What causes Sore Spots on the Scalp?

A lot of people suffer from various scalp problems such as itching head sores, crusting or flaking and development of bumps, sores or blisters on the scalp. Development of sore spots is one of the most common problems related to the scalp. These spots are sore to touch or even to the movement of hair. If you ask what causes sore spots on scalp, there is going to be more than just one answer. Let's have a look at the most probable reasons behind appearance of scalp sores.

What Causes Sore Spots on Scalp?

In many cases, excessive use of harsh chemical shampoos, conditioners and styling products is the main cause of sore, reddish spots on scalp. It leads to drying out of the scalp, irritates the skin and leaves the follicles open. This may result in follicle infection (folliculitis). Most of the hair care products consist of several toxic chemicals. These chemicals can cause drying of the skin by extracting its natural oils. It results in formation of sores, itchiness and dry spots on the scalp. Due to lack of these essential oils, the skin becomes prone to yeast infections such as Melassezia Globbosa (fungus causing dandruff) or Pitysporum Ovale and other infection-causing agents. These fungal infections result in the formation of dandruff which leads to flaking of the scalp.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS) is one of the most commonly used toxic chemicals, which is a harsh cleaning and foaming agent. It is added in about 90% of all shampoos that are available in the market. It can cause some adverse side-effects such as premature aging of the skin, damage to eye membrane, prevention hair follicle growth, etc. Also, when used on a scalp that already has sore spots, such a shampoo retards the healing process and, most of the time, can even make the condition worse.

Some other possible causes of sores on scalp are:

• A fungal infection due to ringworm (Tinea capitis) is responsible for sore spots on scalp. This infection is more common in children and gives rise to certain symptoms such as itchy, red patches on the scalp. It results in hair loss and formation of bald areas. The skin becomes red, scaly and itchy. There may be swollen blisters or rash which look like black dots. This rash is highly contagious.
• Skin conditions such as acne can cause sore spots on scalp. This condition may result from hormonal causes, infection, blocked pores, ingrown hair and incorrect diet.
• An allergic skin reaction (contact dermatitis) can be a cause of sore spots. It usually occurs in two forms - allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis. Irritant contact dermatitis results from the direct contact of irritants with the skin. Allergic contact dermatitis is a hypersensitive reaction, which takes place due to the body's immune system acting upon a substance which it perceives as an allergen. Contact dermatitis may occur due to some cosmetic allergy.
• Stress due to work pressure, exhaustion or emotional tension can give rise to sore spots on scalp in rare cases. Even if such sores are caused by external physical factors, stress can greatly slow down the healing process
• Some viral infections such as shingles or chickenpox can also cause sore spots anywhere on the body including the scalp.

You can use some natural oils such as chamomile, lavender, avocado or eucalyptus oil to soothe the itching. If you are suffering from scalp rash, it is better to consult the dermatologist before trying the OTC treatment options. Nutritious food rich in Vitamin C and zinc must be consumed to speed up healing and avoid recurrence of painful sores on the scalp.