[22F] With scalp bumps and flakiness

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are a few possibilities:

• Seborrheic Dermatitis: This is a common skin condition that mainly affects your scalp. It causes scaly patches, red skin, and stubborn dandruff. It can also cause red, pink, or skin-colored bumps that are similar to pimples or moles.

  • Treatment typically involves medicated shampoos, creams, and lotions.

• Scalp Psoriasis: This is a common skin disorder that makes raised, reddish, often scaly patches. It can pop up as a single patch or several, and can even affect your entire scalp. It can also spread to your forehead, the back of your neck, or behind and inside your ears.

  • Treatment typically involves medicated shampoos, creams, and lotions. In severe cases, prescription medications may be necessary.

• Folliculitis: This is an inflammation or infection of the hair follicles that can develop into small, white-headed pimples around one or more hair follicles — the tiny pockets from which each hair grows.

  • Treatment typically involves topical antibiotics or antifungals, or oral medications in more severe cases.

Please note that these are only possibilities. You should consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

1. Try using a medicated shampoo that's designed to treat dandruff. Look for ingredients like selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, or coal tar. Follow the instructions on the bottle.
2. Avoid scratching your scalp, as this can lead to further inflammation or potential infection.
3. If your symptoms persist or worsen, make an appointment to see a healthcare professional. They may refer you to a dermatologist for further evaluation.

What you should look out for

• If the bumps become painful or start to ooze pus, seek medical attention as this could be a sign of an infection.
• If you notice the bumps spreading to other parts of your body, this could be a sign of a more serious condition and you should seek medical attention.
• If you start to lose hair around the bumps, this could be a sign of scarring alopecia, a group of rare disorders that destroy your hair follicles, replace them with scar tissue, and cause permanent hair loss.

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.