How Scabs Form on the Scalp and How to Treat Them

When the scalp gets dirty, it gets itchy. Yes, have you ever experienced an itchy almost unbearable urge to scratch your scalp? Have you asked, or even tried to find the answer as to why you feel the way you do? Well ... the answer could extend beyond the elementary scratchy feeling.

It could be due to skin conditions that affect the scalp gravely. Psoriasis, dandruff, eczema, and certain hair products affect the scalp. Staying under the sun for long hours, may cause the scalp to develop scabs, as well.

Look and Feel of Scabs
Scabs on scalp can be oily or dry, depending on the type of skin.

If you have hair follicles that are gravely activated, you could have oily scabs. If the hair follicles are dry and coarse in nature, you are bound to develop scabs that are dry in nature.

Oily scabs appear to extricate in concert, preferably in granular lumps. On the other hand, the dry scab is a thick bump that feels rough to touch. The dryness makes the scab-y area prone to excessive coarseness. It is also a significant sign of the scalp being parched in nature.

Psoriasis, eczema, dandruff, sunburns, and particular hair products ... with these conditions playing hosts, there are probabilities that the scabs can make for further infection that could inflict their effects on the scalp.

Psoriasis is a skin condition in which the scalp endures red bumps or patches predominantly around the forehead, near the neck, and on the hairline close to the ears. They are thick and look reddish, sometimes dry, and for some, they could look pulpy, with a whitish-silver ring around the scab.

Scalp eczema may appear white, or yellow in color. This skin condition afflicts those areas of the scalp that are highly susceptible to becoming oily and sticky. The scalp is one such area where oil residue resides, creating an itchy and flaky scalp.

Dandruff is one condition that is authenticated to the scalp. There are two forms in which dandruff can occur: (1) Oily; and (2) Dry. Those who have an oily scalp, could feel very itchy, eliciting the oil sediments in the form of minuscule granular particles. When the dandruff is dry in nature, the texture would be loose and flaky. They are characterized by parched and coarse scabs on the scalp.

A sunburned scalp can cause trouble, especially when the skin scabs are healing. The sunburns could flake away, and blisters may form; they could bleed, as well. Sunburns are a problem on the scalp, especially when your hair is long and fine.

Shampoos, conditioners, or any other hair products that the individual uses could be a cause of an itchy scalp. There are some hair concoctions that contain allergens. These allergens may not suit you and cause certain allergic reactions, such as a rash with a burning sensation and pus-filled blisters.

The blisters would burst all by themselves and crust over; however, if you fidget with the blister and try to ooze out the pus, you are aggravating the condition. You are supporting the spread of these blisters or rash, thereby causing your entire scalp to become flaky and infected.

Discontinue the use of such hair product, if you find that it is one culprit leading to rash, followed by scabbing. Oral medication and medicated solutions and lotions for the scalp soothe the affected area and cease the infection.

The scabs could aggravate and lead to bacterial infections.

It could also lead to hair fall. The hair strands might just pop-out from the root directly, if the scratching is severe and wildly conducted. Scratching the scalp, and peeling the scab can lead to the particular area bleeding.

The area around the scab can feel bumpy, and may also develop tenderness when touched, either by yourself or the comb. There could also be mild inflammation, or swelling of the area on the scalp. To deal with the matter further, you may develop acne featuring on your forehead.

The forehead can sustain skin rashes, accompanied by blackheads or whiteheads. This happens as a counter effect of your scratching activity through which the flakes -- oily or dry -- can trickle, and reside on your forehead, causing the pores to get activated, thus leading to acne.

► First, resist scratching your scalp with wild motions. Make sure you keep your hands off your head. The situation could worsen, if you are fond of keeping the nail cutter at bay and love to wear your nails long. However, do not employ your nails for the purpose of scratching, you may rather prefer flaunting them ... for good!

►Massage your scalp , with either pure coconut oil, or olive oil. Olive oil can relieve a chafed scalp and can hydrate it thoroughly.

► A hot towel treatment , conducted every fortnight, could be extremely beneficial. All you need to do is to apply oil, and leave it overnight. When you are off for a head bath the next day, you could soak a light-weight towel into a tub of hot water. Remove the towel, squeeze out excess water, and wrap your head with the towel. Repeat this procedure 4 to 5 times. You could leave the towel on your head for an extra 2 minutes when you repeat the process for the last time.

►Avoid using conditioners generously . Hold it! Place a small amount on your palm, rub through the other palm and apply it toward the end of the hair strands. Don't let the conditioner touch your scalp, especially if it is oily, and prone to dandruff. The result could only be disheartening.

► If the condition is not getting better you could visit a dermatologist and register your complaint. After inspecting the condition thoroughly, he would prescribe some creams that will help in soothing the scabs, thus will initiate them in releasing themselves from the scalp.

►Medicated shampoos that contain tar or salicylic acid could work well for those, who are inflicted with eczema on their scalp.

► You could also resort to using an egg mask. All you need to do is to separate the yolk and beat it well. Apply the egg mask and leave it on for 30 minutes. This would serve to be a great nourishment pack for the scalp. You might be wondering why egg white is not to be used. Well, if you have a dry scalp, the egg white would dry out your scalp furthermore, thus aggravating the condition. However, egg white may be used to treat an excessively oily scalp.

► Use a comb that has light and soft bristles that do not hurt the scalp, and the scab. Even if the comb accidentally touches or comes in contact with the scab, the bristles should not erode the scab.

► When you rinse your hair, make sure to wash your comb , too. Using a hygiene-challenged comb could make matters worse.

►Wash your hair thoroughly , and make sure the shampoo has been scrubbed of the scalp. Shampoo residuum can lead to abrading it, and elevating the condition.

► Use a shampoo that has natural extracts , such as tea tree oil and jojoba oil to condition your hair and make it soft and supple.

Scabs on the scalp is not a life-threatening situation. With these treatment tips, you would be able to fight the condition and make a difference to your hair. Let the scalp not curse you; rather, let it bless you for what you have done for it ... to get better!