What Causes Scabs On Scalp

Sore, irritated scabs on scalp are not causes by any actual symptoms. Rather, they are caused by our response to symptoms of a condition. Scratching and digging at irritated skin can cause the skin to break and create a lesion. The lesion will eventually heal, and that’s when a scab will appear.

There is an array of conditions that can cause lesions to form, which then become scabs over the course of the healing process. These conditions can include eczema, dandruff, and sunburns. All of these are fairly common and troublesome, but of all the potential reasons that can lead to scabs on scalp, psoriasis is perhaps the biggest offender.

Psoriasis Symptoms And Treatments

Psoriasis is a common-place skin problem that is distinguished by featuring raised, reddish patches that can also become scaly in many cases. It can appear on certain areas of the scalp but it is possible to have psoriasis all over the entire scalp area. In some incidents, it has been known to spread to the forehead, to the back of the neck, and even behind the ears.

There is no cure for psoriasis, and that includes the scalp. It is not contagious, but it is still not known what the specific reasons for psoriasis are. It is generally believed that it is caused by abnormalities in the immune system.

Most scalp psoriasis cases are mild, but it is possible for untreated cases to become more severe. The itching and redness can vary with intensity from case to case, and it is entirely possible for it to become a debilitating problem. For example, if you find sleep to be almost impossible due to soreness and itchiness, then it is definitely time to make an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist as quickly as possible.

scabs on scalp

scabs on scalp

Scabs On Scalp

Flaking, the kind generally associated with dandruff, is another symptom. Scales that are silvery white in appearance are also common.

Psoriasis can be treated with over the counter medications in many cases, but more severe occurrences will require stronger dosages of products that contain salicylic acid or coal tar. Some products contain both. Topical treatments are usually used first, but the more challenging cases may demand other forms of medication. In extreme cases, laser treatments might be suggested.

Sometimes, hair loss can occur due to intense scratching, or attempts at removing the scales by force. Treatments and stress can also cause various levels of hair loss to happen. However, this is only a temporary problem. The lost hair is usually restored when the flair-up has subsided.

Dealing With Scabs

Whether your scabs on scalp are caused by sun burns, eczema, dandruff, or psoriasis, dealing with the scabs is the same across the board. You can avoid scabs in large part by simply not scratching. If you find yourself still stuck with scabs, there are a number of things that you should keep in mind.

For the scabs to heal quickly and painlessly, it’s important that you avoid the temptation to pick or pull at the scabs. This can cause the wounds to reopen, and the healing process to take that much larger to start and finish. Although scabs are usually not serious on their own, picking or pulling at them can potentially lead to the wounds becoming even more serious. In some extreme cases, it’s even possible for infections to occur. In these cases, if you’re concerned about the possibility of infection, an antibiotic ointment can kill bacteria, and help to promote faster, more effective healing.

Scabs that do not disappear after a long period of time may be underlying causes of a more serious problem.