 | |
| Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images |
Pimple-like bumps on the scalp can itch.
Pimple-like bumps on the head can be caused by
several conditions, including seborrheic dermatitis and folliculitis.
Although these illnesses have different causes, both of them can be
bothersome and dangerous if left untreated. Pimple-like scalp bumps can
be embarrassing and difficult to hide, making it is important to
understand their causes and remedies.
Symptoms
Pimple-like bumps on the head can be tender,
scaly, itchy, inflamed and red in appearance. The bumps can be crusty
and may be filled with a pus-like material. They can also be surrounded
by oily or greasy skin. In addition, hair loss can occur in the area of
scalp around the bump. Sometimes, such as when the bumps are the result
of seborrheic dermatitis, red bumps and scaling can appear on other
areas of the body such as the ears, nose and eyelids.
Possible Causes
Bumps on the scalp can be caused by a skin
condition called seborrheic dermatitis. According to the MedlinePlus
website, this illness occurs due to the yeast malassezia and an excess
production of oil on the skin. Triggers may include stress, infrequent
bathing, alcohol-containing lotions and obesity. Red bumps can also be
due to a scalp infection called folliculitis. This occurs when the hair
follicles become infected by a fungus, virus or bacteria after becoming
damaged.
Treatment Options
Seborrheic dermatitis can benefit from
over-the-counter shampoos containing medications such as resorcin,
selenium, salicylic acid, coal tar or zinc. In severe cases, a doctor
can prescribe corticosteroid or ketoconazole shampoos. Scalp bumps due
to folliculitis can be remedied with topical or oral antibiotics. These
can treat the infection and help reduce any itching or inflammation.
Chronic or painful bumps that are boil-like may require surgical
drainage to increase recovery time and relieve pain.
Considerations
The MedlinePlus website suggests that a patient
contact a doctor or dermatologist if scalp bumps are persistent or do
not respond to home treatments. It is also important that the sufferer
treat the bumps carefully and gently. In the case of an infection, he
should wash the scalp two times a day using an antibacterial soap.
Shaving the scalp should be avoided as much as possible if suffering
from bumps on the head.
Dangers
Both seborrheic dermatitis and folliculitis can be
dangerous if left untreated. Besides causing embarrassment and problems
with self-esteem, both conditions can lead to serious fungal or
bacterial infections. These infections can eventually travel to the
bloodstream and lymph nodes. With folliculitis, painful boils can
develop beneath the skin's surface, resulting in extreme pain and
scarring. In addition, permanent hair loss can occur if the hair
follicle becomes destroyed.
By
0 comments:
Post a Comment