Could be psoriasis; if so, they are called 'plaques' and you might want to start using a shampoo made for psoriasis of the scalp: Anything with coal tar will help, summer sun will help...you can do a psoriasis search on these boards for a lot of good information. I have psoriasis of the scalp (so does my dad) and it is usually worse in the winter and spring. The stronger coal tar shampoos help a lot with the itching and scratching.