Here’s a list of benign, non-cancer causes of scab-like growths on the scalp.
“Scabs on your scalp could be caused by a wide variety of different ailments,” says Dr. Janet Prystowsky, board certified dermatologist in New York, NY, with 30+ years’ experience.
She explains, “Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction to something you’ve touched, like shampoo, hair dye or jewelry.
“It causes dry patches that can itch or burn. If you scratch them, they may bleed and scab.
“Seborrheic dermatitis (a.k.a. dandruff) can be itchy, flaky and scabby. A dandruff shampoo should be able to help.
“Psoriasis can cause silver-gray scabs all over the scalp. A medicated shampoo may help, but severe cases should be seen by a dermatologist because more extensive treatment may be necessary.
“Lichen planus (or lichen planopilaris, as it’s called on the scalp) usually affects middle-aged people.
“It causes red or purple bumps that can be treated with topical, oral or injectable steroids.
“Ringworm is an itchy fungal infection that causes scaly patches. It is highly contagious and usually is seen in children.
“Lice can also cause scalp scabs if you scratch too much.
“Shingles (a resurgence of the chickenpox) causes small blisters that turn yellow and crust for up to two weeks. It may cause headaches or facial weakness for months.
“Eosinophilic folliculitis causes itchy sores that are filled with pus. It tends to affect people who have HIV/AIDS.”
So as you can see, there are many causes of scabs on the scalp other than cancer.
But this doesn’t mean you don’t have skin cancer.
You may even have one of the benign conditions above along with skin cancer, by coincidence.
This is why if you’ve been diagnosed with a benign condition, you should still get cancer ruled out, because the “scabs” of cancer can resemble the “scabs” of a benign condition.
In another article, Dr. Prystowsky explains skin cancer on the scalp.
In combination with her focus on early skin cancer detection and removal, Dr. Prystowsky provides a wide range of revitalizing and rejuvenating treatments.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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