This article discusses everything you need to learn about scabs and how to take care of your scalp. Keep reading to know more.
What Are Scabs On The Scalp?
When you scratch your head constantly, the outer skin of your scalp gets damaged. The damaged skin heals itself with platelets that stick together to form clots that harden into scabs. These scabs are yellowish, reddish, brown, or black and extremely itchy. Scratching them too much can cause bleeding. There are several reasons these scabs are formed on the scalp. It might be due to an oily scalp or an indication of a serious medical condition like eczema or psoriasisi XA long-lasting autoimmune condition that causes itchy, scaly patches and inflammation on your skin . The key to treating scabs is knowing their exact cause. Here are a few possible causes.
What Causes Scabs On The Scalp?
Oily Scalp: People with oily scalp are prone to dandruff, which can cause itching and make you scratch your head (1).This, in turn, can cause scabs. Seborrheic Dermatitis (Dandruff): Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition that is characterized by scaly patches and stubborn dandruff. The symptoms of this condition include itching and flaking without visible inflammation (2). But it is not contagious and can be treated easily with over-the-counter drugs or prescription medication (in severe cases). Scalp Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that occurs when you have an overactive immune system. It causes thick, red patches covered with silver, gray scales and occurs on certain body parts (3). When psoriasis patches appear on your scalp, they can form scabs. Lichen Planopilaris: If you notice red or purple bumps on your scalp that form scabs, you could have lichen planopilaris. It is an inflammatory condition that causes scaling and redness around your hair follicles and leads to scarring alopecia (hair loss) (4). The red and purple bumps that are a symptom of this condition can form scabs. Ringworm: The term ‘ringworm’ is quite misleading here as it is not an actual ringworm but a fungal infection. This infection (also known as Tine a capitis) affects your scalp and hair shafts and forms circular marks of itchy, scaly skin. These marks usually have flat centers and raised borders that can form itchy scabs on the scalp (5). Scabies: Scabs can be formed due to scabies mites. Scabies is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, which burrows into the host. It causes itching and heavily crusted layers of skin (6). It is often seen in children, but it also affects men and women of all ages. This condition often affects the neck, scalp, face, eyelids, and the skin under the nails. Head Lice:Head lice are the worst asthey are highly contagious. Besides sucking blood, they also cause a ton of itching (7). Scratching your head persistently can cause wounds that lead to scabs formation. Shingles: It is a common misconception that chickenpox occurs only once in a human. The virus responsible for chickenpox can stay dormant in your body and get reactivated to cause shingles. The small, yellow blisters caused by shingles can also appear on your scalp and crust over to form scabs. Eosinophilic Folliculitis:This is a serious condition that affects people who have HIV/AIDS. Eosinophilic folliculitis is characterized by itchy, pus-filled lesions on your skin and scalp that can form scabs when they heal (8). Skin Inflammation: Itchy skin (called pruritus) is a common symptom of skin inflammation. This severe itching can cause the scalp to burn and scab (9). Contact Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis is a skin disorder caused due to allergic reactions or irritants. It causes the skin to become itchy, red, and lesioned (10). Impetigo: Impetigo is a common bacterial infection in kids between the ages of two to five years (11). It is characterized by honey-colored crusts on the skin and, in some cases, even the scalp. Scalp Acne: Acne vulgaris is a chronic skin inflammation that causes small bumps, redness, and lesions on the skin (12). It can be caused due to overproduction of sebum and appears on the face, neck, and back. It can also affect the scalp at times. Scalp Folliculitis: This is another chronic inflammatory condition that affects the hair follicles directly (12). It is characterized by yellowish-white scabs on the scalp. Skin Picking: Skin picking is a psychological disorder where people pick their skin over and over again, causing tissue damage (13). It can lead to scabs that become worse due to the constant pulling of skin.
Scalp scabs can be difficult to identify and might even lead to bigger issues like severe hair loss,infections, and scalp inflammation. Here are a few symptoms you need to look out for along with the scabs.
Other Symptoms To Look Out For
White/Yellow Scabs: Excess application of thick conditioners, ointments, lotions or hair cream can cause moisture to get trapped within the crust of the scab and develop pus, making it appear white. Yellow scabs, on the other hand, are an indication of infectious pus already formed in the scab that can develop into sores. Hair Loss: If you start losing hair on the spots on your scalp where you see red and purple bumps and scars, seek evaluation, as it could be due to a scarring hair loss, such as lupus or lichen planopilaris. Getting Scabs On The Same Spot: Getting scabs on the same spot on your scalp over and over again could be a symptom of melanoma and needs to be treated immediately. Green Pus: There is a cause for concern if green pus comes out of your scalp scabs, as it is a sign of an infection.
Now that you know what symptoms to look out for, let’s take a look at the easy remedies to treat them. Note: Please consult a doctor if you notice any of the above symptoms before trying the natural treatments below. Perform a patch testto ensure no adverse reactions occur.
How To Treat Scabs On The Scalp The Natural Way
Since scabs are a sign of your skin healing, they usually fall off and disappear on their own. However, if they are bothersome, you can use a few home remedies to quicken the healing process and get rid of the scabs. These scalp scab treatments can be done with ingredients that are present in your pantry.
How To Treat Scabs On The Scalp
1. Warm Compress
If your scalp scabs are extra itchy and do not seem to be reducing, a warm compress is your best option. A warm compress softens your scabs and makes them fall off fast.
Towel Hot water Comb
2. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is an excellent soothing agent. Studies show that aloe vera can help soothe many of the causes of scabs, like seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis (14), (15), (16). It helps reduce the pain and itching in and around the scabs on your scalp and prevents them from getting infected.
Aloe vera leaf 2 vitamin E capsules
3. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice reduces dryness and itchiness of your scalp. Its anti fungal activity can help treats dandruff and ringworm, which are major causes of scalp scabs (17), (18). Since it is a harsh ingredient, mix it with a gentle carrier oil.
½ teaspoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon olive oil
4. Neem Leaves
Neem leaves (Indian lilac) can help soothe itchy skin conditions. Their anti fungal and antibacterial properties help in getting rid of the scabs and preventing the scalp from getting infected (19), (20).
10-15 neem leaves 2 cups of water
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is hugely popular as a home remedy for a ton of skin and hair-related issues. It has antibacterial and anti fungal properties (21), (22). It also helps to balance the pH of your scalp to reduce dryness and itchiness. A Palestinian study showed that apple cider vinegar helped prevent dandruff along with other hair issues (23). It also acts as a hair cleanser and keeps the scalp clean.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1 cup warm water
6. Oatmeal
This trusty (albeit bland) breakfast food does wonders for your skin and treating the scabs on your scalp. It soothes irritated skin and is highly moisturizing (24).Research shows that oats can help relieve and soothe itching, burning, scaling, and other scalp and skin discomforts (25).
2 tablespoons uncooked oatmeal Water
7. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is touted as the miracle worker in skincare. It soothes inflammation, burning, bumps, and itching and helps in wound healing (26). It can help relieve eczema and psoriasis. Jojoba oil prevents the scalp from getting dry and stimulates hair growth. Its anti fungal properties can help protect the scalp from infections that can lead to scabs. It regulates the balance of natural oils of your scalp and, thus, reduces scabs. Jojoba oil
8. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has antifungal, antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties (27). It is effective in reducing dandruff and scalp lesions (28). It also prevents other scalp and skin disorders and relieves itching.
1 teaspoon tea tree oil 2 tablespoons almond oil
9. Olive Oil
Pamper your scalp while treating the scabs with olive oil. Not only does the hydrating squalene in it moisturize your scalp and help loosen up the scabs, but it also nourishes your hair and makes it super soft. Olive oil has been often used to treat many skin and scalp issues like dandruff, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and rosaceai XA common long-term inflammatory skin condition that causes redness and pus-filled bumps on the face. , which cause scaling and itching (29). 4 tablespoons olive oil
10. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a well-known hair and scalp moisturizer. It helps reduce scalp dryness and flaking (30). It also treats scalp issues like dandruff, eczema, and dermatitis and prevents headlice.
Coconut oil Towel
Apply coconut oil all over your scalp. Warm a towel by running it under hot water and wring out the excess water. Wrap the towel around your head and leave it on for an hour. Wash off the oil with a mild shampoo. Follow this routine thrice a week.
11. Fish Oil Or Omega-3 Supplements
Fish oil is rich in fatty acidsandcan help treat skin issues like dermatitis and allergies (31). It contains omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)i XAn omega-3 fat that slows down skin inflammation and is essential for the functional development of the brain in infants. , and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)i XAn omega-3 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties that helps protect skin from sun damage. that help protect the skin. It also contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)i XPlant-based essential omega-3 fat found in many fats and oils that are necessary for human growth and development. and linoleic acid (LA), which are extremely beneficial for the skin. It is also beneficial for hair as it stimulates hair growth and keeps the scalp clean. How long does it take for a scab to fall off on its own? But don’t worry! Check out the infographic to learn some of the simplest natural remedies to help you treat them. Small scabs fall off within 3 to 7 days, whereas large ones could take up to 2 weeks to heal. Is it okay to pick a scab? No, you should not pick the scabs (the ones on your scalp and otherwise) as the skin underneath them is not completely healed, and you can be exposing the new delicate skin cells to infections. What does it mean when a scab is black? There is no need to worry if the scabs on your scalp are black. It means that a little more than usualblood flowed out of the wound before it clotted and became a scab. Is Vaseline good for scabs? Yes, Vaseline helps keep your scabs moist and prevents any chances of infection or skin dryness. Does peroxide help scabs? No. The use of peroxide delays the process of healing and should be avoided.
