Red spots on back of head
Red spots on scalp: Pictures, causes, and treatments
Various skin conditions can cause red spots on the scalp. Although many do not have a cure, a range of treatments can ease the symptoms.
This article explores some of the conditions that may cause red spots to form on the scalp, what they may look like, and what treatments may help.
Various skin conditions may cause red spots on the scalp:
Scalp psoriasis
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, over 60% of people with psoriasis have scalp psoriasis.
Scalp psoriasis can affect the scalp, hairline, the back of the neck, the forehead, or the skin behind the ears.
Symptoms include:
- itching
- bleeding
- temporary hair loss
- soreness or burning sensation
- red patches on the scalp
- fine silvery-white scales that look like dandruff
- thick, crusty plaques that cover the entire scalp
Cold temperatures, dry air, and stress can trigger a scalp psoriasis flare-up.
Learn more about scalp psoriasis here.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is a skin infection that affects the hair follicles. It can occur anywhere on the body except the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Folliculitis looks similar to an acne breakout. Its spots may have a red ring around them. It occurs due from damage to hair follicles, which allows germs to enter and trigger an infection.
Hair follicle damage may occur if a person rubs or touches their skin frequently, wears tight clothing or hats often, shaves regularly, or if the skin gets damp or hot and rubs against other areas of skin or clothing.
Sometimes, folliculitis can make the skin painful or itchy, but a person may not experience any symptoms aside from the skin spots.
Learn more about scalp folliculitis here.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a type of eczema that can look similar to psoriasis. A person with this condition usually has a dry, red scalp, with thick, greasy, white, or yellow scales.
In teenagers and adults, seborrheic dermatitis can develop where the skin produces more oil. It can also occur on the sides of the nose, around the eyebrows and scalp, and on the male chest.
Learn more about seborrheic dermatitis here.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection that can occur anywhere on the body.
Its appearance depends on its location on the body. Ringworm on the scalp may result in:
- intense itchiness
- a scaly bald patch
- widespread baldness with thick, crusty patches on the scalp
- black dots on the bald patch
- open sores that leak pus
- a raised area of skin that is spongy and inflamed
- swollen lymph nodes
Learn about scalp ringworm, or tinea capitis, here.
Acne
Most acne pimples develop on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders.
The exact cause of acne is not known, but experts believe that changes in hormone levels, certain medications, make-up, and hereditary factors may play a part.
Acne can show up in several different ways:
- whiteheads: pimples underneath the surface of the skin
- blackheads: pimples that appear on the skin surface and look black
- papules: pink, tender bumps
- pustules: pimples that are red at the bottom and have pus on top
- nodules: large, solid, and painful bumps deep under the skin
- cysts: deep, painful pimples filled with pus that can cause scarring
Learn more about scalp acne here.
Lichen planopilaris
Lichen planopilaris is a type of hair loss that is due to a skin disease called lichen planus. Lichen planopilaris destroys hair follicles while scar tissue grows over them, stopping hair from growing.
Experts believe problems in the immune system trigger this condition. Symptoms include:
- redness of the hair follicle
- scaling of the hair follicle
- rough scalp texture
- smooth and shiny skin where hair follicles have been destroyed
It often develops in patches but can affect large areas of the scalp.
Head lice
Head lice are small, grey or brown insects that live on the scalp. They can affect anyone with any hair length.
A person usually spreads lice through head contact. Those who share hats, hairbrushes, combs, or pillows can make it easier to spread these insects.
Symptoms include:
- small yellow or white eggs that attach close to the base of the hair
- brown or grey lice
- louse droppings that look like dark specks on pillows or clothing
- scratches on the scalp
- sticky or weeping skin on the scalp
- itchy pink bumps around the scalp edge and the back of the neck
- enlarged glands on the neck
Learn more about head lice here.
Not every scalp condition has a cure, and treatments may focus on managing the symptoms.
Medical treatments
Various treatments can help with several of the following triggers for spots on the scalp:
Acne: People can treat acne that occurs on the scalp with medicated shampoos.
They can also be effective against scalp psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and bacterial and fungal infections of the scalp.
Scalp psoriasis: People can use topical steroid creams and tars to treat scalp psoriasis. Phototherapy, which uses UV light to slow skin cell growth, can also improve symptoms.
Seborrheic dermatitis: To treat seborrheic dermatitis, mineral oils or petroleum jellies are available for infants, while adults can use anti-fungal cream and medicated shampoos. In severe cases, doctors may prescribe topical corticosteroids, while non-steroid creams are also available.
Lichen planopilaris: People can treat lichen planopilaris with steroid injections, topical gels or creams, or oral medications.
Home treatment
People can manage seborrheic dermatitis at home by regularly moisturizing and washing the skin with gentle zinc cleansers.
To treat head lice infestation, people can use insecticides in gels, lotions, or sprays.
They should regularly wash combs and brushes in hot water to help stop the spread of lice. Caregivers should also routinely check for lice in school-age children.
If symptoms do not clear with over-the-counter medications or home treatments, it may be time to see a doctor.
Infections can become serious, and medical professionals can prescribe antibiotics or refer people to specialist help if necessary.
Doctors can also help people with scalp conditions receive the correct diagnosis.
Many scalp conditions are treatable, and they can affect anyone. A variety of creams, lotions, and other techniques, such as light therapy or steroid injections, can help ease symptoms and clear up certain scalp issues.
Bumps on Scalp: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
Bumps on your scalp can be a symptom of a few different health conditions. Most of the time, these bumps indicate an allergic reaction or clogged hair follicles, neither of which is usually a cause for concern.
This article will help you narrow down the cause of the bumps on your scalp so that you can figure out your next steps and know when to call a doctor.
Here’s a summary of the more common causes (and symptoms) of bumps on the scalp. More information about each condition follows.
| Symptoms | Causes |
| small itchy bumps | hives, dandruff, lice |
| small red bumps | scalp acne, skin cancer |
| large scaly patches with small bumps | scalp psoriasis |
| bumps that ooze or pus | folliculitis |
| large, domed bumps without pain | pilar cysts |
Folliculitis is a skin infection caused by damage to your hair follicles. This infection can result in raised red bumps that look similar to acne pustules. Other symptoms include pain, stinging, and pus drainage from the site of the infection.
Treatment options start at home.
A warm compress or antibacterial shampoo may improve symptoms of pain, redness, and drainage. If home remedies don’t work, you may need a prescription option from a doctor.
Scalp acne refers to breakouts that happen on your scalp. Like any other kind of acne, they can be caused by bacteria, hormones, or clogged pores. Buildup from shampoo or hairspray can also cause scalp acne. These bumps can be painful, itchy, red, or inflamed. They may also bleed.
Treating scalp acne sometimes starts with switching up your hair care routine. Cut back on oil-based products and make sure to wash your hair often to avoid oil buildup. If changing your hair care routine doesn’t work to treat your scalp acne, you may need to see a dermatologist.
An allergic reaction to a hair product or something else in your environment can cause bumps (hives) on your scalp. This condition is called allergic contact dermatitis.
Hives may itch, peel, or feel dry and scaly. After washing your scalp with cool water and rinsing off irritants, your allergic reaction may subside.
If it doesn’t, or if you are having frequent recurring allergic outbreaks on your scalp, you may need to speak with a doctor.
Head lice are tiny insects that can live on your scalp. They’re highly contagious and can cause itching and bumps on your scalp.
Treatment at home for head lice usually begins with a special shampoo with insecticide ingredients. You will also have to comb through your hair with a special fine-toothed tool to find lice eggs (also called nits).
If you have lice, you’ll need to treat all fabric surfaces in your house (such as pillows, bedding, and upholstered furniture) to prevent reinfestation. A doctor may prescribe an over-the-counter lice treatment if at-home treatment attempts aren’t successful.
Atopic dermatitis is also known as dandruff. This common condition can be caused by a yeast overgrowth on your scalp, or by hair products that are drying out your scalp. Symptoms include bumps on your scalp as well as scaly, dry patches of skin underneath your hair.
Stress and dehydration can make dandruff worse. So can itching. Using a special shampoo can often relieve symptoms of dandruff. In extreme cases of dandruff, your doctor may need to give you a prescription for a specialty shampoo.
Pilar cysts are caused by keratin buildup in pockets of skin under your scalp. These cysts are not harmful to your health, but you may want to treat them for cosmetic reasons. Treatment may include draining the cyst or having it surgically removed.
The cyst itself is the only symptom, and you shouldn’t feel pain to the touch. Pilar cysts can last for years, or may go away on their own.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. About 13 percent of malignant skin cancer is found on the scalp. Flesh-colored, waxy bumps on your head and recurring sores on your scalp can be signs of skin cancer.
If you notice a suspicious spot on your head, you should show your doctor at your next appointment.
Skin cancer is very treatable, especially if it’s diagnosed early in the progression of the condition.
Treatments may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and cryogenic removal of the affected area.
Scalp psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that’s characterized by thin, silvery scales in patches on your scalp. Sometimes these scales can feel bumpy to the touch, and they often itch. Scalp psoriasis can occur whether or not you have psoriasis elsewhere on your body.
Psoriasis is considered an auto-immune condition. Soaking your skin in warm water and using special shampoos and conditioners can help soften and remove bumpy psoriasis plaques.
Your doctor may also recommend prescription medication if your scalp psoriasis starts to trigger other conditions, like hair loss.
The causes of bumps on your scalp range from benign conditions like a temporary allergic reaction to more serious conditions like skin cancer.
Most cases of bumps on your scalp will resolve on their own after a rinse in the shower and some gentle scrubbing.
Bumps that keep recurring or don’t go away may be an indication that you need to speak to a dermatologist.
If you don’t already have a dermatologist, our Healthline FindCare tool can help you connect to physicians in your area
It’s a good idea to talk with a doctor about any concerning bumps or lumps that you notice on your scalp. They can diagnose your condition and recommend a treatment plan.
Spot on the back of the head in a child
07/12/2021 Reading time: 2 min 77561
When a child is born with a red spot on the back of the head or back of the neck, it is said to have been carelessly carried by a stork, and the spot itself is called a stork bite. It is clear that this is a joke explanation.
But where, then, are the marks, if the stork has nothing to do with it? The answer must be sought not in folk legends, but in medical sources.
Spot of a stork. What is it and why is it formed?
In the medical literature, the stork's spot has a completely non-fabulous scientific name: Unna's nevus or a simple nevus. It can be located not only on the back of the head or on the back of the neck, but also on the forehead, eyelids of the baby. In this case, it is called the "kiss of an angel."
There is an opinion that these spots are the result of traumatic childbirth, in which the baby's head was squeezed for a long time, but scientists refute it. They say that a simple nevus is still being laid in utero. It is formed due to a failure in the laying of blood vessels: in this area they are slightly expanded and blood flow is increased in them, so the skin here is more pink. Another version - a stork spot is formed in the place where the child's head is pressed against the mother's sacrum in the later stages.
Due to pressure, the capillaries dilate and a stain results: have you ever woken up with red marks from the pillow on your face? It's about the same here.
Be that as it may, almost half of babies are born with a simple nevus on the face. You shouldn't be afraid of him. It's not a disease. There is no fault of the mother that the child is born with a mark on the back of the head, and she cannot somehow prevent her appearance.
Will the spot on the back of the head go away on its own?
A simple nevus is the most harmless deviation in the formation of skin capillaries. During the first year of a baby's life, the spot begins to lighten until it matches the color of the usual skin tone. For some time it can still manifest itself after intense screaming or strong exertion, and usually disappears by the age of two.
But if we talk specifically about the stork spot - a simple nevus located on the back of the head or the back of the neck - then it may not completely disappear, but only turn pale.
Fortunately, since it is not located in the most noticeable area, the damage to the appearance is minimal.
Should I be treated?
As we remember, a simple nevus is not a disease, which means that it does not require treatment. Be patient, and the stork's spot will disappear on its own, or at least turn very pale. There are no creams, ointments or lotions that would speed up this process, so the doctor will not recommend anything to you, except for observation. And without a prescription, it is strictly forbidden to use any medicines, as well as traditional medicine recipes, when it comes to young children.
When should I see a doctor?
If the spot on the back of the child's head is a simple nevus, he will not require a visit to the doctor. Most likely, they will show it to you in the hospital and explain that there is no need to worry.
Another thing is if another pathology of vascular development was mistaken for a stork spot: a flaming nevus or hemangioma.
These conditions require a different approach to monitoring and sometimes need to be treated.
If the condition of the spot worries you for some reason: for example, it does not turn pale for a long time or, on the contrary, it began to darken, increase in size, peel off, become inflamed - be sure to show the child to the doctor to clarify the diagnosis and, if necessary, prescribe treatment.
Summing up:
- Stork spot, or, scientifically, Unna's nevus (simple nevus) is a bright pink or red patch of skin on the back of the head of a newborn. The capillaries on it are expanded, and the blood flow is increased, hence the intense color. This spot is formed in utero and does not depend on the course of childbirth.
- The stork spot may disappear by the age of two, or it may turn pale and remain on the skin forever.
- It is not necessary to treat a simple nevus, observation is enough.
- You should consult a doctor if the condition of the spot worsens: it becomes brighter, larger, inflamed, peeling or rash appears.
The doctor will clarify the diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
(18 ratings; article rating 3.1)
Stork bite. What are newborn mothers afraid of? Society news
Any seemingly insignificant change in the baby's condition can frighten the newly-made mom and dad. Although sometimes nothing really bad happens. In the first month of life, neonatologists observe babies. It is on them that a flurry of parental fears falls.
“There is such a thing as a transient state of newborns. This is an intermediate period between the time when the child was in the mother's womb and the time when he begins to get used to the outside, says Lina Komisar . - When a woman who has given birth asks: “How is the baby?”, We answer: “He is in the period of adaptation.” A transient state is not a diagnosis, not a disease! This condition is also called borderline, since with defects in care or a breakdown in adaptation, it can turn into a pathological one.
Therefore, neonatologists daily, and sometimes twice a day, examine children in the neonatal department.”
Body weight
“Sometimes mothers tell doctors: “My baby has lost weight. Probably because he didn't eat." But this happens not only for this reason. In the first three days, the child receives only a small amount of colostrum and, due to a lack of total fluid volume, loses weight.
In addition, at this time, the umbilical residue dries up and the original feces are excreted, due to which the baby also loses grams.
Lina Komisar / Photo: Natalia Malyihina
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The maximum loss occurs before the third or fourth day.
If a child was born weighing 3 kg, then he can lose up to 300 g. Such a loss is not a contraindication for discharge from the hospital. Everything will be restored.
From the fourth day, a gradual increase begins. The mother receives more milk, the child becomes more active, sleeps less and adds 10–50 g daily.”
"It was scary. I prayed." Moms - about the first days of life of children born prematurely
Jaundice
“I can say right away that if a child develops jaundice, this is not a consequence of hepatitis B vaccination, as some parents believe.
There is a special kind of jaundice that occurs only in newborns.
Pathological jaundice occurs with Rh conflicts, liver dysfunction, infections and other abnormalities. It is very rare.
Physiological jaundice begins due to the difference between the hemoglobin of the fetus and the child who has already been born.
In a newborn, fetal hemoglobin breaks down, transforming, among other things, into bilirubin. But due to the fact that the baby's liver is immature (this organ is formed before the age of five), it does not have time to utilize this bilirubin. Here the child turns yellow. If certain indicators are not exceeded, this condition does not require special treatment. Bilirubin will be excreted naturally.
One child may turn yellow on the second day, another on the fifth. Jaundice disappears from the beginning of the second to the end of the third week, sometimes it can last up to a month.
Hyperthermia
“It happens that the baby turns red, screams, and the mother cannot calm him down. This is due to the immature nervous system and thermoregulation center. Roughly speaking, babies accept the temperature of the environment: they dressed warmly - overheated, opened - cooled down.
If the temperature of the child is above 37.5°, you need to untie and bathe him, remove the diaper and just keep him in a thin diaper.
And everything will pass. Antipyretics are prescribed only in very rare cases.
Photo: pixabay.com
Sexual crisis
“On the third or fourth day in girls, the external genitalia increase, in boys the scrotum swells. In children, the mammary glands may increase, there will be discharge from them. Girls can also have false periods, which is especially frightening for mothers. This is not scary, because every child receives a lot of hormones during pregnancy and childbirth. Everything will go by itself."
Physiological dysbacteriosis
“Mother calls me to the ward with the words: “My child has diarrhea, what should I do? This is probably because of the antibiotics that they inject me!” No, it's not because of the antibiotics. This is a transition chair.
The baby is born with sterile intestines. During the first day of life, after being applied to the mother's breast, it is populated by the maternal microflora.
The sterile intestine reacts to lacto- and bifidobacteria. It's not a disease."
Skin problems
“Most of the time mothers ask why the baby is so red. So, red is the physiological color of the skin in the first three days. The protective lubricant was removed from the baby, and his skin is thin, and the capillaries are close. In fact, it is very good that the baby is red, and not some other color.
It happens that a child develops white pimples on his nose, chin and cheeks. Some mothers are very worried when they are discharged: “God, I have a photo session, what should I do?! Why is he so ugly!” Don't worry, you have a beautiful baby! He just has thin skin and no subcutaneous fat layer. In the area of the face, he has clogged immature sebaceous glands. Nothing needs to be done about it.
Some babies have red spots on the forehead, eyelids and back of the head. People say that redness in front is the kiss of an angel, and behind it is the bite of a stork, that is, the bird took the baby by the neck and carried it to the parents.
They also say that these are birthmarks, but this is not so. These are pathologically dilated capillaries. Up to a year they will pass, but they will appear in the heat, with screaming and crying. All of these are not diagnoses either.”
Photo: pixabay.com
Toxic erythema
“If the baby is covered with pimples, most likely it is toxic erythema - a transitional skin condition. It can be caused by toxicosis in the mother, disorders of the endocrine system, the mother taking certain drugs, heredity.
The rash clears up on its own. It has a migratory character: it disappeared on the arm, appeared on the leg. You just need to keep the baby dry and not overheat it.”
Urinary crisis
“It happens that on the first day the baby does not pee. This is fine. He can urinate at the end of the first day or on the second day. In the first three days, he will go to the toilet a little, but then the diapers will be wet four to six times a day.
