Why are there itchy bumps on my head

Selecting these links will take you away from Cigna. Cigna may not control the content or links of non-Cigna websites. Overview Medicare Coverage Options. Broker Resources. Individuals and Families. Health and Wellness. Wellness Library. Scalp Problems. Topic Overview Many people have hair or scalp problems. Hair loss Hair loss, including thinning and breaking, is the most common scalp problem.

Other possible causes for excessive hair loss, thinning, or breakage include: Damage to the hair from hair care products, such as dyes and permanents, and from hot rollers, curling irons, or hair dryers.

Hair-pulling or hair-twisting habits. Trichotillomania is a mental health problem in which a person pulls out his or her own hair, usually from the head, eyelashes, and eyebrows. Side effects of medicines or medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Recent surgery, high fever, or emotional stress.

You may have a lot of hair loss 4 weeks to 3 months after severe physical or emotional stress. This type of hair loss usually stops within a few months. Diseases, such as lupus and hyperthyroidism. Heavy metal poisoning, such as thallium or arsenic poisoning. Poor nutrition, especially lack of protein or iron in the diet.

Damage to the hair shafts from burns or other injuries. Itching, flaking, or crusting of the scalp Itching, flaking, or crusting of the scalp may be caused by: Cradle cap , an oily, yellow crusting on a baby's scalp. It is common in babies and is not caused by an illness. It does not mean that a baby is not being well cared for. See a picture of cradle cap. Dandruff , a shedding of the skin on the scalp that leaves white flakes on the head, neck, and shoulders.

It may be a form of a skin condition called eczema , which causes increased shedding of normal scalp skin cells. Dandruff can also be caused by a fungal infection. Hormonal or seasonal changes can make dandruff worse. Head lice , tiny wingless insects that cause itching and raw patches on the scalp. Head lice are most common in school-age children. Ringworm , a fungal infection of the outer layer of the scalp and in the hair. It usually causes a rash made up of circular patches with raised, red edges that resemble worms.

The rash spreads from these edges, often leaving the center clear, giving it a ring shape. Ongoing chronic skin conditions, such as psoriasis and seborrhea. An uncommon, recurrent skin condition called lichen planus. This condition appears more often during stress, fatigue, or exposure to medicines or chemicals.

Sores, blisters, or bumps on the scalp Painful sores, blisters, or bumps that develop on the scalp may be caused by: Infection of the hair shafts folliculitis or the skin such as impetigo. An allergic skin reaction contact dermatitis. Viral infections, such as chickenpox and shingles. A skin condition, such as acne. A cyst, such as an epidermal cyst. Treatment The treatment for scalp problems depends on what is causing the problem.

How old are you? Less than 12 years. Are you male or female? Why do we ask this question? The medical assessment of symptoms is based on the body parts you have. If you are transgender or nonbinary, choose the sex that matches the body parts such as ovaries, testes, prostate, breasts, penis, or vagina you now have in the area where you are having symptoms.

If you have some organs of both sexes, you may need to go through this triage tool twice once as "male" and once as "female". This will make sure that the tool asks the right questions for you. Do you have a rash? Are there any symptoms of infection? Do you think you may have a fever? Are there red streaks leading away from the area or pus draining from it?

Do you have a health problem or take medicine that weakens your immune system? Learn more about the treatments for scalp psoriasis. 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. It is important to avoid further contact with products that may be responsible.

Also, a doctor may prescribe topical steroids. These fluid-filled cysts most commonly develop on the scalp. They form in the hair follicles and contain excess keratin, a protein that occurs 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. 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 doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Also, a doctor may recommend the surgical removal of a cyst. Learn more about the treatments for pilar cysts here.

Hives 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. Hives usually go away on their own within a few days. However, a doctor 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.

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. 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. Head lice are tiny insects that can live 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. 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. How to get relief: If you have dandruff, using a dandruff shampoo and scalp treatments can help.

You can find out how to get the best results from these products by watching the short video, How to treat dandruff. Reaction to a hair care product. An itchy, dry, and flaky scalp could be telling you that you need to do a better job of rinsing the shampoo from your hair.

Leaving some shampoo on your scalp can irritate it. If you have an itchy scalp and a rash, you may have a condition called allergic contact dermatitis. This is common among people who dye their hair. Often the culprit is an ingredient in the dye called para-phenylenediamine PPD , which is found in black hair dyes. You could also have an allergy to a shampoo, conditioner, or other product that touches your scalp.

These are red, raised, and very itchy bumps that can form anywhere on the skin, including the scalp. Hives tend to come and go within a few hours. Sometimes, hives go away and come back. Dermatologists frequently treat hives. When hives form on the scalp, you'll often have a rash of itchy red bumps that look like the ones shown here.

Head lice. An itchy scalp is the most common symptom of head lice. If you suspect that head lice are causing the itch, ask someone to closely examine your scalp and hair for signs of these tiny bugs. How to get relief: To get rid of the itch, you need to get rid of the lice.

You can find out how to check for head lice and treat them at home by going to, Head lice: Diagnosis and treatment. A magnified view of head lice shows that these bugs are tiny. Scabies is caused by a tiny bug called the human itch mite.