Scabs on your scalp can be caused by dandruff, lice, and more. Learn about 14 possible reasons why your scalp is scabbing
Scabs and sores on the scalp are most often caused by dry scalp. Your scalp is protected by a natural barrier, controlled by the oil secreted by your sebaceous glands. When the pH of this barrier is damaged, it can cause your scalp to become dry and itchy.
14 possible causes of scabs on your scalp
- Dry scalp: Dry scalp is the most common cause of scabs on the scalp, often due to excessive hair washing, high mineral content in water, very hot water showers, harsh shampoos, and high heat treatments.
- Oily scalp: If your scalp is too oily, it can cause irritation and lead to scratching and scabbing.
- Dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis): Dandruff is small, white, flaky patches of skin that are usually located at the hair follicle site. It can cause itchiness that may tempt you to scratch and develop scabs.
- Contact dermatitis: Contact dermatitis is a type of allergic reaction characterized by red, dry scab patches on the scalp, which may cause severe itchiness and burning. The most common cause of contact dermatitis is frequent changing of hair products. However, it may also be due to other environmental toxins.
- Psoriasis: Psoriasis can affect skin anywhere on the body, but sometimes affects the scalp area as well. It causes silver or white scabs that can cause severe itching.
- Lice: Lice can also cause scalp itching and in rare cases may lead to an infection due to excessive scratching and scabbing.
- Ringworm: Ringworm is a type of fungal infection that affects your scalp and hair shaft. It may cause red, scaly skin with extreme itching and even permanent hair loss.
- Eosinophilic folliculitis: Usually seen in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), this condition causes itchy sores filled with pus that later form scabs.
- Seborrheic eczema: Seborrheic eczema causes your scalp to become irritated with small bumps that cause thick red scabs and swelling that can be quite itchy.
- Shingles (herpes): Shingles is a viral infection caused by the same virus as chickenpox. One of the most common symptoms of shingles is scabbing on the scalp.
- Lichen planopilaris or lichen planus: This skin condition may cause red bumps and scabs on the scalp, and often quite serious because it may cause scarring and hair loss.
- Poisoning: Poisoning due to heavy metals (thallium or arsenic poisoning) are a possible cause of the condition.
- Diet: Lack of proper protein and nutrition in your diet can also affect your scalp health.
- Burns: Damaged hair shafts and scabs may be caused by burns or other injuries.
What are the symptoms of scabs on the scalp?
Scabs appear as crusty raised areas on the scalp. They are usually yellowish but may also look reddish, black, or dark brown.
When your scalp develops scabs, the areas around the patches of rough skin become excessively dry. Several patches close together can cause larger scabs and lead to symptoms including:
- Burning or itching sensation
- Dried blood with or without pus formation
- Hair loss
- Flaking or crusting skin
- Bumps, blisters, or sores
- Bad odor
Scabs are usually a sign that your skin is trying to heal from an injury or a scratch. Constant scratching damages the outer layer of the skin. The skin tries to heal itself with the help of blood cells called platelets. These platelets stick together to form a clot that then hardens to create a scab.
If an injured area continues to scab up, the scalp tissue may become inflamed and may scar or develop bald patches.
How can I treat scabs on my scalp?
The best way to treat your scabs is to leave them alone and not scratch them. Scabs usually heal within 10-14 days if there is no underlying medical condition and if you refrain from scratching.
There are many over-the-counter shampoo and medications specifically formulated to treat scabs on the scalp, but it’s best to discuss treatment with your doctor. They may recommend a few home remedies that can help soothe your scalp:
- Hydrating scalp mask
- Warm compress
- Serums containing urea and ceramides
- Warm oil massage with coconut, jojoba, or tea tree oil
- Natural ingredients with antioxidants and antimicrobial properties:
- Aloe vera gel
- Lemon juice
- Neem leaves
- Apple cider vinegar
- Oatmeal
- Cocoa butter
- Sea salt
Depending on the underlying cause and severity of your condition, your dermatologist may prescribe antimicrobials, antihistamines, and even steroids, which come in topical, oral, or injectable forms.