Bumps on the scalp can occur with trapped hair follicles or acne, but they can also be an indicator of another health condition.
Bumps on your scalp can be a symptom of several different health conditions. Most often, these bumps indicate an allergic reaction or clogged hair follicles, neither of which is usually a cause for concern.
This article will help you determine the cause of the bumps on your scalp so you can know when to call a doctor.
Here’s a summary of the more common causes (and symptoms) of bumps on the scalp.
- Scalp acne and folliculitis can cause bumps that ooze or pus.
- Hives and dandruff can cause slightly larger, itchy bumps that may go away and reappear in another area.
- Lice may also cause small itchy bumps.
- Scalp psoriasis causes large, scaly patches with small bumps.
- Pilar cysts can cause large domed bumps that are painless.
- Skin cancer can cause small discolored bumps that are tender or easily bleed.
Folliculitis is a skin infection caused by damage to your hair follicles. This infection can result in raised red bumps that look similar to acne pustules. Other symptoms include pain, stinging, and pus drainage from the site of the infection.
Treatment
You can usually treat folliculitis at home. Try applying a warm compress or using antibacterial shampoo. At-home remedies may help reduce pain, discoloration, and drainage.
If you experience additional symptoms, such as a fever, or your symptoms do not improve, you may need to talk with a doctor. Sometimes, the infection may require treatment with an antibiotic or antifungal medication.
Scalp acne refers to breakouts that happen on your scalp. These bumps can be painful, itchy, red, or inflamed. They may also bleed. Like any other kind of acne, they can result from:
- bacteria
- hormonal changes
- clogged pores
Buildup from shampoo or hairspray can also cause scalp acne.
Treatment
Treating scalp acne sometimes starts with switching up your hair care routine. You can try avoiding oil-based hair care products, which can clog pores. Washing your hair often can also help reduce oil buildup.
If changing your hair care routine doesn’t work to treat your scalp acne, you may need to talk with a dermatologist for recommendations to avoid scalp acne.
An allergic reaction or hypersensitivity reaction to a hair product or something else in your environment can cause bumps on your scalp.
Hives may itch, peel, or feel dry and scaly. They typically appear quickly and last a short time.
A reaction can also cause allergic contact dermatitis, which may lead to bumps that ooze or crust. They may last longer than hives.
Treatment
After washing your scalp with cool water and rinsing off irritants, your allergic reaction may subside. If it doesn’t, or if you are having frequent recurring allergic outbreaks on your scalp, you may need to speak with a doctor. They may be able to help identify the irritant and prescribe treatment to resolve your symptoms.
Head lice are tiny insects that can live on your scalp. They’re highly contagious and can cause itching and bumps on your scalp. Scratching may also result in bleeding.
Treatment
Treatment at home for head lice usually begins with a special shampoo with insecticide ingredients. You will also have to comb through your hair with a special fine-toothed tool to find and remove lice eggs (also called nits). Getting rid of lice usually takes multiple treatments and removing nits every
If you have lice, you’ll need to treat all fabric surfaces in your house (such as pillows, bedding, and upholstered furniture) to prevent re-infestation. If at-home treatment attempts aren’t successful, a doctor may recommend a different lice medication.
Dandruff is a common condition caused by yeast overgrowth on the scalp. Symptoms include bumps on the scalp and scaly, dry patches of skin underneath the hair.
Stress and dehydration can make dandruff worse, as can itching.
Treatment
Using a special dandruff shampoo can often relieve symptoms. A doctor may prescribe a specialty shampoo for extreme cases of dandruff.
Pilar cysts are caused by keratin buildup in pockets of skin under your scalp.
The cyst itself is the only symptom, and you shouldn’t feel pain to the touch.
Treatment
Pilar cysts usually don’t require treatment. These cysts are not harmful to your health, but you may want to treat them for cosmetic reasons or if it feels uncomfortable. Treatment may include draining the cyst or having it surgically removed.
Pilar cysts can last for years or may go away on their own.
Scalp psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by thin, silvery scales in patches on your scalp. Sometimes these scales can feel bumpy to the touch, and they often itch. Scalp psoriasis can occur whether or not you have psoriasis elsewhere on your body.
Psoriasis is considered an auto-immune condition.
Treatment
Home remedies like soaking your skin in warm water and using special shampoos and conditioners may help soften and remove bumpy psoriasis plaques.
Your doctor may also recommend a prescription medication if your scalp psoriasis starts to cause other issues, like hair loss.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. Flesh-colored bumps on your head and recurring sores on your scalp can be indicators of skin cancer.
Though uncommon, other types of cancer can also metastasize to the brain or bones and cause bumps on the head.
If you notice a suspicious spot on your head, it’s best to let your doctor know at your next appointment.
Treatment
Skin cancer is treatable, especially if it’s diagnosed early. Treatment may include:
- surgery
- radiation
- chemotherapy, including in cream form
- removal of the affected area
The causes of bumps on your scalp range from benign conditions like a temporary allergic reaction to more serious conditions like skin cancer.
Bumps that keep recurring or don’t go away may be an indication that you need to speak with a dermatologist. If you don’t already have a dermatologist, our Healthline FindCare tool can help you connect to physicians in your area
It’s a good idea to talk with a doctor about any concerning bumps or lumps on your scalp. They can diagnose your condition and recommend a treatment plan.