Itchy red spots on the scalp

Look for flakes, greasy scale, crust, pus, tenderness, or spots centred on hairs. A new shampoo, dye, oil, helmet, hat, or styling product can trigger irritation or allergy. Sweat and friction may inflame follicles. Notice whether itching is worse at night, whether hair is breaking or falling in patches, and whether similar marks occur on the face or body. These details help a clinician decide whether the problem is follicular, inflammatory, infectious, or contact-related.

Wash with a mild shampoo, rinse thoroughly, and avoid scratching, picking, heavy oils, and newly introduced products. Keep hats, brushes, and pillowcases clean, and avoid sharing combs. Do not squeeze pustules or use hair-loss, steroid, or antibiotic products without an examination. Photograph the scalp along the parting and note any change after stopping a product.

Arrange prompt care for painful swelling, spreading warmth, pus, fever, swollen glands, or rapidly worsening tenderness. Seek assessment for patchy hair loss, broken hairs, thick crusts, or a scalp rash in a child or close contact. Urgent help is appropriate for facial swelling, breathing trouble, extensive blistering, or severe illness.

Ask whether the follicles, scale, or hair shafts point to a particular diagnosis, whether a sample is needed, and which shampoo or leave-on product is suitable for your scalp.