Scabs on the scalp are more than just a nuisance. They cause itching, irritation, and pain. In most cases, they shouldn’t be a real cause for concern, but they shouldn’t be overlooked.
It is also essential to give them proper management so they do not generate complications. Scabs on the scalp encourage frequent scratching, making them worse or leading to an infection.
The most important thing to take into account is its intensity and spread. If they appear only occasionally, it is a routine problem. If they spread quickly, it’s time to see a doctor.
There are many reasons why scabs can appear on the scalp. The following are the leading causes of this condition.
Contents
1. Lice
Lice live on the scalp and feed on blood. Their bites are itchy, and scratching can cause sores and scabs to form. Although they are not carriers of disease, scratching can lead to superinfection.
2. Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis manifests as a red, itchy rash. It is caused by exposure to allergens often present in soaps, shampoos, cosmetics, or plants. As with head lice, scratching can lead to sores and scabs on the scalp.
3. Dermatitis herpetiformis
This chronic skin condition occurs in people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The lesions look like clusters of blisters on the skin or along the hairline.
They cause an intense itch, and sometimes there is burning before they appear. Scabs form that almost always disappear in 1 to 2 weeks.
4. Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition in the sebaceous areas of the scalp. It causes patches of oily skin to appear in the form of white or yellow scales, dusty.
If they scratch, they can give rise to scabs. It is also known as cradle cap and may be caused by an overgrowth of yeast.
5. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory pathology of the skin. Sometimes it generates scabs on the scalp, accompanied by dandruff flakes and thick plaques.
These are gray or silver and appear without previous scratching. Psoriasis often also occurs on the elbows, knees, and trunk.
6. Eczema
When eczema appears on the scalp, it does not cause scabs. As in other cases, it is the itching that leads to continuous scratching.
This condition also generates dryness, inflammation, and irritation in the area. Sometimes it is accompanied by a burning sensation.
7. Shingles
Shingles is a skin rash that can be very painful. The same virus causes it as chickenpox and leads to blisters.
When the blisters break open, scabs may form on the scalp. This disease is also known as shingles.
8. Eosinophilic folliculitis
This disorder causes bumps to come out that sometimes contain pus. They generate itching and redness that can end up turning into scabs.
It is possible that they spread and that, after healing, they reappear. This problem is more common in those with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
9. Neuropathic pruritus
Scalp nerve abnormalities can also cause itching, despite no rashes. She was scratching, leading to scabs forming. Science doesn’t know why neuropathic pruritus occurs, but it can be treated with medication.
10. Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection that occurs when you come into contact with an animal or object that is already infected. It affects the scalp, hair follicles, and skin.
It causes intense itching and the generation of scales, which leads to scratching. This is how scabs appear on the scalp. It is highly contagious and quite common in children.
11. Lichen planus
Lichen planus, also known as lichen planopilaris, is an autoimmune disease that manifests as flat, purple bumps. This itch and sometimes cause hair loss or permanent scarring.
12. Lupus lesions
Lupus is also an autoimmune disease. Two-thirds of patients have skin problems.
This way, lesions or eruptions appear in areas exposed to the sun. Promotes hair loss and scars. It also generates itching and favors the formation of scabs on the scalp from scratching.
13. Skin cancer
Skin cancer can form on the scalp. Some symptoms are sores that do not heal, spots that change shape or color, and scaly patches. As in other cases, these problems encourage scratching.
Tips and recommendations for the appearance of scabs on the scalp
In most cases, scabs on the scalp should not be a cause for concern. However, if they cause a lot of discomfort, do not heal, or come back frequently, the matter should be referred to the doctor.
The treatment depends on the cause. It is convenient to avoid scratching to prevent complications, such as superinfection.
If it is a temporary condition, some home remedies can help speed healing, such as the following:
- Aloe vera: the gel from this plant is applied to the affected area, relieving itching.
- Tea tree oil: its primary benefit is that it accelerates wound healing.
- Omega 3 supplements: can help reduce inflammation.
It is essential to wash your hair regularly. This speeds up the healing process in the scabbed area and prevents infection. It is advisable not to use other cosmetic products on the head until the condition is cured.