Scalp Bumps: What Causes Bumps on Scalp?
Bumps on the scalp can be itchy and feel horrible. However, you are not alone if you suffer from those itchy bumps on scalp. Hundreds and thousands seek effective treatments to get rid of those scalp bumps.
You have just come to the right page if looking for information on the painful bumps on scalp. Read on to learn about the indications, causes and home remedies to get free of those irritating lumps on scalp.
Symptoms of Bumps on Scalp
Before you start looking for treatment for bumps on scalp, it is essential to know the symptoms.
Certain conditions lead to the lumps on the scalp, and the condition can gradually spread to the neck or back if left untreated. Symptoms of those painful bumps on scalp include:
- The small pimples on scalp are round or oval in shape, and most of the time, they are harmless
- It is the painful lumps that one needs to be worried about
- Those lumps are colorless or dark brown, or they can even change their shape and color if irritated
- Thus bumps can form clusters on the scalp and feel hard to touch
- The bumps can turn red in color and get itchy or grow as small lesions
Also Read: Pimple on Lip: 10 Causes and Natural Treatments
What Causes Bumps on Scalp?
There could be several reasons behind the painful bumps such as infections, skin conditions, hair follicle inflammation, and allergies. It is important to find the underlying causes of the scalp bumps to get the right treatment.
1. Pilar Cysts
Pilar cysts, also known as trichilemmal cyst, develop as round lump on the scalp and are harmless. The collection of oil and dead skin under the top layer of the scalp are the main causes of pilar cysts. They can also develop because of the genetic reasons and can weaken the hair follicles if left untreated (1).
2. HPV
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) causes common warts but are not dangerous and can be removed easily. An injury lets the HPV virus inside and grows out as a painful, irritating pimple on the scalp.
3. Moles
Also referred to as Nevi, the moles can grow on the scalp and can be removed by cosmetic procedures. When skin cells grow in a cluster and spread throughout the skin, they develop into moles. It is essential to get the right information regarding moles on the scalp as they can become swollen, itchy and painful, or even start bleeding.
4. Epidermal Nevus
It is the outer skin, and there are single or multiple, and lesions are present at the birth time on the scalp. Nevus Sebaceous of Jadassohn surfaces as a yellow patch during the infancy, and the condition can further develop into bumps on scalp during the puberty and adolescent.
5. Solar Keratosis
Actinic keratosis or solar keratosis demands treatment from an expert dermatologist right away. Excessive sun exposure can lead to cancerous growths on scalp, as the skin can get damaged because of years of exposure to the sun. The risks are higher among the bald men (2).
6. Seborrheic Keratoses
Seborrheic Keratoses leads to lumps on the scalp that look like warts and can get itchy and uncomfortable. The medical condition of benign bumps tends to run in families and is hereditary in nature. The lumps can be colorless or dark brown in color (3).
7. Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic Dermatitis can lead to scaly and itchy bumps on scalp that hurt. Neurological disorders, season changes, and HIV or AIDS can lead to Seborrheic Dermatitis, which is perhaps the most common inflammatory skin condition among humans.
8. Hives
Hives are another reason behind the scalp bumps and can occur anywhere on the body, including the scalp. This skin condition can develop when any allergic substance enters the bloodstream with histamine. Some common triggers of the allergies include bug bites, pet dander, pollen, and shellfish.
9. Pimples on the Scalp
Tiny pimples on the scalp are another common cause behind those lumps, that can get difficult to hide and can be embarrassing. The reason behind the pimples could be folliculitis and seborrheic. The condition could be very bothersome if left untreated.
The above are the major causes behind a painful pimple on scalp, and once you are sure of the cause behind those lumps, you can start the treatment.
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Bumps on Scalp
Let your doctor examine your scalp and follow his suggestions carefully. He might recommend medications, surgery or ointments. However, there are certain remedies at home that can be tried to get rid of those bumps on scalp successfully. Read on to learn about the home remedies.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
One of the best natural remedy to get rid of scalp lumps is Apple cider vinegar. The astringent works by restoring the normal pH of the scalp and thus controls the development of bumps on the scalp. Apple cider vinegar conditions the scalp and has no side effects.
Also Read: Apple Cider Vinegar and Other Natural Remedies for Tickle in the Throat
2. Nutmeg Powder
Another useful remedy is nutmeg powder that can treat the infection caused due to bumps on scalp that hurt and make them go away. Take nutmeg powder and add it to four tablespoons of milk to form a paste. Apply on the scalp and rinse after an hour.
3. Neem and Heena
The antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties of Neem and Heena can help cure the bumps on scalp and prevent any spread of infection. Boil the Neem leaves and make a paste, and apply on the scalp. Heena paste too is very useful in controlling acne and infection of the scalp.
4. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil treats the scalp naturally and helps to get rid of those lumps and pimples on the scalp. Massage scalp gently with the soothing Lavender oil and control the infection on the scalp.
5. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil carries antibacterial properties and is thus very useful in fighting those infections and lumps on the skin of the scalp. You can mix tea tree oil with olive oil and massage the scalp with the oil mix. Leave the oil on the scalp overnight to treat the scalp pimples. Tea tree oil is known for its antiseptic properties and helps to remove dandruff as well.
6. Lemon and Tomato
Lemon and tomato are another traditional home remedies that can be tried to cure bumps on scalp. Mix the juice of lemon and tomato and rub the juice on the scalp. Leave the scalp for an hour before rinsing off.
7. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is highly reckoned for treating scalp conditions and for healthy growth of hair. It is one of the best natural treatments for scalp folliculitis and acne. You can also mix olive oil with the virgin, organic coconut oil and use the mix to massage your scalp.
8. Use Garlic on Scalp
Garlic is known to carry antimicrobial properties and can help fight infections and those bumps on scalp naturally. Mash a clove of garlic and apply the crushed paste on the scalp and you should get some relief in a few days.
9. Fenugreek paste
Fenugreek paste is an effective natural remedy for bumps on scalp, thanks to its amazing anti-inflammatory properties. Grind some Fenugreek seeds into a smooth paste and rub on those bumps.
When to See a Doctor?
Pimples can develop anywhere causing itching and redness. One needs to see their doctor right away if the medications or home-based remedies are not working.
Let your doctor get to the root of the problem and find the best possible treatment based on your skin type and the kind of bumps on the scalp.
Do not wait any further if the medicated shampoos or natural remedies are not helpful to get rid of bumps on scalp.
Sources:
Gohara M. MD, “7 Common Scalp Issues — And How to Treat Them!“, Good House Keeping website, Dec 10, 2015; http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/a35426/common-scalp-issues-how-to-treat-them/, last accessed Apr 30, 2017
“Cysts, Lumps, Bumps, and Your Skin“, WebMD website; http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/cysts-lumps-bumps, last accessed Apr 30, 2017
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