Ulcers or sores on the head or scalp sores shampoo can hurt and can be embarrassing. Unless you are skilled at making selections from the back of the head, they can also be difficult to see.

What causes these bumps that can make things like brushing your hair painful?

It can be anything from minor local infections to signs of a health condition that can affect the entire body.

Most are not serious. However, it would be a good idea to consult your doctor if they bother you. This is especially true if:

Head ulcers last more than a few days or they do not heal.

It has many ulcers or they come back.

You have noticed any change in the shape, size or color of the bumps or bumps on the scalp.

Contact Dermatitis

The contact dermatitis occurs when the skin reacts badly to something that touches it . You could get it on the scalp because of shampoos or other hair products. Or it could appear from the rubbing on the head of a poison oak leaf.

Dermatitis causes red, itchy and scaly skin spots. When it is severe, it can also lead to ulcers with scab and suppuration.

If you stay away from the thing that triggered the rash, it should disappear in 2 to 4 weeks. So if the symptoms start right after trying a new hair product, change brands to see if that helps. Your doctor can also do skin tests to help find out what is causing the problem.

Cysts

These smooth and firm lumps can develop in the hair follicles. The follicles anchor each hair to the scalp. The cysts grow slowly and usually do not hurt, but sometimes they can swell and ache and can exude a thick liquid with a bad smell.

Cysts are harmless and usually disappear on their own. But if a cyst on your scalp bothers you, consult your doctor. You may be able to treat it with steroid injections to relieve inflammation, drain it or eliminate it.

Folliculitis

If a bacterium, a virus or a fungus penetrates a hair follicle, you can get this type of infection. It can look and feel like a pimple, a painful red bump with or without a white head. These sores can also have scabs and scabs.

The ulcer usually goes away without treatment. But keep the area clean and use a warm compress to make you feel better. If it lasts more than a few days, consult your doctor. You may need an antibiotic cream or other treatment, depending on the cause.

Lice

These small insects do not usually cause head sores. But they can cause a lot of itchy scalp. And scratching can lead to painful and even infected sores. If you have lice, you may notice your eggs (the size of a pinhead) firmly attached to the hair stems. You can also see insects, which are the size of a sesame seed.

Special over-the-counter shampoos may be enough to get rid of them. Talk to your doctor about other treatments if the shampoos do not work.

Ringworm of the scalp

Ringworm is a common infection caused by a fungus. Ringworm receives different names depending on where in the body it is. It is known as jock itch and athlete's foot. When it is in the head, it is called tinea capitis. It causes itchy skin spots and hair loss that can get worse over time. You may also have a painful sore filled with pus called a scalp querion.

Ringworm of the scalp is more common in children. But it can also affect adults. The best treatment is usually a prescription medication that you will take by mouth. Creams and powders against ringworm do not tend to act on the scalp.

Psoriasis of the scalp

This condition can cause red, scaly skin spots on the scalp. Because it often causes itching, scratching can cause bleeding and scabs. Psoriasis affects the entire body. Therefore, it is also likely to appear in areas other than the scalp, such as elbows and knees.

To treat scalp psoriasis, check with your doctor. Special shampoos with coal tar or salicylic acid can help control it. But you may also need medications, phototherapy or other treatments.

Seborrheic dermatitis

You probably know the mildest form of this type of eczema: dandruff. But it can also cause scaly and itchy scalp spots that can suppurate and form scabs. Symptoms tend to appear and disappear and may get worse in winter.

There is no cure for that. But some things like shampoos, medications and special creams can help with the symptoms.

Other causes

They are not as common, but many other conditions can cause head and scalp ulcers. They include acne, viruses such as chickenpox and a group of rare autoimmune diseases called pemphigus, which occur when the immune system attacks healthy cells.

Author's Bio: 

TM Root is a passionate writer and blogger