Red dots on the scalp

Dots around hairs, especially after sweating, helmets, tight headwear, or oily products, can fit Folliculitis. Flaking, crusting, burning, or a new shampoo may point toward irritation. Pimples can also occur on the scalp, while repeated tender bumps may need an examination to check for deeper inflammation. Tell the clinician about recent hair dye, oils, styling products, shaving, and any patches of thinning or broken hairs.

Wash gently and rinse products thoroughly. Avoid scratching, picking, heavy oils, and tight headwear until the cause is clearer. Clean items that touch the scalp, such as hats or helmet liners, and avoid sharing combs or brushes. Book a dermatology visit if the dots last, recur, become painful, drain, form thick crusts, or accompany noticeable hair loss.

Seek prompt care for rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, pus with fever, swelling around the eyes, facial swelling, or a sudden area of hair loss. A sore that bleeds repeatedly, changes quickly, or fails to heal also deserves examination.

Are these dots centred on follicles, and is there infection or contact irritation? Should I stop a specific hair product? What signs would mean the inflammation is affecting the hair roots?