bumps on head

[anthonyd21]

hi everyone, for about 6 months ive had these pimple like bumps on my scalp every now and then. sometimes theyre just bumps, and others theyre like pimples: when "popped" either clear liquid comes out or even blood. i have no idea what they are, does anyone have a clue?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The cause of scalp folliculitis is not well understood. It is generally considered to be an inflammatory reaction to components of the hair follicle, particularly the micro-organisms like bacteria, yeast or mites.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[anthonyd21]

thank you so much for your detailed response. i will take your word and go to a dermatologist asap.

i have another question. do you know what causes this? and is this contagious? i never had this problem until now.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to perifolliculitis scalp. It is characterised by small, very itchy pustules within the scalp, often most troublesome on the frontal hairline. The scalp should be washed with a mild normal shampoo as often as desired. Antidandruff shampoos containing antifungal agents such as ketoconazole or ciclopirox are sometimes helpful. Apart from that you need topical and oral antibiotics, antihistamines, oral steroids and topical tretinoin.

My sincere advice is to get it examined from a dermatologist. 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.