Common Causes of Scalp Bumps
Scalp bumps take various forms and, as a result, have several causes.
Most are related to scalp acne or various common scalp problems or conditions.
While commonly painful, irritating or (at least) discomforting, several of the
causes can be addressed either with shampoos, conditioners or scalp treatments;
and in the most severe form of bumps, treated by a dermatologist or
trichologist.
Bumps on the scalp are actually a condition that is more common than
most people realize. That is simply due to the fact that unless they are
severe, a person’s hair will cover them and effectively hide them from view.
Despite their frequent lack of visibility, any type of sore or bump on the
scalp can be incredibly uncomfortable, sometimes being painful or itchy
depending on the source. Here are some of the most common causes of various
types of
scalp bumps and suggestion on how they may be eliminated or reduced.
Acne
One of the most common types of bumps is pimples and these have their
own specific cause. Scalp acne has the same cause as acne anywhere else on your
skin: blockage of your pores. The pores can become clogged because of dead skin
cells, excessive oils or some other factor. When this happens, the sebum (oil)
that is released through them will be trapped and bacteria will multiply in
this area – often combining with latent yeast creating infection,
odor or smelly scalp. When the
bacteria cause the area to fill with pus and become inflamed, a pimple (bump)
is formed. As with facial acne, causes may lead to irritants, inadequate
hygiene, heredity, or failure to adequately “irrigate” follicle pores.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis of the scalp can also lead to the formation of sores or even
bumps. If someone has
scalp psoriasis, their skin cells reproduce too quickly.
Instead of taking a month to reproduce, it can happen in just a few days,
causing excessive amounts of skin to pile up causing scaly patches, inflamed
tissue and sores. These patches are itchy and if you scratch at them, they may
start to bleed, leading to infection or further sores and uneven, bump-like
scalp complexion. Similar to skin psoriasis, causes vary but are typically "triggered" by several factors - some known, some unknown. Typically considered immune system related, triggers my be heat, humidity, foods, chemicals, and even fabrics in hats, scarves, shirts, and even fabric softeners or detergents.
Allergies
Some people will develop bumps on their scalp due to an allergic
reaction in the form of contact dermatitis. If this is the reason, the sores
may be due to contact with an irritant. In some cases it can also be due to
contact with something that the body perceives as an allergen, causing the
immune system to act and produce the sores. The allergic reaction may be due to
any sort of irritant from environmental factors such as dust to cosmetic
products such as shampoo.
Eczema
Another consideration is eczema. This is a condition in which the skin
becomes irritated and although it can sometimes resemble an allergic reaction,
it is different. Experts still aren’t sure what causes eczema but they do have
several guesses. They know that it is related to genetics as it tends to run in
families (and is related to seasonal allergies and asthma). It can also be
caused by the environment (such as an area with heavy pollution), when the
immune system doesn’t work correctly or a defect that lets moisture out through
the skin barrier while letting germs inside.
Ringworm
Although less common, ringworm (tinea capitis) is another possible cause
of bumps on the scalp. This is a fungal infection and in most cases there will
be round areas found on the scalp that are usually red. They will not
necessarily be bumps, but they will be at least slightly swollen. In some cases
people with ringworm will lose hair in the area of the sore or also see smaller
black dots. Ringworm, as with other fungal conditions is often addressed with
antifungal or antibacterial shampoos to reduce fungi in the hair or scalp
tissue.
Causes of scalp bumps vary and may be treated by
taking general precautions of hygiene – frequent shampooing, using an
antifungal hair product, periodically using a clarifying shampoo (especially
those with a Zinc formulation), and by avoiding possible irritants that trigger
allergic reactions.
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