What are the types of head sores?

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It is important to note that head sores can range from peeling skin to red-colored lesions on the scalp and head. These sores can develop as a result of infection, health conditions and infestations. The head sores are usually linked with itchy skin conditions that can trigger constant scratching of the head and scalp.

Once the head sores form, harmful bacteria can enter the wound and infect different parts of the body. The most common type of head sores includes scalp psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis and head lice. The treatment for these head sores involves prescription ointments and creams. If you want to learn ways to manage these conditions, click here.

Scalp psoriasis

Head sores
The head sores are usually linked with itchy skin conditions that can trigger constant scratching of the head and scalp.

Scalp psoriasis is a type of head sore and usually comprised of mild, minimal scaling but it can also consist of thick, crusted sores or plaques that cover the entire scalp. The scalp psoriasis can easily spread past the hairline onto the forehead, rear of the neck and around the ears.

The symptoms of this condition include thick, red-colored plaques, itchy and flaky skin, burning sensation, bleeding sores on the scalp and temporary hair loss. Take note that these symptoms usually come and go. In some individuals, they will only suffer from one mild flare-up while others frequently experience flare-ups that can be triggered by cold weather, stress or a dry environment.

Head lice

Head lice can also cause head sores that typically occur among children. Head lice are small, wingless parasites that feed on the blood in the scalp. This infestation is considered as a contagious skin condition among school-age children. Acquiring head lice is not an indication of a poor personal hygiene or unsanitary living conditions. Head lice can be found in the head, eyelashes, eyebrows and they move by crawling around the hair shaft.

The symptoms of head lice include very itchy skin, presence of adult lice behind the ears and on the sides of the neck and lice eggs on the scalp. Individuals who have head lice can develop head sores if they continue to scratch their scalp as a reaction to the intense itchiness. In severe cases, bacteria can enter the sores, causing an infection that can spread to other parts of the body.

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common form of head sore which is an inflammation involving flaky white or yellow scales or dry peeling skin. Take note that these scales usually form on the oil-prone areas such as the scalp, eyebrows, interior of the ear, eyelids or in the creases of the nose  but can occur in any part of the body that produces oil.

Seborrheic dermatitis can occur once the body produces excessive amounts of malassezia. This is a fungus that grows in body oil secretions. The condition is also triggered by changes in the season, fatigue, stress or certain health conditions such as AIDS or Parkinson’s disease. The symptoms include skin lesions, itchiness, large-sized plaques and hair loss.

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