A red bump on your scalp may seem like a reason to panic. However, most red scalp bumps that don't cause pain are usually due to treatable conditions such as scalp psoriasis, head lice or folliculitis, an infection of your hair follicles. These conditions usually are alleviated with a combination of over-the-counter treatments, prescription drugs or home remedies.
Identification
Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis, a chronic condition that affects the life cycle of skin cells. It can show up initially as small red bumps with scaling. Red bumps accompanied by itching may indicate head lice. Folliculitis can cause red bumps in the form of pimples or pustules.
Causes
Scalp psoriasis is caused by an immune system malfunction in which the dead skin cells on your scalp are shed too quickly, resulting in a buildup of lesions, bumps and scales. Head lice are tiny bugs that live in your hair; they're passed from person to person through close contact, shared hair brushes or clothing or bedding. Folliculitis begins when your hair follicles are damaged by friction, blockage or shaving; bacteria then infect the damaged follicles.
Medical Treatments
Treatments for scalp psoriasis include over-the-counter medicated shampoos with active ingredients such as salicylic acid or tar, and prescription ointments, gels or foams containing vitamin D analogues or corticosteroids. Severe cases of scalp psoriasis may require stronger oral medications. Head lice are treated with over-the-counter medicated shampoos and lotions containing 1% permethrin. If these remedies are ineffective, your doctor can give you a prescription-strength treatment. Folliculitis is treated with prescription topical or oral antibiotics or antifungal applications.
Home Treatments
Certain home treatments may be effective for the conditions that cause red bumps on your scalp, although not all of them are supported by medical research.
For scalp psoriasis, applying mineral oil to your scalp and covering your head with a shower cap before going to bed can help soften the scales for removal and reduce inflammation, advises Dr. Lawrence E. Gibson, dermatologist at MayoClinic.com. In addition, shampooing your hair daily can decrease the buildup of dead skin cells and scalp oils. Applying aloe vera gel also may be a helpful home treatment for scalp psoriasis.
Removing nits, or lice eggs, is an important part of treating head lice. Use dishwashing detergent to dissolve the "glue" that makes nits adhere to hair shafts, or apply olive oil to your scalp, then run a nit comb through your hair.
For folliculitis, applying a warm, moist compress to your scalp may help drain infected follicles, although antifungal medication or prescription antibiotics may be needed.
Warning
Always consult your doctor if you experience unexplained red bumps on your scalp. If your condition causes pain, bleeding or other troublesome symptoms, contact your doctor or a dermatologist immediately. It's important to obtain a professional medical diagnosis to discuss the appropriate course of treatment. Never attempt to self-diagnose your symptoms.
