A scalp scar can be a harbinger of many diseases. Scalp health is essential for overall well-being. Plus, it especially affects the appearance in terms of hair growth. It is necessary to know which scalp scar you have for early diagnosis and treatment. In the rest of this article, we will explain the common types of scalp scars, which diseases they can be symptoms of, and how doctors treat these scars on the head! If you have one of these head scars, contact a dermatologist immediately!
Common Scalp Scars and Lesions
Here are common scalp scar types and symptoms:
A. Small Red Lesions
The red spots on the scalp can be the sign of acne, folliculitis, psoriasis, and other medical conditions.
Related Symptoms: Itching, tenderness, or pus formation.
Characteristics: Small, inflamed, or irritated spots.
Possible Causes: Folliculitis, allergic reactions, or fungal infections.
B. Persistent White Flakes – Dandruff
In darker hair, flakes are often more visible.
Characteristics: White, dry flakes shedding from the scalp.
Possible Causes: Seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, or fungal infections like Malassezia.
Related Symptoms: Itchy or oily scalp.
C. Raised, Thickened Scars (Keloid Formation)
Keloids are thick, raised scars. They can form anywhere you have a scalp injury. If you’re prone to developing keloids, you may get them in more than one place on your scalp; frontal part, the vertex, the hairline, etc.
Characteristics: Elevated, shiny scar tissue on the scalp.
Possible Causes: Post-surgical healing, trauma, or aggressive hair styling.
Related Symptoms: Tenderness or discomfort.
D. Pitted or Depressed Scars
Shallow and flat, depressed acne scars – also called atrophic acne scars – appear as a tiny indentation in your dermis.
Characteristics: Small, sunken scars.
Possible Causes: Acne scarring, chickenpox, or folliculitis decalvans.
Related Symptoms: Bald patches or irritation.
E. Alopecia Areata
Circular, smooth, and bald patches. Alopecia areata often develops very quickly, with one or more round, flat bald patches on the scalp. It’s not unusual for all the hair to fall out. Hair often grows back within a few months, even without any treatment.
Characteristics: Hair loss in round, smooth areas.
Possible Causes: Alopecia areata, tinea capitis, or traction alopecia.
Related Symptoms: Inflammation or mild discomfort.
F. Dark or Hyperpigmented Spots
Hyperpigmentation is a widespread, and usually harmless, skin condition in which areas of skin become darker than the surrounding normal skin. Darkening occurs when there is an excess of melanin.
Characteristics: Flat, darkened patches.
Possible Causes: Melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or sun damage.
Related Symptoms: Uneven skin tone.
G. Crusty or Yellowish Lesions
Scabs can become yellow as the wound heals. However, a yellow crust can sometimes be a sign of a skin infection, for example impetigo, cold sores, and so on.
Characteristics: Scabby or crusty patches with a yellow hue.
Possible Causes: Impetigo, seborrheic dermatitis, or scalp psoriasis.
Related Symptoms: Redness, itching, or oozing.
Diagnostic Approaches for Scalp Scars
If you have suspicious wounds such as those listed above or different, it is useful to seek help from a dermatologist or trichologist without delay. They usually use methods such as biopsy, dermoscopy or fungal culture for diagnosis. Your doctor may also want to know more about your medical history and lifestyle. A number of factors can have an effect on scalp sores, from diet to movement, cleanliness to past health problems.
Classical Treatment Options for Scalp Lesions
1. Pharmacological Treatments:
2. Dermatological Procedures:
3. Lifestyle Adjustments:
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