Small spots on the scalp can be caused by multiple factors. They can be nothing more than skin with different amounts of pigment or a symptom of an underlying condition. As such, they have different accompanying symptoms and treatments, which can range from topical ointments to prescription medications. Understanding the possible causes of your scalp spots can help you and your physician determine a treatment method quickly.
Scalp Folliculitis
Scalp folliculitis causes the hair follicles in the scalp to become inflamed. The condition is characterized by itchy spots or bumps on the scalp and along the hairline. According to DermNetNZ.com, the cause of scalp folliculitis is not greatly understood; however, the site suggests that folliculitis is a reaction to micro-organisms, such as yeasts, mites and bacteria. Your physician may recommend topical or oral antibiotics, as well as oral antihistamines for treatment and a mild shampoo.
Hyperpigmentation
Scalp spots may be the result of hyperpigmentation, a common painless condition marked by patches of skin that are darker in appearance than the surrounding skin. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, hyperpigmentation is caused by deposits of excess melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color. Hyperpigmentation can result from genetics, such as with freckles, or from sun damage, such as with age spots. It can also occur from hormonal changes, acne and injuries. Treatment for hyperpigmentation includes prescription creams or laser treatments. However, your specific form of treatment will depend on the cause of hyperpigmentation and your situation. Your physician can recommend the best treatment for you.
Scalp Psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis is another possible and common source of spots, with half the 7.5 million Americans with psoriasis experiencing the disorder on their scalp. Psoriasis is a noncontagious genetic disorder in the immune system. Like psoriasis on the body, scalp psoriasis is caused by skin cells that grow too quickly. These cells build up on the skin, resulting in itchy red lesions that have a white scale, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. Most of the time, scalp psoriasis occurs for those who already have psoriasis on the body. For treatment, your physician may recommend prescription topical ointments, such as Anthralin, or nonprescription tar products and products containing salicylic acid. He may also recommend no treatment, as the condition can go away on its own.
Considerations
Your scalp spots may be the cause of other conditions, such as vitiligo or an ongoing skin irritation. Vitiligo is a condition in which your skin becomes depigmented because of melanin loss, resulting in white patches of skin. This loss can occur on any part of the body and may be accompanied by whitening of the hair. According to Mayoclinic.com, the exact cause of vitiligo is unknown. There is no cure for the disorder. However, treatment is available to help restore the lost pigment. If scalp spots have a red tone and are accompanied by itchiness or inflammation of the skin, you may be experiencing skin irritation. Thus, since there are a variety of conditions that cause spots on the scalp, consult a physician for proper diagnosis.
Warning
Topical ointments and prescription medications may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction. Symptoms of skin irritation include redness, itchiness and rash. Symptoms of an allergic reaction on the skin are itchy red skin that may peel, according to MayoClinic.com. Allergic reactions caused by drug allergies include wheezing, hives, itchy skin, facial swelling and anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction marked by nausea, rapid pulse and loss of consciousness. Consult a physician immediately if you have an allergic reaction or suspect anaphylaxis.
