Itchy bumps on scalp

I noticed since about 4 weeks ago I started to getting these small itchy bumps on the back top side of my head. Recently noticed some starting on the side of my head around the hair line and some at the hair line at my neck. I also have tiny flakes of skin falling out of my hair when I run my fingers through it. Washing my hair seems to help relieve some of the itching temporarily but after two or three more days it gets worse with the itching and dry skin falling out. I have always had oily hair so this suprises me to  have dry flakes now. Also when I wash my hair it seems that i've noticed more hair falling out then usual when I wash the area where the bumps are the most. When I scratch them it seems to make them worse and they scab over. It seems to be spreading they are sparatic on the top back side of my head the most. Please any information on what this could be and any home remedies on how to get rid of it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it can be due to scalp folliculitis. It is an inflammatory disorder of the hair follicles in the scalp and presents as small, very itchy pustules within the scalp. apply antibiotic cream like Neosporin or bactroban. If the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics and steroids may be needed for which you have to consult a dermatologist. Also then for the dry flakes, dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis needs to be ruled out.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.