A variety of health issues can cause bumps to form on the scalp, including sweating, folliculitis, acne, head lice, and eczema. Treatment will depend on the cause but may include medicated shampoos, ointments, and other topical products.

Many causes of bumps in this area are harmless, but receiving a prompt diagnosis and treatment can address any concerns and resolve the issue quickly.

In this article, learn about the health conditions that can lead to bumps on the scalp and when to contact a healthcare professional.

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Scalp acne can be similar to acne in other areas. A person may have raised bumps, whiteheads, or blackheads, which may be itchy, sore, or tender.

Scalp acne occurs when pores or hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells or oil. If someone has oily hair or adds certain products, they might be more susceptible to scalp acne.

Factors that may contribute to scalp acne include:

  • a buildup of hair products
  • washing the hair infrequently or ineffectively
  • sweating in a hat, hood, or beanie
  • regular delays between working out and washing the hair

Treatment

If scalp acne develops consistently, wash the hair more thoroughly and try hypoallergenic hair products.

If the issue persists or gets worse, contact a dermatologist for specific guidance.

Folliculitis is a common infection that develops in hair follicles. It can look similar to acne and causes raised, round, inflamed, and itchy bumps.

The infection develops when bacteria enter damaged follicles, and the underlying cause may involve:

  • shaving, plucking, or waxing,
  • spending time in an improperly maintained hot tub
  • wearing tight clothing or headwear
  • taking certain medications
  • gaining weight

Treatment

To relieve pain and help the skin heal, apply a warm compress to the area three or four times a day, for 20 minutes at a time.

If the issue worsens or the cause is unclear, contact a dermatologist.

Itchiness is the most common symptom of head lice, but bumps on the scalp can also indicate their presence.

Have someone closely examine the area for white eggs or moving lice.

Treatment

Treatment for head lice typically involves using medicated shampoo and combing the area to kill and remove the bugs and their eggs.

Learn more about treatment for head lice here.

There are many types of eczema, and two that can affect the scalp include:

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema that can develop anywhere on the body, including the scalp.

It causes the skin to become inflamed. On a person with darker skin, the affected areas may become darker, grayish, or purplish. On a person with lighter skin, the areas may redden.

In children, it typically affects the hands, backs of the knees, insides of the elbows, scalp, and face.

Seborrheic dermatitis

Adults with this chronic form of eczema on the scalp may notice color changes such as skin discoloration, as well as swelling and greasy scaling.

Beyond the scalp, seborrheic dermatitis can affect the:

  • nose, and sometimes just the sides
  • upper back
  • eyebrows
  • armpits
  • groin

Treatment

For eczema on the scalp, try medicated shampoos, creams, or ointments.

Learn more about the treatments for scalp eczema.

Scalp psoriasis is a condition that causes inflamed, sometimes thickened patches of skin covered with silvery-white scales.

Treatment

Combining care strategies, medicated shampoos, and topical ointments can help.

Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into contact with an allergen or irritant.

When this issue develops on the scalp, hair products containing fragrances or specific chemicals may be responsible.

When the scalp reacts to an irritant or allergen, such as a chemical, it can cause itchiness, a burning sensation, and sometimes blistering.

The reaction can occur within minutes of contact with the irritant.

Treatment

It is important to avoid further contact with products that may be responsible. Also, a healthcare professional may prescribe topical steroids.

Pilar cysts are fluid-filled cysts most commonly develop on the scalp. They form in the hair follicles and contain excess keratin, a protein in the hair, nails, and skin.

The cysts are typically large and smooth, and they may be tender. Sometimes, more than one occurs in one area.

Treatment

Pilar cysts typically go away on their own. To reduce the swelling and any tenderness, try applying a warm, clean washcloth to the area.

If a cyst becomes infected, a healthcare professional may prescribe antibiotics. Also, they may recommend the surgical removal of a cyst.

Learn more about the treatments for pilar cysts here.

Hives (urticaria) are a rash consisting of itchy, raised bumps. The rash forms as part of an allergic response, and it can affect any part of the body, including the scalp.

Treatment

Hives usually go away on their own within a few days. However, a healthcare professional can prescribe antihistamines or corticosteroids.

Learn more about the treatments for hives.

Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin, and it can form on the scalp. Healthcare professionals may refer to this as tinea capitis.

Symptoms include:

  • itchy skin
  • a ring-shaped rash
  • inflamed, scaly, cracked skin
  • hair loss

Tinea capitis is more common in children than adults.

Treatment

Creams, powders, and lotions do not work for ringworm on the scalp. Instead, a healthcare professional prescribes an oral antifungal medication that a person must take for 1–3 months.

Melanomas can appear on the scalp, as can:

  • Squamous cell carcinoma: These lumps can be flesh-colored with varying degrees of scaling, crusting, ulceration, and skin thickening.
  • Basal cell carcinoma: This type of cancer can cause a smooth, pearly bump to form.
  • Merkel cell carcinoma: This rare form of skin cancer can appear as a raised, red or violet patch of skin that is fast-growing, painless, and firm.

Unlike the other bumps or blemishes described above, lumps caused by skin cancer continue to change shape and size.

Treatment

If any bumps on the scalp may indicate cancer, contact a dermatologist immediately.

After diagnosing, they will describe the treatments, including surgical and nonsurgical options.

A person can treat most health issues that cause bumps on the scalp at home with care strategies, such as using warm compresses or switching shampoos and over-the-counter medications.

However, contact a healthcare professional about any unusual growths or symptoms of ringworm or atopic dermatitis.

Also, if any scalp issue persists or worsens, consult a dermatologist.

Bumps on the scalp can result from various health issues, such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, pilar cysts, hives, or ringworm.

Some causes of bumps, such as skin cancer, require urgent medical attention. But often, a person can address the issue at home.

If any lump, bump, or blemish on the scalp is concerning, or if home care is ineffective, contact a dermatologist or another healthcare professional.