Scabs on Scalp: Symptoms, Causes and How to Get Rid of the Scalp Scabs

scabs on scalp

Many people suffer from scabs on their scalp. These scalp scabs can be the result of many different causes. But the important thing is finding scabs on scalp treatment that works for you.

If you have scabs on your scalp that won’t heal or go away, this information could help you.

Symptoms of Scabs on Scalp

Scabs on your scalp often look a certain way, and they are usually quite uncomfortable. If you have the following symptoms, you may be suffering from scalp scabs.

Each type of symptom could indicate a different cause, and thus many scabs on scalp treatment method. Review the symptoms to see which you may have.

1. Yellow Scabs

Some scabs appear yellow, with a crusty layer on top. It means that you have an infection underneath the scab. It could also indicate shingles disease. Your doctor may be able to prescribe you the proper medicine to treat this condition.

2. White Scabs

Other scabs appear white, sometimes with a white crust on top. This usually means that there is moisture or pus at the site of the scab.

3. Pus

Some scabs on the scalp can have pus in them. The pus can be white, yellow, gray, or green.

Each type of pus indicates a different kind of infection. And green discharge means the more severe infection. If you have pus in your scalp scabs, you should see a doctor.

4. Bruises

Sometimes people with scabs on their scalp can have bruises on their scalp. These bruises can go away and come back, or never go away. It can indicate a type of skin cancer called melanoma. If you think you may have these bruises, you should consult your doctor

5. Hair Loss

Some people with scalp scabs also have hair loss. Hair loss is also called alopecia. People with scalp scabs can have partial or complete hair loss. The hair loss can occur where permanent scars have formed from the scabs.

What Causes Scabs on the Scalp?

If you have scabs on your scalp that won’t heal, you may want to know what causes them. There are many different causes of scalp scabs. These are some of the most common causes of scabs on the scalp.

1. Dry Skin

Dry skin can cause you to itch. That itching can then cause scabs to form. Two kinds of dry skin disorders are eczema and psoriasis. These can both cause dry, itchy skin that results in scabs on your scalp.

2. Dandruff

Dandruff affects many people and causes itchy flaky skin. If the dandruff is mild, it may cause just itchy skin. But more severe dandruff appears scaly, with yellow and red pimples. Scratching at the scalp when you have dandruff can cause scabs.

3. Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a type of allergic reaction. It can happen when you use something you’re allergic to, like soap, shampoo, hair spray, etc. It can also happen in response to a known allergen, like poison ivy or bleach. The contact dermatitis causes itching and burning, and painful scabs.

4. Head Lice

Head lice infestation is when tiny insects infest the scalp. This condition is very itchy and can cause scalp scabs if you scratch at it. Mostly this is an infection that is spread among children, and it can be challenging to remove.

5. Hair Treatment

Sometimes the hair treatments you do can irritate your scalp. If you dye your hair or bleach your hair, it can irritate the scalp or cause an allergic reaction. Also, hair extensions, perms, weaves, and corn rows can irritate your scalp and cause scabs to form.

6. Ringworm

Some scabs on your scalp can be the result of an infection. One example is ringworm, which is a fungus.

In this case, you would see circular pustule clusters on the scalp, which form crusts and scabs. It is more often found in children than adults and requires treatment by a doctor.

7. Shingles

Shingles is another infection that can cause scalp scabs. Shingles is a virus that causes a painful rash on the skin. When this occurs on the scalp, there will be small crusty scabs on the scalp. This infection requires treatment by a doctor.

8. Melanoma

If your scalp scabs are accompanied by bruises, it could be a sign of melanoma. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can be caused by sun exposure. If you’re concerned about a spot on your scalp that has recently changed color, you should see your doctor.

9. Lupus

In some severe cases, scalp scabs can be an indication of lupus. Lupus is an autoimmune disease with many different symptoms. One of those symptoms of lupus can be scabs and lesions on the scalp, as well as redness and peeling of the skin.

How to Get Rid of Scabs on Scalp? Home Remedies to Try

If the scabs on your scalp are not severe, you can try to treat them at home. There are several home remedies you can try to resolve your scalp scabs. For scabs on your scalp that are new or mild, you can try these treatments at home.

If the scabs do not resolve or if they get worse, you will need to have them checked by your doctor.

1. Warm Compress

A warm compress can help relieve the itchiness and irritation of your scalp scabs.

Try soaking a towel in hot water and then wrapping it around your head for 15 minutes to soothe your scalp. Do this every day until the pain resides. It will help to soften the scabs and allow the skin of your scalp to heal.

2. Remove Irritants

If you have tried using any new products on your scalp, that could be causing your scalp irritation.

Try removing the products one at a time until you find the one that is irritating your scalp. Any products you put directly on your hair or scalp could be irritating the skin.

3. Humidifier

You can try using a humidifier in your home to help with your scalp scabs. When the air is dry, it can dry out your scalp and make it itchy. Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air and help your skin on your scalp stay moist.

4. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is useful for relieving skin pain and itching. It can also be used for your scabs on your scalp.

Spread some aloe vera gel onto the scalp scabs and let it sit for about an hour. Then wash out your hair with a mild shampoo. You can do this every few days until the itching resolves.

5. Warm Oil Massage

For a dry, itchy scalp, a warm oil massage can help relieve the pain. Try using coconut oil, olive oil, or your favorite type of oil.

Warm the oil and massage it into your hair, then leave it in overnight. Wash your hair in the morning with a mild shampoo. Repeat this process a few times per week until the itching on your scalp resolves.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has excellent antibacterial and antifungal properties. It could help resolve your scalp scabs if they’re being caused by a bacteria or fungus infection. The apple cider vinegar also helps to balance the pH of your skin on your scalp, which can relieve the itching.

Try this by diluting 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar in 1 cup warm water. Massage it into your scalp, then rinse it out, and repeat every few days until the itching resolves.

7. Oatmeal

Oatmeal can provide soothing effects to the skin. For your itchy scalp scabs, try combining uncooked oatmeal with water.

Spread the oatmeal paste on the affected parts of your scalp. Then after about ten minutes, rinse out your hair with a mild shampoo. You can repeat this daily until the irritation resolves.

Scabs on Scalp: How to Prevent Them

Just as important as treating scabs on your scalp is learning how to avoid them. The skin on your scalp is very sensitive. So there are ways you need to care for this skin that is different from other parts of your skin.

First, it’s important to avoid scalp irritants like hair dye. This is particularly abrasive on the skin and should be avoided if you have a sensitive scalp.

Try to avoid any hair treatments that are too tough on your skin and hair. Especially try to avoid hair dyes that have para-phenylenediamine as an ingredient. It is often a trigger for a dry scalp and can lead to scabs on your scalp.

You should also try to keep the skin on your scalp moist. When the skin becomes dry, it becomes flaky and itchy, which leads to scalp scabs.

To keep it moist, you can use a humidifier and apply the special moisturizing cream. You should also try to use shampoos and conditioners that are mild or gentle. These products are specially designed to be safer on your scalp.

When to See a Doctor

If your scabs on your scalp are not getting better, it may be time to consult your doctor. Often times, these scabs are just a minor source of pain or inconvenience.

And in those cases, the home remedies we shared here can be useful tools for you. But occasionally the scalp scabs can be an indication of a more serious problem. In the case that your scabs are getting worse, or spreading, you should see your doctor.

If the pain or discomfort from your scabs is interfering with your daily life, you should see your doctor. There are tests they can do to see whether a stronger treatment would help you. If you’re unsure, it is better to get it checked out by your doctor.

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