One of the most annoying and embarrassing skin issues we may encounter is scabs and sores on our scalp. Many times this happens without our knowing what caused it, and it can be quite mysterious. Because this abnormality can be easily seen and quickly pointed out, it can cause more embarrassment than other skin issues we may have on our bodies.

 

That's why it is so important to try to eliminate scabs and sores on your scalp as soon as possible. Another would be not to compromise your health, no matter how harmless these sores and scabs may seem. Some scalp skin conditions can cause permanent hair loss and scarring. So to combat these sores or scabs, if we have them, one must know how to identify them, what causes them, and how to cure them. We shall answer all these questions in this article, so read till the end!

 What are Scabs?

 Scabs are dry patches on your scalp that are rougher to the touch than the other parts of your scalp. These patches may be small, far apart, or close to each other, forming one big dry scab on your skull.

Usually, scabs and sores on the skull do little harm. They might not be contagious and heal on their own over time with the use of over-the-counter (OTC) treatment. That is different from saying all scabs should be left unattended. If not tended to in time, these scabs may become infectious, causing more severe issues.

Different Causes of Scabs

Several factors cause a scab to form; from which here are a few:

Drier than normal scalp

Our scalp is protected by a barrier that is controlled by the sebaceous glands, which are in charge of managing the oils one's scalp secretes. Oils from our sebaceous glands enter our hair follicles and secrete oily or waxy matter. With time or due to weather conditions, the PH of this barrier might get damaged, causing your scalp to dry. This dryness can cause scabs that cause itchiness.

Oily scalp

It is possible to develop scabs on an oily scalp instead of a dry one. The oil builds up in the scalp, resulting in irritation and itchiness.

Inappropriate diet

Those that are dieting might relate to this cause. While trying to lose weight through strict dieting in which one eats little to nothing, the body starts to lack protein and nutrition, which directly affects your scalp health. As a result, scabs can form, possibly leading to hair loss.

Infectious products

Scabs also form when one uses products containing chemicals that irritate the scalp. These products may include cosmetics such as hair dyes, shampoos, hair styling devices (straighteners or curlers that burn the scalp), etc.

Lice

Lice in your hair cause itching, and when you frequently scratch because of the itching, the skin will get irritated, and scabs will form. Unlike the other causes, this one is contagious, so you have to be careful not to infect someone else.

Natural Unknown Factors

Scabs can also form with what seems to be without reason sometimes. You may form scabs on your scalp due to a metabolic issue or a daily routine that exposes you to harmful chemicals. These causes of scabs can sometimes be the most difficult to find the cure for because of not knowing the reason.

How to Treat Scabs and Sores?

Every scab and sore has a potential cure depending on what type it is and what's causing it. Let's discuss different types of scabs and their treatment accordingly.

Scalp Psoriasis

This condition occurs when cells are replaced at a pace much faster than usual. Scalp skin cells grow and move to the scalp's skin surface too quickly, causing itchy, dry plaques on the scalp. This condition causes dry, itchy, and flaky patches resembling dandruff. Scalp psoriasis can be caused by the following:

• Having a poor diet
• Smoking cigarettes
• being overly stressed

How to avoid it:

 To treat it yourself, try to lessen your stress and lessen or quit smoking. It is best to consume a healthy, optimized diet to prevent this condition. Many diet tips can be found online for "scalp psoriasis diet." Also, try a targeted hair routine designed to let your scalp breathe.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact Dermatitis is one of the most common types of scabs that occur on the scalp. Contact Dermatitis is caused by the constant interaction of the human scalp with allergens and irritants. When these allergens contact human skin, they cause rashes that result in scabs. When these rashes are scratched, they form patches that cause further irritation.

Some common elements of daily life containing ingredients that cause contact dermatitis are:

• Soaps
• Shampoos
• Hair dyes
• Hair styling products
• Cosmetics

How can you treat it?

Contact dermatitis can heal itself over time. If you can identify the irritant that caused the rash and avoid it, usually, the scabs will disappear. If you can't determine what is causing the irritation, try some of our suggestions below.

• Place a cool, damp cloth over the scab for 15-20 minutes, several times daily, to soothe the rash.
• Massage your scalp with a moisturizer that doesn't contain hypo-allergic elements.
• Use an oatmeal bath over the rash to relieve it.

If these home remedies do not work, after consulting with your doctor, your doctor may suggest the following:

• Allergy pills to ease the pain of the rash.
• Use some corticosteroids either orally or through an injection. This medicine will soothe the inflammation over time.

 If the rash swells or becomes infectious, you can also take antibiotics.

1. Lupus on the Scalp

Lupus is a disease caused by the immune system of the body. In this disease, the body creates antibodies that attack the body's healthy tissues. The invasion of these healthy tissues causes inflammation, which leads to pain and rashes. When these rashes occur on the scalp, they are called scalp Lupus.

These rashes caused by Lupus can occur on different body parts, such as the face, scalp, and neck. In short, any area exposed to the sun can cause Lupus inflammation and sores. Lupus on the scalp results in hair loss and the formation of scars.

While Lupus is not contagious, it can quickly happen because exposure to the sun is something one cannot avoid. If you have this condition, applying sunblock or covering yourself before going out is a good idea.

How can you treat it?

 If the rash is at an initial stage and not too severe, corticosteroid creams or dapsone medicine can be used to treat this Lupus skin condition. If the situation becomes too painful, it is best to consult a doctor. If you prefer a natural treatment, Zentrio Naturals' scalp oil, with its anti-fungal formula, can help relieve redness and itchy skin. Containing vitamins A, C, D, and E, this remedy will not only moisturize your scalp but can also help prevent damage from UV rays.

 Folliculitis

This condition is caused when hair follicles get inflamed, sometimes causing pus pimples or irritated pimples to form around the hair follicles or the tiny openings from where the hair exits the skin. These pimples may result in bumps that look like acne and can spread through your whole scalp. These pimples can cause your scalp to be itchy and sore and can be embarrassing.

 

These factors mainly cause folliculitis:

• Excessive sweating that may cause bumps to form
• Spread of bacteria or fungal infection through the body
• Shaving that causes irritation
• Hair products such as conditioners and irritating hair dyes

How can you treat it?

Just like Dermatitis, through a process of elimination, try to find out what product you are using may be causing the irritation and avoid it. You can also try the following:

• If the spread of bacteria causes the disease, oral antibiotics may be taken to cure it.
• Anti-inflammatory medications such as topical steroids can be used if no infectious agent is present.
• A soothing shampoo and ointment may also be used to help lessen or eliminate this condition.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Also known as dandruff, this disease is the most common scab caused on the scalp of the human body. Even though it is not contagious, Seborrheic Dermatitis is easily visible and can cause public embarrassment.

This condition will result in itching, scabs, and dry flakes of skin that may be white or yellow. And it is one of the most challenging types of scabs to get rid of.

Doctors say it is caused by the dryness of the scalp and can be avoided by oiling the scalp now and then. But these treatments are temporary and do not ensure the permanent removal of dandruff from hair. Even using the best anti-dandruff shampoo may cause dandruff to return to the scalp.

How can you treat it?

Firstly, you need to accept that dandruff has no permanent cure. But by using the following treatments, you may be able to lessen this condition:

• Use shampoos specifically made for dandruff. While searching, look for items containing salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, and zinc.
• Consult a dermatologist. They may prescribe things having ketoconazole in them. It is essential to follow instructions on what amount of this drug to use, as the substance may cause itching and irritation. 
• If you want to try a natural, high-quality product, look at Zentrio Natural's No-Flake - Anti-Flaking Scalp Oil. It's an Avocado oil-based scalp oil infused with Lemon, Lavender, and Peppermint.

Impetigo

According to some doctors, this condition is a bacterial skin infection. This infection will cause sores and blisters on the scalp that cause itchiness and irritation. The most common way this condition becomes infectious is if it enters through a wound or cut.

Impetigo is a highly contagious condition and commonly spreads in younger children.

How can you treat it?

 If the wound is mild, there is no need to worry. However, if the infection becomes severe, bacteria may spread from one body part to another or from one person to another. This situation may require immediate medical attention and antibiotics or ointments.

 

Other Means to Cure Scabs And Sores

Home remedies or sometimes even doctor's prescriptions may not help eliminate itches and irritation caused by scabs. One of the worst parts of an infection is the annoying itching. Even though you may be tempted to scratch the rash, try to resist this temptation!

An anti-fungal scalp oil can make all the difference and help improve your scalp health. If you are looking for an alternative to over-the-counter treatments and would prefer an all-natural remedy, "Fight Fungal" can help you lessen or even help eliminate scabs and sores. It combines avocado, lavender, geranium, patchouli, and tea tree oils. All these ingredients are natural and harmless, can relieve itchiness, and help heal your scalp. It's always a good idea also to consult your dermatologist.

Final Thoughts:

Most people experience scalp scabs and sores at least once in their lives. Most of these scabs do not endanger your scalp or cause a severe problem, but they should be treated in time to minimize the risk of infection. Some conditions can also, if severe enough, cause scarring and hair loss, so it's best to treat them as soon as possible so that they don't get out of control. The only way to cure these scabs, if not altogether avoid them, is to have enough knowledge of what you are dealing with. If an emergency occurs or your self-treatment doesn't seem to be getting results, it may be best to consult a dermatologist.