surgery should be able to effectively treat the condition.
While impetigo is most common in children aged 2 to 5, it can affect anyone, including adults.
Themost common form of impetigo, non-bullous impetigo, affects the outermost layers of skin called theepidermis.
Topical or oral antibiotics will usually be prescribed to clear up the infection.
Cleaning and caring for the wounds is also important.
You should soak the lesions before applying any antibiotic cream and then cover the area.
If the insects bite the top of the head, lice can cause red spots on the scalp.
Lice are often difficult to find, but their eggs, called nits, are usually easier to spot.
Licecause the skin to develop red bumps on the scalp, neck, and shoulders.
Symptoms include:
Thetreatment for liceis very specific.
It involves killing the lice and getting rid of nits.
Avoid sharing combs, hats, clothing, towels, and other personal items with someone who has lice.
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You may see red spots on your scalp from lichen planopilaris.
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.
You may get whiteheads on your scalp or pink or red bumps called papules that feel tender.
This can block pores and lead to inflammation and pimples on the scalp.
Shampoo and other hair products can contribute to scalp acne.
Often, the best treatment for scalp acne is a change in the haircare products you’re using.
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.
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.
Skin Cancer
The scalp is a common site for skin cancer.
Be sure to check your scalp along with other parts of your body that are regularly exposed to sunlight.
The most common types of skin cancer are easy to treat, especially in the early stages.
Treatment may include:
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Linear Morphea
Morpheaare known as localized scleroderma."
Scleroderma is a condition in which the body makes too much collagen, resulting in hardened and tight patches.
Linear morphea is a bang out of morphea, a rareautoimmune disorder.
Unlike other types of scleroderma, linear morphea does not produce round areas of thick skin.
There is no cure for linear morphea, but medication and other therapies can ease symptoms.
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.
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