There are many reasons why a black scab may form around a hair follicle. The most common cause is folliculitis, a skin condition caused by inflammation of one or more hair follicles. This can be bacterial, fungal, or viral. Other causes include head lice, acne, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. While most of these conditions are not serious, it is important to consult a doctor or healthcare professional if you are unsure of the cause or if the scab is spreading or infected.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scalp Condition | Scabs around hair follicles |
| Possible Causes | Infection, injury, acne, cysts, folliculitis, ringworm, cradle cap, dandruff, head lice, psoriasis, dermatitis, allergic reaction |
| Symptoms | Itching, soreness, pain, swelling, inflammation, hair loss, crusty patches, sores, blisters, bumps, pustules, bleeding |
| Treatment | Antibiotics, antifungals, medicated shampoos, regular hair washing, OTC medications, photodynamic therapy, hair grafting, scalp micropigmentation |
| Prevention | Wash hands regularly, avoid close contact with infected individuals, avoid irritants such as shampoo and styling products |
What You'll Learn
- Scalp irritation
- Folliculitis
- Cysts
- Ringworm
- Head lice
Scalp irritation
One common cause of scalp irritation is dandruff, also known as seborrheic dermatitis. This condition can cause the scalp to become irritated, red, and scaly, leading to thick scabs and itching. Dandruff is characterised by greasy patches of skin that can spread to the face, neck, and behind the ears. While it is not contagious and usually not a sign of poor health, dandruff can be challenging to manage and may become a lifelong condition.
Another possible cause of scalp irritation is head lice. These tiny bugs live in human hair, feeding on small amounts of blood from the scalp. Head lice are highly contagious, especially among children, and can cause intense itching. Scratching the scalp due to lice infestation can lead to sores and scabs, exacerbating the irritation.
In some cases, scalp irritation may be caused by acne. Similar to facial acne, scalp acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Scalp acne can result in pimples or crusty sores that may scab over if scratched or ruptured.
Additionally, cysts can develop around hair follicles, known as trichilemmal or pilar cysts. These cysts usually grow slowly and are typically harmless, often resolving without treatment. However, if they become infected or rupture, they can lead to inflammation, swelling, pain, and sores on the scalp.
Other potential causes of scalp irritation include:
- Psoriasis: A non-contagious skin condition that can cause thick scabs and grey scales, affecting the scalp and other body parts.
- Ringworm: A fungal infection causing itching, scaly patches, and scabbing, commonly affecting children.
- Folliculitis: An inflammation of hair follicles that can be bacterial, fungal, or viral. It results in pimples, crusty sores, and scabbing, and may lead to permanent hair loss if left untreated.
- Contact dermatitis: An allergic reaction to substances such as jewellery, shampoo, hair dye, or outdoor foliage like poison ivy, resulting in dry, itchy, or burning patches on the scalp that can scab over if scratched.
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Folliculitis
The symptoms of folliculitis include small pimples, crusty sores, or pus-filled bumps that may be surrounded by a ring of inflamed skin. These lesions can be itchy, sore, and embarrassing, and they may spread and turn into larger sores. In some cases, the lesions may break open, drain, and then form a scab on the surface of the skin.
Mild cases of folliculitis usually heal without treatment or with basic self-care, while more severe or recurring infections may require prescription antibiotics or antifungal medications. It is important to seek medical advice if you suspect an infection or if the condition does not improve with self-care measures.
To prevent folliculitis, it is recommended to avoid irritants such as shampoo and styling products, especially in the case of an inflamed scalp.
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Cysts
Pilar cysts usually form around the hair follicles on the scalp and are not contagious. They are usually harmless and very common. They are small, round, or dome-shaped bumps that can be yellow, white, or discoloured. They grow slowly and may disappear on their own, or a doctor can remove them. They are firm to the touch and, because they contain fluid, they may move slightly when pressed. Pressing a cyst too hard can cause pain or soreness.
Epidermoid cysts are another type of cyst that can form around hair follicles. They are typically harmless, slow-growing bumps under the skin. They often appear on areas with more hair, like the scalp, face, or upper back. These cysts can range in size from half an inch to several inches across. They are the most common type of skin cyst and are sometimes called epidermal cysts. They are also less common than true sebaceous cysts, which start in the sebaceous gland, an oil gland in the skin that produces an oily substance called sebum.
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Ringworm
The symptoms of ringworm include itchy, scaly, bald patches on the head. In some cases, ringworm can cause a severe inflammation called kerion, which appears as soft, raised swellings that drain pus and cause thick, yellow crusting on the scalp. This condition may lead to scarring and permanent hair loss.
The best treatment for ringworm of the scalp is usually prescription oral antifungal medication, such as griseofulvin and terbinafine. It typically takes 4 to 8 weeks of treatment for the infection to clear. In addition to oral medication, a special antifungal shampoo may be prescribed to prevent the spread of the infection to others. However, shampoo alone is not sufficient to cure ringworm of the scalp.
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Head lice
If you suspect that you or your child has head lice, it is recommended to see a healthcare provider before beginning any treatment. Over-the-counter and prescription medications are available to treat head lice. People can also treat head lice at home with medicated shampoos and special combs to kill lice and remove their eggs from the hair. It may take several treatments to get rid of a head lice infestation completely.
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Frequently asked questions
A black scab around a hair follicle could be a result of folliculitis, acne, cysts, scalp psoriasis, or dermatitis. Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles that can be caused by bacterial or fungal infections. Acne occurs when hair follicles get clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Cysts are small sacs usually filled with fluid or air that can develop around hair follicles. Scalp psoriasis can cause thick, dark patches with grey scales, resulting in scabbing. Dermatitis can cause dry, itchy, and burning patches that can lead to scabbing if scratched. It is important to consult a doctor or healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment options depend on the underlying cause. For bacterial infections, such as folliculitis or acne, antibiotics may be prescribed. For fungal infections, antifungal medications are typically used. Mild cases of acne can be treated with over-the-counter medicated shampoos and regular hair washing. Cysts usually go away on their own, but if they become infected, antibiotics may be necessary. Psoriasis and dermatitis often benefit from medicated shampoos designed to ease itching and manage symptoms.
While not all causes of black scabs around the hair follicle are preventable, there are some general strategies to reduce the risk. Maintaining good scalp hygiene, including regular hair washing, especially after sweating, can help prevent acne and folliculitis. Avoiding irritants such as certain shampoos and styling products can also help prevent scalp irritation and dermatitis. Additionally, avoiding close contact with individuals who have head lice or infectious scalp conditions can reduce the risk of transmission.
