Seborrheic dermatitis is a common condition that causes red, itchy, and flaky skin. Many causes of sores and scabs on the scalp, such as psoriasis, are not contagious. Or, it may indicate an…. Most of the time they are an annoyance and patients may feel the lesions are unattractive looking. A dermoscopy in which a doctor views the skin with a small lighted microscope can also help diagnose if growth is a seborrheic keratosis or something else. An injury to the scalp can become infected, causing painful scabs, blisters, and swelling. As a cyst grows, it may burst, causing sores and scabs. This condition is common after hair removal, especially by shaving. Last updated on Jan 29, 2020. Impetigo is a bacterial infection of the skin that causes blisters and sores. These growths have a waxy or greasy look and can be tan, brown or black. They may be tiny, or larger than 3 inches across. No one knows what causes seborrheic keratoses, but they become more common with age. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 2 Nov 2020), Cerner Multum™ (updated 2 Nov 2020), ASHP (updated 23 Oct 2020) and others. They may be sparse or numerous and commonly appear on the trunk, arms, and face and neck, but can occur on any part of the body. I have to use a special shampoo and everything, but when I scratch my head and look under my fingernails there are black dots or specks. A person should seek prompt medical attention if they suspect the scabs and sores may be infected. The infection is highly contagious and is common among young children. It is possible for these sores to become infected, which may require antibiotic treatment. Seborrheic dermatitis can appear greasy or scaly and in severe cases can cause raised bumps around the hairline. Cysts that develop on the scalp are usually trichilemmal cysts. In some cases, tests may be needed to rule out skin cancers. However, they can sometimes be the sign of a condition that may require treatment, such as psoriasis, contact dermatitis, or head lice. These growths have a waxy or greasy look and can be tan, brown or black. Seborrheic keratoses are a common benign skin growth that usually occurs in people over age 50. A doctor can prescribe topical or oral antibiotics to help: Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles that can cause acne-like pimples or crusty sores. Identifying and avoiding these triggers, which may include stress or certain foods, can help. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop just below the skin. My son has black spots on his scalp that can be scratched off. Treating them at home with warm compresses may help the cyst drain more quickly. Scratching the scalp can cause sores and scabs that make the itching even worse. They can vary in size and may feel sore or tender. skin conditions & beauty centerTopic Guide. Some other causes of scalp sores are preventable. Using antifungal shampoos and topical steroid creams may also be useful. In rare cases, seborrheic keratoses may look like other skin disorders, including malignant melanoma. Identifying and managing these triggers can help prevent flares. Black spots on the scalp can be because of scalp comedones, black piedra, hair dye use, seborrheic keratosis or pityriasis capitis. Seborrheic keratoses usually appear alone, but others may develop. How do psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis differ? For the most success, it is best to follow the instructions that come with head lice products carefully. The three main methods of removal are: See a health care professional if you develop any unusual skin growths or if existing growths start to change their appearance. While many lesions on the scalp are harmless, some can be the sign of an underlying medical condition. What Is the Treatment for Seborrheic Keratosis? http://www.aad.org/. They rarely itch. Most people will develop some seborrheic keratoses as they get older, and children rarely have them. We and our partners will store and/or access information on your device through the use of cookies and similar technologies, to display personalised ads and content, for ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Over time, these eggs hatch and create larger and larger infestations. Scratching the rash can cause injuries to the scalp. People can treat head lice at home with medicated shampoos and by using special combs to kill lice and remove their eggs from the hair. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Additional tests may be indicated to determine if these conditions are present. The growths should not be scratched off. It may be a sign of another disease. Acne typically occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, so people with oily hair may be more likely to develop acne on the scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis are painful, irritating skin conditions that are not curable and can affect quality of life. dear what you doing right now is perfect. A person should also see a doctor if a cyst becomes infected. 40 years experience Dermatology. You can change your choices at any time by visiting Your Privacy Controls. A scalpel, laser, or other small tools to remove the tissue, Electrodesiccation and curettage used together has a better rate of successful treatment, Concentrated hydrogen peroxide 40% solution (Eskata). Infants often get a type of seborrheic dermatitis called cradle cap. Sores or scabs on the scalp are often harmless and clear up on their own. For people who shave their heads, the following may help prevent folliculitis on the scalp: Acne is a skin condition that can cause pimples and other lesions to develop in body areas where there are hair follicles, including the scalp. Although mild impetigo may clear up on its own, prompt treatment is still critical. Scratching the affected areas can cause scabs, sores, bleeding, and temporary hair loss. Lice eggs (called nits) are dark colored, but hatched lice are light in color. When we normally think about white spots on our heads we go immediately to dandruff. There is no way to prevent seborrheic keratoses from developing. Seborrheic keratosis is the singular; seborrheic keratoses are plural. Cysts that burst tend to refill and come back. They usually are found on the chest and back but can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, scalp and neck. Psoriasis is a condition where the body replaces skin cells much faster than normal, which causes dry, red, and scaly patches of skin. All rights reserved. If multiple itchy seborrheic keratoses occur, this is called the Leser-Trélat sign, which is associated with the development of certain cancers, including adenocarcinoma of the gastrointestinal tract, lymphoma, Sézary syndrome, and acute leukemia.