How To Get Rid Of Scabs On Scalp

Having scabs on your scalp is not only incredibly painful but also downright embarrassing. Yes, because they are unsightly. What exactly are these scabs?

Scratching your head can damage your scalp. It leads to itchy, crusty layers on the skin called scabs. These scabs irritate your scalp even more by causing itching.In this article, we will break down what scabs are and their causes and treatments. Scroll down.

What Are Scabs On The Scalp?

When you scratch your head constantly, the outer skin of your scalp gets damaged. The damaged skin heals itself with platelets that stick together to form clots that hardenintoscabs. These scabs are yellowish, reddish, brown, or black and extremely itchy. Scratching them too much can cause bleeding.

There are several reasons these scabs are formed on the scalp. It might be due to an oily scalp or an indication of a serious medical condition like eczema or psoriasis. The key to treating scabs is knowing their exact cause. Here are a few possible causes.

What Causes Scabs On The Scalp?

Oily Scalp: People with oily scalp are prone to dandruff, which can cause itching and make you scratch your head (1).This, in turn, can cause scabs.
Seborrheic Dermatitis (Dandruff): Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition that is characterized by scaly patches and stubborn dandruff. The symptoms of this condition include itching and flaking without visible inflammation (2). But it is not contagious and can be treated easily with over-the-counter drugs or prescription medication (in severe cases).
Scalp Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that occurs when you have an overactive immune system. It causes thick, red patches covered with silver, gray scales and occurs on certain body parts (3). When psoriasis patches appear on your scalp, they can form scabs.
Lichen Planopilaris: If you notice red or purple bumps on your scalp that form scabs, you could have lichen planopilaris. It is an inflammatory condition that causes scaling and redness around your hair follicles and leads to scarring alopecia (hair loss) (4). The red and purple bumps that are a symptom of this condition can form scabs.
Ringworm: The term 'ringworm' is quite misleading here as it is not an actual ringworm but a fungal infection. This infection (also known as Tine a capitis) affects your scalp and hair shafts and forms circular marks of itchy, scaly skin. These marks usually have flat centers and raised borders that can form itchy scabs on the scalp (5).
Scabies: Scabs can be formed due to scabies mites. Scabies is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, which burrows into the host. It causes itching and heavily crusted layers of skin (6). It is often seen in children, but it also affects men and women of all ages. This condition often affects the neck, scalp, face, eyelids, and the skin under the nails.
Head Lice:Head lice are the worst asthey are highly contagious. Besides sucking blood, they also cause a ton of itching (7). Scratching your head persistently can cause wounds that lead to scabs formation.
Shingles: It is a common misconception that chickenpox occurs only once in a human. The virus responsible for chickenpox can stay dormant in your body and get reactivated to cause shingles. The small, yellow blisters caused by shingles can also appear on your scalp and crust over to form scabs.
Eosinophilic Folliculitis:This is a serious condition that affects people who have HIV/AIDS. Eosinophilic folliculitis is characterized by itchy, pus-filled lesions on your skin and scalp that can form scabs when they heal (8).
Skin Inflammation: Itchy skin (called pruritus) is a common symptom of skin inflammation. This severe itching can cause the scalp to burn and scab (9).
Contact Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis is a skin disorder caused due to allergic reactions or irritants. It causes the skin to become itchy, red, and lesioned (10).
Impetigo: Impetigo is a common bacterial infection in kids between the ages of two to five years (11). It is characterized by honey-colored crusts on the skin and, in some cases, even the scalp.
Scalp Acne: Acne vulgaris is a chronic skin inflammation that causes small bumps, redness, and lesions on the skin (12). It can be caused due to overproduction of sebum and appears on the face, neck, and back. It can also affect the scalp at times.
Scalp Folliculitis: This is another chronic inflammatory condition that affects the hair follicles directly (12). It is characterized by yellowish-white scabs on the scalp.
Skin Picking: Skin picking is a psychological disorder where people pick their skin over and over again, causing tissue damage (13). It can lead to scabs that become worse due to the constant pulling of skin.

Scalp scabs can be difficult to identify and might even lead to bigger issues like severe hair loss,infections, and scalp inflammation. Here are a few symptoms you need to look out for along with the scabs.

Other Symptoms To Look Out For

White/Yellow Scabs: Excess application of thick conditioners, ointments, lotions or hair cream can cause moisture to get trapped within the crust of the scab and develop pus, making it appear white. Yellow scabs, on the other hand, are an indication of infectious pus already formed in the scab that can develop into sores.
Hair Loss: If you start losing hair on the spots on your scalp where you see red and purple bumps and scars, seek evaluation, as it could be due to a scarring hair loss, such as lupus or lichen planopilaris.
Getting Scabs On The Same Spot: Getting scabs on the same spot on your scalp over and over again could be a symptom of melanoma and needs to be treated immediately.
Green Pus: There is a cause for concern if green pus comes out of your scalp scabs, as it is a sign of an infection.

Now that you know what symptoms to look out for, let's take a look at the easy remedies to treat them.

Note: Please consult a doctor if you notice any of the above symptoms before trying the natural treatments below. Perform a patch testto ensure no adverse reactions occur.

How To Treat Scabs On The Scalp The Natural Way

Since scabs are a sign of your skin healing, they usually fall off and disappear on their own. However, if they are bothersome, you can use a few home remedies to quicken the healing process and get rid of the scabs. These scalp scab treatments can be done with ingredients that are present in your pantry.

How To Treat Scabs On The Scalp

Warm Compress
Aloe Vera Gel
Lemon Juice
Neem Leaves
Apple Cider Vinegar
Oatmeal
Jojoba Oil
Tea Tree Oil
Olive Oil
CoconutOil
Fish Oil

1. Warm Compress

If your scalp scabs are extra itchy and do not seem to be reducing, a warm compress is your best option. A warm compress softens your scabs and makes them fall off fast.

What You Need

Towel
Hot water
Comb

What To Do

Soak the towel in hot water.
Wring out the excess water, roll up your hair, and wrap the towel around your head.
Leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
Remove the towel and comb out the scabs from your hair gently.
Do this once daily for a few days.

2. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel is an excellent soothing agent. Studies show that aloe vera can help soothe many of the causes of scabs, like seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis (14), (15), (16). It helps reduce the pain and itching in and around the scabs on your scalp and prevents them from getting infected.

What You Need

Aloe vera leaf
2 vitamin E capsules

What To Do

Remove the gel from the aloe vera leaf.
Squeeze out the oil from the vitamin E capsules and mix it with the aloe vera gel.
Apply this mixture to the scalp scabs with your fingers.
Leave it on for an hour.
Wash off the mixture with a mild shampoo.
Repeat this twice or thrice a week.

3. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice reduces dryness and itchiness of your scalp. Its anti fungal activity can help treats dandruff and ringworm, which are major causes of scalp scabs (17), (18). Since it is a harsh ingredient, mix it with a gentle carrier oil.

What You Need

½ teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil

What To Do

Warm the olive oil in a microwave for a few seconds.
Mix the lemon juice and warm olive oil.
Massage the mixture onto your scalp.
Leave the mixture on for half an hour.
Wash it off with a mild shampoo.
Do this thrice a week.

4. Neem Leaves

Neem leaves (Indian lilac) can help soothe itchy skin conditions. Their anti fungal and antibacterial properties help in getting rid of the scabs and preventing the scalp from getting infected (19), (20).

What You Need

10-15 neem leaves
2 cups of water

What To Do

Boil the neem leaves in two cups of water.
Strain the water and let it cool down.
Rinse your hair with this neem water every day.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is hugely popular as a home remedy for a ton of skin and hair-related issues. It has antibacterial and anti fungal properties (21), (22). It also helps to balance the pH of your scalp to reduce dryness and itchiness. A Palestinian study showed that apple cider vinegar helped prevent dandruff along with other hair issues (23). It also acts as a hair cleanser and keeps the scalp clean.

What You Need

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 cup warm water

What To Do

Mix the apple cider vinegar with water.
Pour the mixture onto your scalp.
Massage your scalp for a few minutes.
Rinse off your hair with water.
Follow this routine twice a week.

6. Oatmeal

This trusty (albeit bland) breakfast food does wonders for your skin and treating the scabs on your scalp. It soothes irritated skin and is highly moisturizing (24).Research shows that oats can help relieve and soothe itching, burning, scaling, and other scalp and skin discomforts (25).

What You Need

2 tablespoons uncooked oatmeal
Water

What To Do

Mix enough water with the oatmeal to form a thick paste.
Apply the oatmeal paste over your scalp and leave it on for 10 minutes.
Wash it off with a mild shampoo.
Follow this once daily.

7. Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is touted as the miracle worker in skincare. It soothes inflammation, burning, bumps, and itching and helps in wound healing (26). It can help relieve eczema and psoriasis. Jojoba oil prevents the scalp from getting dry and stimulates hair growth. Its anti fungal properties can help protect the scalp from infections that can lead to scabs. It regulates the balance of natural oils of your scalp and, thus, reduces scabs.

What You Need

Jojoba oil

What To Do

Massage a little jojoba oil onto your scalp before going to bed.
Leave it on overnight.
Wash it off the next morning with a mild shampoo.
Follow this routine twice a week.

8. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has antifungal, antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties (27). It is effective in reducing dandruff and scalp lesions (28). It also prevents other scalp and skin disorders and relieves itching.

What You Need

1 teaspoon tea tree oil
2 tablespoons almond oil

What To Do

Mix the tea tree and almond oils.
Massage the mixture onto your scalp.
Leave it on for 30 minutes.
Wash off with a mild shampoo.
Follow this routine thrice a week.

9. Olive Oil

Pamper your scalp while treating the scabs with olive oil. Not only does the hydrating squalene in it moisturize your scalp and help loosen up the scabs, but it also nourishes your hair and makes it super soft. Olive oil has been often used to treat many skin and scalp issues like dandruff, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea, which cause scaling and itching (29).

What You Need

4 tablespoons olive oil

What To Do

Warm the olive oil in a microwave for a few seconds.
Massage the oil onto your scalp. You can also apply it all over your hair.
Leave it on overnight.
Wash your hair the next morning with a mild shampoo.
Repeat this thrice a week.

10. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a well-known hair and scalp moisturizer. It helps reduce scalp dryness and flaking (30). It also treats scalp issues like dandruff, eczema, and dermatitis and prevents headlice.

What You Need

Coconut oil
Towel

What To Do

Apply coconut oil all over your scalp.
Warm a towel by running it under hot water and wring out the excess water.
Wrap the towel around your head and leave it on for an hour.
Wash off the oil with a mild shampoo.
Follow this routine thrice a week.

11. Fish Oil Or Omega-3 Supplements

Fish oil is rich in fatty acidsandcan help treat skin issues like dermatitis and allergies (31). It contains omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) that help protect the skin. It also contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA), which are extremely beneficial for the skin. It is also beneficial for hair as it stimulates hair growth and keeps the scalp clean.

Now that you know the natural ways of treating scalp scabs say goodbye to this itchy annoyance forever.Make sure you check with a doctor before opting for any of these remedies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a scab to fall off on its own?

Small scabs fall off within 3 to 7 days, whereas large ones could take up to 2 weeks to heal.

Is it okay to pick a scab?

No, you should not pick the scabs (the ones on your scalp and otherwise) as the skin underneath them is not completely healed, and you can be exposing the new delicate skin cells to infections.

What does it mean when a scab is black?

There is no need to worry if the scabs on your scalp are black. It means that a little more than usualblood flowed out of the wound before it clotted and became a scab.

Sources

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