Red bumps on the scalp can be much more alarming to an individual with a bald or shaved head than one with a full head of hair. In fact, if you have hair all over your scalp, it is unlikely you will even notice a red bump if it doesn't hurt, itch or bother you in some other way. There are several reasons a red bump can develop, and in some cases, a lesion of red bumps may appear. Fortunately, it is very rare for these bumps to be chronic.
Types
There are many types of red bumps that can develop on your scalp. Bug bites can appear in varying numbers, depending on if they are the product of a single mosquito or a colony of lice living in your hair. Acne tends to appear in lesions, although it is possible for a single pimple to develop as the result of a blocked or infected pore. Razor bumps can appear on their own or in low numbers, but they are unlikely to develop widespread across the scalp. Most skin disease problems like chicken pox and measles can appear on the scalp but can also appear elsewhere on your body.
Itching
Because red bumps indicate that the skin has been irritated, there are several kinds that might cause itching to occur. Bug bites are the most likely reason, but diseases like measles and chicken pox can also cause intense itching on the skin. In the case of these diseases, though, the red bumps and urge to scratch will be noticed throughout the body. Itching can also be indicative of dead skin cells needing to be removed from the skin. These skin cells can agitate the skin and sometimes cause acne to develop.
Pain
Redness in bumps is a likely sign that there is swelling, inflammation and irritation on the scalp. Don't be surprised if this is accompanied by pain or sensitivity. Some types of red bumps, such as acne or some bug bites, are only painful when considerable pressure is applied. But acne can vary widely in its sensitivity. Additionally, razor bumps can be extremely painful to the touch.
Other Characteristics
Acne can be easy to identify if the red bumps, called pustules, develop a white head at the top. This white material is called pus, and it is produced when the body fights an infection in the skin. If you experience recurring red bumps on the scalp, you are probably dealing with an infection, parasite or chronic condition such as acne. Lice and bedbugs can cause this to occur and will persist until they are killed off.
Treatment
Treatment can vary widely depending on the cause of the bump. For most types of bumps, it's best to keep hair products off the scalp in order to let healing occur without the risk of further agitation of the scalp. Gentle washing can keep the skin clean and reduce the risk of infection. Some bumps need to heal over time, but pain and itchiness can be soothed with some lotion, and razor bumps can be aided in their recovery by gently pulling the sharp end of the hair follicle from the bump.
