Dime sized bumps on my Scalp

[zariazinza]

Within the last two weeks I've developed dime-sized, noticeable bumps starting in my scalp, and now along my hairline. At first I thought they were acne, so I tried to pop them - but that only made the pain worse and made them bleed.

I get a new bump about every five days, and they've started to show up along my hairline along my face. The bumps are hard masses, and the ones I had in the beginning have eventually mostly gone away. They are not itchy.

I am a 22 year old Caucasian female... obviously I don't wear sunscreen on my scalp.

Any idea what's going on? Thanks.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination,but it can be due to Acne keloidalis nuchae. It occurs when hairs on the back of the head and neck grow into the skin, become inflamed, and cause scar tissue. These ingrown hairs usually occur following a short haircut on the back of the head and nape of the neck.

Treatment of AKN includes suppression of the inflammation with antibiotics and steroid gels or intralesional steroid injections. So apply antibiotic cream like Neosporin or bactroban. If the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics and steroids may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.

Larger bumps of AKN present for a while or if not responding to treatments may need surgical removal.
I sincerely suggest you to consult a dermatologist and get it evaluated.
Hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries. Kind regards.