Scalp bumps

I am a 54 year old male.  In the past two days, red bumps have appeared in an area the size of a dime on the upper right rear of my scalp.  They appear to be spreading and are slightly tender, sore to the touch.  On the second day I am experiencing occasional stabs of pain from the area, similar to headache pains and short in duration.  Rash, insect bite, serious?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

It could be anything from insect bites to zoster ("shingles.")  Not serious, but uncomfortable.  You need diagnosis and if, required, treatment.  Shingles (a localized recurrence of the chickenpox virus) responds to oral antibiotics, especially if administered early on.  Like now.  Please arrange to be seen ASAP.

Of course, it may be something localized which will go away on its own.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff