Pus pimples on the scalp are pustules filled with pus on the skin of the head. They are not uncommon.
Individual pus pimples on the scalp are particularly common. These are usually harmless. A doctor should only be consulted if several pus pimples and accompanying symptoms appear.
There are various causes for the development of pus pimples on the skin of the head.
The main cause of their formation is clogged skin pores. In addition, allergies and intolerance to hair care products can be the trigger.
Allergies to detergents can also make themselves felt on the scalp. The reason for this is that the scalp may come into contact with the allergen through contact with the pillowcase. Furthermore, diet often plays a role when it comes to impurities in the skin.
These skin imperfections can also show up on the scalp. Stress can also encourage pus pimples to develop on the scalp.
In addition, an immune deficiency can lead to the development of pus-filled pustules. Hormonal fluctuations and imbalances can also lead to skin changes on the scalp. Furthermore, various infections, including infectious childhood diseases, pus pimples on the skin of the head, can develop. Genetic factors also play a role.
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Stress changes the hormone release.
Various factors are activated or inhibited at the cellular level. This happens in a different way than in stress-free situations. This can be reflected in the skin.
In addition, stress can contribute to the development of allergies, which can then manifest themselves on the scalp, for example.
A single pus pimple on the scalp is usually no problem. If multiple pimples and concomitants occur, a doctor should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment.
The doctor first conducts an interview. Here it is important to indicate possible changes in diet, in the use of hair care products or hair cosmetics and detergents. The use of medication and previous illnesses should also be mentioned. Furthermore, side effects should be described. It should be mentioned when the symptoms are present as well as the type and strength of them. The doctor will look at the scalp. If pus leaks, a smear may be taken.
Depending on the suspected diagnosis, further tests may be necessary.
When infected with HIV, the immune system is very weak.
Non-specific complaints can occur. Sometimes HIV infection also manifests as skin symptoms.
In some cases, pus pimples can develop on the scalp. Separately, however, these do not give any indication of an HIV infection. The skin changes on the scalp can only be linked to HIV if there are additional signs.
If you suspect an HIV infection, you are advised to have an HIV test.
Read more on the subject at: HIV and Symptoms of AIDS
Depending on the cause of the scalp changes, accompanying complaints can occur. If it was due to allergies or infection, mild to severe itching may be present. The scalp around it may be red and irritated. In some cases or stages pus may leak out.
Allergies and infections can be distinguished by the fact that certain symptoms only occur in the context of an infection.
As part of an infection, the lymph nodes may be painful or swollen without pain. Infections can lead to a general feeling of illness, fatigue, body aches, headache and fever.
With certain infections, B-symptoms can appear. This is characterized by fever, night sweats and weight loss of unknown cause.
The skin changes can also appear on the face or other parts of the body. Furthermore, hair loss can occur. The reason for this is that newly growing hairs cannot reach the surface where the pus pimples are.
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$config[ads_text3] not foundIf the pus pimples on the scalp are caused by an allergy or intolerance or infection, they can cause extreme itching. The messenger substance histamine is released as part of allergic reactions. Histamine is used by the cells to communicate with each other. The messenger substance activates the appropriate docking points. These are called H1 receptors. They sit on nerve endings and cause pain or itching. There are several ways to reduce itching. The itching can be suppressed by a pain stimulus. This is the reason for the reflex to scratch the itchy spot. However, this only temporarily reduces the itching. In addition, scratching the pimples can cause inflammation, scars and other skin damage. Therefore, the reflex should not be pursued if possible. A cold stimulus can also alleviate the itching. However, this is only conditionally pleasant, tolerable and advisable on the scalp.
Depending on the cause of the pus pimples on the scalp, it can lead to light to severe hair loss.
The pus-filled pustules get in the way when hair regrows to the surface. As a result, bald spots can develop on the head.
When the scalp has regenerated, the hair can grow back.
Read more about this under: Hair loss
In the course of inflammatory processes, the lymph nodes can swell painlessly or painfully.
Swollen lymph nodes can be an indication of certain diseases. If any swelling is noticed, a doctor should evaluate it.
A medical examination is recommended even if the swelling is painless.
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Read more about this under: Lymph nodes are swollen - how dangerous is it?
Treatment of pus pimples on the scalp is based on scalp protection.
Regardless of the cause of the pus pimples on the scalp. So that the scalp can regenerate and heal, it needs to be handled gently.
This means that all hair cosmetics such as hair setting agents, hair gels, hairspray, tints or coloring agents should be avoided. As long as the scalp is damaged, blow-drying, straightening hair with a straightening iron or using a curling iron should be avoided.
If the pus-filled pustules have been triggered by a certain hair care product, you should of course no longer use it.
At best, a mild, fragrance-free, low pH shampoo should be used. If possible, the hair should not be washed daily. In some cases, tea tree oil or argan oil can have a disinfectant effect. It can help dry out the pimples on the scalp. The oil should be applied to the affected area with a clean, lint-free cotton swab.
Chamomile can help relieve itching.
For more detailed information on this topic, see: Pus pimples on the face - how do I get rid of them quickly?
A chamomile rinse can be made yourself.
First, a brew is brewed with three chamomile tea bags or a handful of chamomile flowers. This brew then has to steep a bit and cool down. When the brew is only lukewarm, it can be massaged into the scalp. After that, the chamomile rinse is no longer rinsed out, but the hair can dry. If the pus pimples are caused by intolerance, the lifestyle should be adjusted accordingly after an allergy test. If stress is the cause of the pus-filled pustules, a lifestyle modification makes sense.
If the pus pimples on the scalp are caused by infections or other underlying diseases, they may need to be treated with medication.
For example, antibiotics are used for bacterial infections and antifungal agents for fungal infections.
You may also be interested in the following topic: This is how impure skin is treated
Depending on the cause, the duration of the healing process is very different.
The pus pimples on the scalp can ripen from a few days to a few weeks before they heal.
If the cause is not identified and eliminated, the scalp changes can recur and possibly persist.
In children, certain contagious childhood diseases such as chickenpox can also show up as pimples on the scalp, which must be differentiated from "normal" pus pimples on the scalp. Grass mites can also cause a kind of pus pimple on the scalp of children.
In addition, lichen planus is a contagious, bacterial skin inflammation that is often spread in kindergartens and schools.
The triggers are mostly streptococci or staphylococci. They step into scratched insect bites. They are transmitted via a smear infection. It can show up on the scalp, face, and arms and legs. After the child is infected, the pustules filled with water or pus develop. After the burst, a yellow scab forms.
Since in this case the pus pimples are contagious, the child has to stay at home from kindergarten or school. The lichen planus is treated with antibiotics.
Read more on the subject at: Rash in children
Baby and infant acne can also develop a kind of pus pimple on the scalp. Baby acne occurs in the baby's first few weeks of life. It is usually harmless. The reason for this are physiological hormone and metabolic changes in the course of the baby's "normal" development. Baby acne is often associated with a growth spurt. Certain medications that the mother takes while breastfeeding can also trigger baby acne. Baby acne can reappear immediately after birth and then after the first few weeks of life if there is another hormonal change. The pus pimples on the scalp and face, and sometimes all over the body, are a physiological response to hormonal changes.
About 20% of all newborns are affected by baby acne. Boys are more often affected than girls. Overheating can worsen the symptoms. This means that if you have a fever or clothes that are too warm, the skin changes can be more pronounced. When it comes to skin care, the principle applies: less is more. Only mild, baby-friendly substances should be used. In some cases, pediatricians recommend using marigold ointment or olive oil. In addition, a household tip is to dab the pimples with breast milk.
In no case should you try to squeeze out the pimples. Furthermore, antibiotic or cortisone-containing ointments must not be used on babies.
Baby skin absorbs ointments in a different way than adult skin. This means that ointments with antibiotics or cortisone not only work locally, but can also be distributed throughout the body. This can lead to unpredictable serious side effects and complications. But if you follow all the rules, baby acne will heal without any problems. Infant acne develops due to a genetic predisposition. It develops between the 3rd and 6th month of life. Infant acne has a similar appearance to baby acne. But unlike baby acne, it needs treatment. It is believed that infant acne is related to the development of acne during puberty. Infant acne usually lasts longer than baby acne. In any case, it must be treated by a doctor. If this is not treated adequately, scars can develop.
In infant acne, the baby often suffers from itching, while in baby acne it does not occur. Completely independent of the baby or infant acne, intolerance or allergies can also lead to scalp changes in the baby. These can be caused by care products or baby food. Because babies do not yet have a fully developed immune system, they are more prone to infections, which can also contribute to the development of pus pimples on the scalp.
Babies are not yet able to verbally express their itchiness and symptoms and are therefore usually noticed by frequent crying and general restlessness.
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Read more about this under: Rash on baby
