Tiny bumps on the scalp can be alarming or, at the very least, irritating, particularly if you're not sure what the cause is. Small bumps on the scalp are usually no cause for serious alarm in mild cases, and are generally caused by two conditions. These bumps are often a sign of seborrheic dermatitis or folliculitis, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. It's a good idea to have the bumps examined by a doctor in order to rule out the presence of another underlying and more severe illness.
Symptoms of Folliculitis
Follicultis occurs in two main forms--superficial folliculitis and deep folliculitis. According to the Mayo Clinic, however, only superficial folliculitis causes the appearance of small, red bumps. It also results in symptoms that include itchiness, pus-filled blisters and red or irritated skin. Deep folliculitis is a deeper infection that affects your whole hair follicle and results in large bumps or pus-filled masses.
Causes of Folliculitis
Superficial folliculitis is caused by an infection, according to the Mayo Clinic. The infection can be caused by bacteria, a virus or fungi. When your hair follicles are damaged, they are more likely to become infected. Reasons that your hair follicles can become infected include shaving, tight headwear, friction, certain skin conditions or skin injuries.
Treatment of Folliculitis
According to the Mayo Clinic, the majority of mild cases of folliculitis resolve on their own. More severe or persistent cases may require medical treatment, such as oral antibiotics, oral antifungal or oral antiviral medications.
Symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis
Bumps on your scalp can also be caused by an inflammatory skin condition known as seborrheic dermatitis. According to Medline Plus, this condition also results in symptoms such as skin lesions, greasy plaques covering your scalp, itching, redness and, in some cases, hair loss.
Causes of Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic condition that usually results from an overproduction of oil and irritation from a yeast known as malessizia, a common yeast that lives on your skin, although there also appears to be a genetic component to this disease, according to Medline Plus. Certain factors can exacerbate this condition, including stress, environmental conditions or certain types of hair products.
Treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis
Over-the-counter medicated shampoos containing ingredients such as salicylic acid, tar or selenium are generally effective for treating mild cases of seborrheic dermatitis. Severe cases may require medical treatment, which usually includes the use of prescription-strength medicated shampoos.
