Pimples, scabs, and sores on scalp??? - Skin Problems Message Board

chris5621 · 09-30-2008, 11:07 AM

For the past few months, I have been getting "pimples" all over my scalp. They start out red and sore, and end up with white/yellowish scabs. My scalp is getting very sore as the number/frequency of these pimples/sores/scabs keeps increasing.

I'm female, in my 30's, and have long, straight, very fine hair. I've also noticed my hair thinning quite a bit since these pimples started.

I've always had normal to oily hair, and have always shampood every day, sometimes twice a day. I have never had any adverse reaction or allergies or anything like that to any shampoos or products. I don't dye my hair, and I don't use any product or hairspray at all. I've never had dandruff. I've never had any other serious skin condition.

Since this started, I have tried several different shampoos/strategies. I've tried the nizoral and the head and shoulders. B/C of the oiliness, I've never used much conditioner...even so, I started trying different brands, and using less and less to the point that I've now completely stopped using conditioner. I've tried the neutrogena shampoo. I've even tried using a scrub brush when I shampoo! NONE of this has helped, and some of it has seemed to make it worse (particularly the h&s and nizoral).

What's happening to my head/hair??? Thank you so much for any advice or ideas you can give me!!!

AuntieLeela · 10-01-2008, 07:07 AM

The scales/scabs sound like scalp psoriasis. It can occur without any other skin involvement. Color can be slivery white to a sickly yellow. Sebo-psoriasis is scalp psoriasis with scalp seborrhoeic dermatitis on top of it, the lesions tend to be more yellow and greasy in appearance. Do the lesions follow your hairline or behind your ears? Have you tried coal tar shampoos?

Scalp acne is the mildest form of scalp folliculitis, an inflammatory condition of the hair follicles.

In your case it sounds like you been through the ringer

trying everything, maybe it's time to see a Dermatologist for a firm diagnosis and Rx strength products. You don't want to wait till there's irreversible hair loss.

Nexis · 10-06-2008, 07:44 AM

What a conincidence!

I had similar symptoms like you, had the pimples then warts, got nitrogen treatment to removed them. This was in December.

Today went back to the derm since I have severe scalp itching and flaking with redness.

I got a diagnosis for Seborrhea Dermatitis and will use a lotion treatment of "Ketoconazole" ( I don't know the brand name).

My doc took a scalp flake sample and found out that the the fungus "Malassezia" is the main culprit in the reaction on my scalp. This particular fungus likes to live in oily scalps. If you sleep with your scalp wet and damp without blow drying or letting it throughly dry out, it will be a breeding ground for the fungus.

Use a scalp cleansing shampoo and see your dermatologist. Hope you will be better.

nancy435 · 10-11-2008, 11:52 AM

Hi,
If the prescription shampoos dry out your hair or skin, try this:
I use Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (Bragg's) for my seborrheic dermatitis and sensitive scalp. I typically take about 1/4 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar and 1/4 cup of water and mix it in a spray bottle (1 part to 1 part). I spray it directly on my scalp, by combing through the different sections. Then leave it on for at least 10-15 minutes. Then I rinse it out and use a mild shampoo & conditioner. The longer the better. Its best to do it on the weekends or at night because it does smell. (2-3 times week)The worse you have it the longer it will take to see results. I started using the ACV because the Nizoral shampoo started making my hair really dry and brittle and it started to break and fall out. I have pretty oily skin and I needed to wash my hair every day. For the face, take a cotton ball and dab the mixture on the spots.
Good Luck!

zozzykid · 11-22-2008, 04:41 PM

hello everyone it is so nice to c im not suffrering alone iv had these scabs for 8 years no and it gets worse each year iv seen the dermo 3 times and tryed different shampoos,ointments,antibiotics,creams and im now on steroids for it in ointment form.my scabs start with a huge lump and my scalp is very sensative to touch then the scabs come and they weep and i cant help but pick wich has resulted in bald patches in my scalp.
Is anyone else got a solution to this proplem let me know coz its so depressing and its getting me down big time i just want to be normal.