Scalp Sores
Facts about Scalp Sores
Skin conditions are generally thought to affect the face, arms, legs or feet, but they can also create havoc on the scalp. Sores, itching and painful areas can all be experienced on the scalp just as they can elsewhere on the body.
The scalp is skin that covers the skull; bordering the face to the front and sides and the neck from the back. It is a much thicker type of skin than is found on the rest of the body, containing five layers. From the outside in, these layers include the outer layer of skin from which hair growth occurs; connective tissue; dense fibrous tissue; loose areolar connective tissue where major blood vessels lie and finally the pericranium. Hair follicles blanket the scalp in most cases, and function just as follicles over the remainder of the body do by producing sebum by way of the sebaceous glands and hair shafts. Because normally the scalp is covered by a thick, full coating of hair, any skin conditions that may erupt are unable to be seen in many cases. They are only discovered when certain symptoms begin, such as itching, flaking and the appearance of sores. There are several skin conditions that could cause these symptoms; with the most common causes including psoriasis, ringworm, impetigo and pemphigus.
Psoriasis.
Skin regenerates naturally to stay healthy, with normal skin cell life cycles lasting approximately 21 to 28 days. This means that our skin cells are continually under phases of replacement. When an individual has the condition called psoriasis, skin cells regenerate much more quickly than normal; sometimes as quickly as every few days. With new skin cells constantly emerging, the surface of the skin becomes overpopulated with both new cells and dead cells. The result is patches of reddened skin with an overlay of whitish scales on the scalp, causing itching, sores and dandruff. There is no danger of spreading psoriasis to other individuals, although many people with this condition are shunned due to the unpleasant sight of the skin.
Ringworm.
Tinea capitis, or ringworm, is yet another cause of scalp sores. A form of fungal infection, it creates reddened, painful patches on the scalp that could spread into raw bald patches. Due to its highly infectious nature, it is important to have this condition diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible. If left untreated, the condition could develop into a more serious one called kerion, which can lead to scarring and hair loss.
Impetigo.
A very contagious skin infection, impetigo causes red sores on the body that rupture, ooze and crust over. It usually affects young children, beginning on or around the face where it can then be transferred to other areas of the body such as the scalp through itching or rubbing. Impetigo is caused by bacteria that enter the skin through a cut or fissure.
Pemphigus.
Pemphigus foliaceus is a rare condition that is a deviation of natural immune processes; the immune system actually attacks healthy skin cells. When this occurs, face and scalp sores develop that are created after itchy blisters burst. Pain is not generally a factor with pemphigus foliaceus, but medical attention and treatment should be sought as soon as possible to avoid the disorder from becoming more serious.
The scalp is just as susceptible to being affected by infections and skin conditions as other areas of the body. When sores develop on the scalp, it is important for the condition to be evaluated and diagnosed by a doctor to ensure that it is not a contagious disorder that could spread to other areas of the body.