There are three main types of scalp lesions that can look like a blister, and this includes cancer.
This is why it’s important to have a dermatologist inspect your scalp on a yearly basis as part of your skin cancer screening.
“A blister-like spot on the scalp could be a blister (will resolve in a couple of weeks or as all blisters do), a non-cancerous growth (like a mole) or a skin cancer,” says Dr. Steven Musick, MD, a board certified dermatologist who runs Musick Dermatology, LLC, in Swansea, IL, which provides state-of-the-art medical and surgical care for all disorders of the skin, hair and nails.
“If the lesion persists, seek evaluation by a qualified dermatologist,” says Dr. Musick.
A type of non-cancerous growth that just might look like a blister is a seborrheic keratosis.
These typically begin appearing after age 40 and can appear anywhere on the body, including the scalp. They can resemble melanoma.
However, a melanoma can sometimes pass as a seborrheic keratosis.
NOT ALL MELANOMAS ARE DARK.
Melanomas, such as this one here, can be pinkish, red or even flesh colored.
So if you see ANY strange new growth on your scalp – or you’re not sure how long you’ve had a newly-discovered lesion – have a dermatologist examine it.
Another type of growth that can seem like a blister is a strange kind of mole called a dysplastic nevus (atypical mole).
These typically appear in childhood or young adulthood, and can strongly resemble melanoma. And vice versa. Pictured below is an atypical mole.
Biophoto Associates/Science Source
Steven Musick, MD
Since 2008 Musick Dermatology & Advanced Clinical Spa has been providing state-of-the-art medical and surgical care for all disorders of the skin, hair and nails.
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.
