Got a Bump On Your Scalp? Here Are 11 Possible Reasons Why

Stephanie Osmanski
·17 min read

A dermatologist an hair surgeon break down the most common causes.

Did you recently find a bump on your scalp? If your internal alarm bells are going off and the anxiety is kicking in, you should know that skin conditions are extremely common, with one in four Americans impacted by skin disease—33.3 percent of which sought out the professional help of a dermatologist in 2013. For your own peace of mind, of course, you're going to want that pesky bump looked at and taken care of.

Skin conditions run the gamut from the benign to the more serious. A bump on the scalp could be completely harmless, indicative of various skin diseases, or even malignant. But before you freak out, learn more about what could potentially cause bumps on the scalp by reading more on the issue below.

11 Causes of Bumps on the Scalp

Allergic contact dermatitis

According to the Mayo Clinic, allergic contact dermatitis is a rash that's usually caused by an allergic reaction. However, it has also been known to cause bumps.

Symptoms may include an itchy rash, hyperpigmented patches, dry, cracked, or scaly skin, swelling, tenderness, and yes—even bumps or blisters.

Related: These Are the 10 Most Common Chronic Skin Conditions—and the Most Important Facts to Know About Them

These bumps or blisters look like small hives and might ooze out the liquid and even crust over. They're usually itchy too. No, it's not cute, but it's most likely not that big of a deal—at least, medically.

Parade reached out to Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskayam, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Khrom Dermatology in Brooklyn, NY.

"Allergic contact dermatitis of the scalp is relatively rare due to the thicker structure of the scalp skin. Hair colors and styling products are the main reasons for allergic contact dermatitis of the scalp," Dr. Kazlouskaya explains. "It presents as a scaly, itchy rash, usually involving adjacent skin [on the] forehead or neck."

Though it's rather rare, allergic contact dermatitis can be caused by just about anything—exposure to cosmetics, fragrances, jewelry, or even plants. But if it's on your scalp, it's fair to assume that it's likely a product you've been using on your hair—maybe a shampoo, conditioner or other scalp product.

Related: How to Find Out If Your Sneezing and Watery Eyes Could Be Allergic Asthma

However, because it comes from an allergic reaction, it isn't contagious and it usually goes away within a few weeks.

How to treat: In most cases, allergic contact dermatitis will go away on its own. However, since it's super itchy, you can use a cool, wet cloth to soothe that discomfort.

Eczema

You may traditionally think of eczema as affecting any part of the body that stretches—elbows, knees, and the front of the neck. While the Mayo Clinic confirms that's true, one type of eczema, atopic dermatitis can also (annoyingly) develop on the scalp.

"Eczema—or atopic dermatitis—is a chronic condition presenting with itchy dry skin," Dr. Kazlouskaya says. "It usually happens in patients with a family history of eczema."

Medical News Today adds that eczema is more likely to develop on the scalp in children.

Eczema may look like patches of dry, inflamed skin—no matter where it's located. It may have a dark, gray, red, or even purplish appearance. It may also be greasy, cracked, thick, or leathery, according to K Health, and Dr. Kazlouskaya adds that how eczema presents depends on the person's age group.

Treatment options depend on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, it is sufficient to moisturize the skin. There are a variety of topical treatments available (steroidal and anti-inflammatory creams). For severe cases, injections of biological medication (Dupilimab and Tralokinumab) and oral immunosuppressive medications are available.

Related: No More Itching With the 14 Top-Notch Eczema Creams for Instant Relief

This is often itchy and frustrating to deal with as it can rub uncomfortably up against clothes or in the scalp's case, hats or head coverings.

A variety of factors can cause atopic dermatitis and even make a person more predisposed. These include stress, fluctuating hormones, changing temperatures, medications, and irritants like dye or fragrance.

You also may be more likely to develop atopic dermatitis if you have a history of alcoholism, cancer, depression, epilepsy, heart attack, HIV, psoriasis, rosacea and more.

How to treat: Usually, a topical steroid with the leading ingredient of salicylic acid is prescribed to take care of scalp eczema. Eczema.org also adds that if the area is infected, a dermatologist might also prescribe an oral antibiotic. You may also want to discontinue the use of any inflammatory products that exacerbate the scalp eczema—ie. hair products with fragrances and detergents.

Dr. Kazlouskaya adds, "Treatment options depend on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, it is sufficient to moisturize the skin. There are a variety of topical treatments available (steroidal and anti-inflammatory creams). For severe cases, injections of biological medication (Dupilimab and Tralokinumab) and oral immunosuppressive medications are available."

Folliculitis

Folliculitis looks like bumps that ooze, pus and crust over and it happens when hair follicles become either infected or inflamed, Cleveland Clinic explains. It's pretty similar to scalp acne as people who suffer from acne are more inclined to develop folliculitis. It can also be caused by steroids or shaving.

Related: Do You Have Fungal Acne?

While folliculitis can usually be treated at home rather easily, serious infections may require a dermatologist's attention—especially if it's very itchy, painful, or causing hair loss or scarring.

"Simply put, folliculitis is the inflammation of the hair follicles. It most commonly is caused by an infection with bacteria but can also be caused by a virus, physical injury or medications," Dr. John Kahen, MD, Chief Hair Surgeon and founder of Beverly Hills Hair Restoration, tells Parade.

Because there are different versions of folliculitis, treatment depends on which type:

  • Boils (furuncles)

  • Carbuncles

  • Eosinophilic folliculitis

  • Gram-negative folliculitis

  • Malassezia folliculitis

  • Pseudofolliculitis barbae

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa folliculitis (“hot tub folliculitis")

  • Staphylococcus aureus folliculitis

  • Sycosis barbae

How to treat: Folliculitis is usually cured by a topical steroid applied to the affected area or an oral antibiotic treatment. It usually heals within a few days and leaves behind very little scarring, if any.

Dr. Kahen adds, "If you think you may be experiencing folliculitis, see your healthcare provider and they can prescribe you an antibiotic or antifungal topical treatment, and an anti-inflammation treatment."

Hair loss

Hair loss is also a cause of bumps on the scalp. Surprising as it may be, hair loss—or rather, a rare form of alopecia—can leave behind raw, scratchy patches of skin that get inflamed with sores. These sores kind of look like pimples but are usually present only on patches of dry, cracked skin where there is no hair present. Also known as folliculitis decalvan, the bumps left behind by alopecia are usually small, blister-like and full of pus.

"When your body’s natural hair growth cycle is disrupted and hair growth stalls or hair sheds, you experience hair loss," Dr. Kahen explains. "It can be from a variety of factors including genetics, aging or seasonal changes. You may notice a thinning of the hair, especially at the front hairline which is oftentimes where it first occurs."

Dr. Kahen adds, "Folliculitis can cause hair loss and the inflammation and damage on the scalp can also lead to bumps and patches."

According to the Cleveland Clinic, this type of hair loss is usually caused by a Staph infection. The bacteria not only cause balding but also leave behind scars and painful pustules. Unfortunately, the entire hair follicle may die off, which means that hair might not grow back in that area.

Related: Here's Everything You Need to Know About the Hair Loss Condition Alopecia

However, hair loss might also be an indication of another cause of bumps on the scalp: ringworm. (More on that below).

How to treat: At its core, folliculitis decalvan is a type of inflammation, so corticosteroids are usually prescribed to soothe the inflammation; Accutane is usually prescribed for the residual pustules and antibiotics are also prescribed in order to beat the Staph A infection. In some cases, a doctor may use photodynamic therapy—a combo of light energy and photosensitizer—to destroy the affected cells.

Though it's often used to destroy cancer cells, photodynamic therapy is also used by dermatological surgeons looking to treat scales and dry skin on the face and scalp.

"Minoxidil is a common treatment to start with for hair loss, it can be obtained over-the-counter or prescription strength," Dr. Kahen explains. "If you are still noticing major hair loss with no sign of growth, you can look into a hair transplant procedure."

Lice

Anyone who's ever attended public school has likely heard the horror story that is lice. There are three main types of lice—head, body and pubic lice—but the one you have to worry about most when it comes to the scalp is head lice.

"Lice infestation is a parasitic condition caused by the head, body or pubic types of lice," Dr. Kazlouskaya explains. "Infestation presents with itchy bumps and scratch marks. When parasites are numerous, one can notice them on the skin."

These small insects feed on human blood and easily spread from person to person, making them extremely contagious (hence the in-school lice lectures). Since they're so tiny, lice can be difficult to spot but you may notice other symptoms like intense itchiness, ticklishness, lice eggs (called nits), and small red sores on the scalp, neck and shoulders. These sores can sometimes get infected, causing them to grow inflamed.

Related: Does Rice Water Lead to Stronger, Glossier Hair?

Lice jump from person to person, so unfortunately, there's no way to prevent them since it's all transferred through contact—from person to person, belongings, or even furniture. However, according to Mayo Clinic, you're less likely to get lice if you avoid too-close contact.

How to treat: Lice are notoriously tricky to get rid of, but it's not impossible. Most people start by trying out a shampoo or lotion containing permethrin, a synthetic that kills lice. The other ways to treat lice include the oral drug Ivermectin and topical prescription drugs like Malathion or Spinosad (though these drugs aren't recommended for children under 33 pounds or in most cases, those under 6 years old.

Dr. Kazlouskaya adds, "Antiparasitic medications such as permethrin are used to treat lice."

Pilar cysts

If you've watched Dr. Pimple Popper, then you've definitely seen a video of these keratin-filled cysts that grow from hair follicles. The good news is most pilar cysts, which are also known as trichilemmal cysts, are non-cancerous.

"A scalp cyst is a benign proliferation from a hair follicle. Usually, it presents as a firm bump," Dr. Kazlouskayam explains.

To determine if it's a pilar cyst, you should try touching it. Is it smooth to the touch? Is it super mobile? Both are common features in pilar cysts. (The surrounding area might also stink!) According to Cleveland Clinic, pilar cysts are also usually the same color of your skin and they generally take years to grow big enough for you to notice them.

Related: Watch the Giant Cyst Sac Removal That Even Made Dr. Pimple Popper Say 'Wow'

Pilar cysts occur when there is a build-up of old skin cells and keratin. They form a kind of super-bump together and instead of falling off the scalp, they keep growing together. Some people are more predisposed to developing pilar cysts because there is a genetic component to them as well.

Related: The Most Satisfying Blackhead-Popping Videos From Dr. Pimple Popper

But in some cases, pilar cysts have been known to form on the skin even in places where there is no hair follicle. This is often due to that skin area suffering some kind of trauma that results in inflammation.

Related: How to Get Rid of Acne Scars

How to treat: Pilar cysts definitely require the attention of a dermatological surgeon who will likely have to shave the area, remove the cyst, and close it up with stitches.

However, there are plenty of people that live with cysts for a long time. Since they are benign, they don't always require treatment unless they are a bother.

"There is no need to treat a scalp cyst unless it is painful or inflamed," Dr. Kazlouskaya says. "They may be surgically removed due to pain, inflammation, or cosmetic concerns. It is important to have a physician evaluate a cyst to verify the diagnosis."

Psoriasis

According to Medical News Today, more than 7.5 million people in the U.S. are plagued with psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune disease that occurs when the body goes into overdrive and it attacks itself. As a result, it speeds up skin cell growth and results in thick, raised, red patches—or plaques—and often, silver scales. Scalp psoriasis is usually found at the hairline, forehead, back of the neck and around the ears.

"Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease with genetic predisposition," Dr. Kazlouskaya explains. "It presents with red flaky areas that are usually very itchy when affecting the scalp."

While it's not contagious, psoriasis is often confused with other skin diseases like eczema or other types of rashes, which can make it tricky to diagnose (subjecting you to more pain in the process). Like many other skin diseases, psoriasis can either itch, sting or burn.

Related: Does Dove Soap Really Cure Acne?

Unfortunately, it's not exactly known what causes psoriasis, however, there are certain risk factors that increase its likelihood—stress, depression, obesity, drinking alcohol, smoking, taking medications infrequently, and the presence of other autoimmune diseases. As Dr. Kazlouskaya mentioned, it also has a lot to do with genetics.

How to treat: Psoriasis can be treated with topical creams, ultraviolet light therapy, phototherapy, and/or drugs like methotrexate. However, there is no absolute cure for psoriasis—the only way to manage the pain and flare-ups.

Dr. Kazlouskaya adds, "Other skin areas, nails, and joints may also be [affected]. There are many remedies for psoriasis, and treatment usually depends on the disease's severity. Steroid creams, solutions, and shampoos are usually initially used for the scalp."

Ringworm

Ringworm—a contagious fungal infection that affects the body skin or scalp—is no picnic in the park. In appearance, it's usually scaly, red, and very itchy. It may even cause bald patches (especially in children) and it gets its name from its circular, ring-like appearance.

"Ringworm is a fungal infection. In the US, scalp ringworm usually is caused by Trichophyton fungus and is transmitted by contact with the sick person," Dr. Kazlouskaya says.

Ringworm can worsen (if you can believe it) and cause an even more serious inflammation known as a kerion, according to Mayo Clinic. Kerion looks like swollen, raised bumps that drain pus. It also causes parts of your scalp to crust over with a thick, yellow layer.

Related: How to Get Rid of Dandruff—Fast

Kerion causes the hair on the scalp to fall out, which can also cause scarring and even permanent hair loss.

Spread by contact—either from humans, animals or even infrequently cleaned surfaces like wrestling mats—it's very difficult to prevent ringworm. To keep the fungus that causes ringworm at bay, you'd have to limit your contact with others as well as potentially infected animals and surfaces.

Related: Here's What to Do If You're Struggling With an Adult Acne Breakout

How to treat: Ringworm is most often treated with oral antifungal medications like griseofulvin, terbinafine, itraconazole, or fluconazole. These meds are typically taken until the hair grows back. For scalp ringworm in kids, it may also be recommended to wash their hair with prescription-strength shampoo.

Seborrheic dermatitis

According to Cleveland Clinic, seborrheic dermatitis looks like red, dry, flaky itchy skin and thankfully, can be easily cured by medication. It's also not contagious, but it can leave behind crusty, itchy flakes. Also known as dandruff (and "cradle cap" when present on an infant's scalp), seborrheic dermatitis can occur anywhere with a sebaceous oil gland. As you can probably guess, the scalp is full of those!

"Seborrheic dermatitis is a type of eczema. It presents with dandruff, redness and itching of the scalp," Dr. Kazlouskaya explains.

Related: What Is Hormonal Acne?

This condition affects lots of people—about 11 percent of the population, Cleveland Clinic explains.

How to treat: The bumps caused by seborrheic dermatitis (or dandruff) can get swollen, greasy, and flake off, so you can try to remedy it at home with specially formulated shampoos or ointments.

"Anti-inflammatory and antifungal shampoos—Nizoral for example—and sometimes topical steroids are used for treatment," Dr. Kazlouskaya says.

Scalp acne

Just when you thought acne only affected your face, neck, and back, leave it to pimples to figure out a way to also pop up on your scalp. Acne can appear on your scalp—and actually anywhere on your body—because it originates from hair follicles. When a hair follicle gets clogged due to sweat, oil, yeast, fungus, or even product buildup, you're more at risk for developing acne on your scalp.

Scalp acne can present as small red bumps, whiteheads, inflamed or swollen bumps, or pus-filled cysts, the Cleveland Clinic says.

"It presents as itchy bumps around the hair," Dr. Kazlouskayam explains, adding that it's easily treated with shampoo with salicylic acid or ketoconazole, or topical or oral antibiotics."

It can also occur due to genetics, stress, friction, or hormones, but no matter the cause, scalp acne can be annoying, uncomfortable, and in some cases, even painful.

Related: How to Get Rid of Bacne, According to Dermatologists

How to treat: Scalp acne treatment depends on what's causing it; treatments may include switching out hair products, washing hair more often, or taking oral medications or topical steroids.

Skin cancer

The most serious reason why bumps may appear on the scalp is skin cancer, however, take comfort in the fact according to the AAD, it's the most common cancer in the U.S. More than 9,500 people are diagnosed per day.

However, a skin cancer diagnosis, of course, can be alarming. But not to worry—because it's so common, skin cancer is treated successfully every day and it's not too invasive compared to other cancer treatments.

"There are numerous skin cancer types including basal, squamous cell cancers, and melanoma among the most common ones," Dr. Kazlouskaya explains. "The presentation may be different depending on the type of cancer. Cancers may look like a non-healing pimple, a thick scaly spot, or a dark, changing mole."

Related: Treatment Options for Skin Cancer

It usually presents as small red bumps on the scalp but unlike scalp acne (which can appear similarly), some skin cancer can look more like a sore or even a flesh-colored bump with a waxier texture than acne.

The appearance of skin cancer on the scalp depends on what kind of cancer it is: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma.

The main cause of skin cancer—on the scalp or really, anywhere—is sun exposure therefore the most effective way to prevent it is limiting exposure, wearing a hat while outdoors, and applying sunscreen to visible parts of the scalp.

How to treat: "Usually a biopsy (taking a small sample of the skin) is needed to confirm the diagnosis," Dr. Kazlouskaya says. "Treatment depends on the cancer type, but usually, excision of the area (skin surgery) is performed."

Next up, the best cyst-popping videos of all time.

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