Red spots on the scalp - How to get rid of red spots on the scalp
Scalp problems are a nuisance for many people. If you have a red scalp, it can be caused by various skin conditions.
We'll take a closer look at them here, where you can also learn more about what red spots on the scalp can look like and, not least, how best to care for them.
Table of contents
What can one do about red spots on the scalp?
Red, annoying spots on the scalp are a common problem for both men and women of all ages. But luckily, that doesn't mean you can't do anything to alleviate the problem if you're one of those affected.
Natural skin care for the scalp
The skin of an itchy, irritated and red scalp needs care and nourishment. You can provide this with Australian Bodycare's complete kit containing Hair Clean, Hair Care and Scalp Serum. The products are carefully balanced with each other and provide combined care for your scalp problems.
Together, the three products effectively counteract problems of irritation, dryness and dandruff, all of which can cause sore, red patches on the scalp.
Scalp Serum helps minimise redness, itching and dandruff thanks to the bacteria-fighting Tea Tree Oil, which, together with Lactic Acid Esters and Macademia Nut Oil, moisturises and nourishes the scalp.
This gives your scalp the best conditions to maintain a healthy environment.
Hair Clean is a shampoo that is suitable for those who need moisturising and intensive care for a scalp with itching, irritation, dandruff and red spots.
The shampoo is rich in Tea Tree Oil - a unique active ingredient that fights bacteria and cleanses the hair and scalp free from dirt and bacteria. The coconut oil provides plenty of moisture for optimal skin care.
Hair Care is a conditioner with Panthenol and Shea Butter that strengthens the scalp environment while intensively nourishing and moisturising it.
In a clinical trial, 92% of test subjects experienced a significant improvement and soothing effect on the scalp.
Three steps to relieving a dry, sore and itchy scalp:
- Apply Scalp Serum in sections all over the scalp. "Run" the tip of the bottle against the scalp and squeeze out the product. Massage it in thoroughly and leave it on for at least 30 minutes if you want to get the best effect from the serum. You can even leave it on overnight for optimal effect.
- Rinse your hair and apply Hair Clean to wet hair. Lather up the shampoo and massage carefully into your hair and scalp. Leave it in for a few minutes and rinse with lukewarm water until all the shampoo is gone. Cleanse the scalp of dirt and bacteria by repeating once more. This helps to rebalance the scalp.
- Apply a small handful of Hair Care to the hair and scalp and gently massage the product in. Leave the conditioner on for at least two minutes. Rinse off with water so that no residue of the conditioner remains. The product does not cause the hair to clump together.
Use Hair Clean and Hair Care every time you wash your hair. Supplement with Scalp Serum 1-3 times a week or every day - depending on your needs.
When should you call a doctor??
If after weeks of intensive red scalp care you still don't see any improvement, you should always consult your doctor.
Infections can become serious if left untreated, so it is important to have a doctor assess your skin condition. He or she can then make the right diagnosis.
Other good tips for red spots on the scalp
In some cases, it can be impossible to avoid red patches on the scalp. But if you suffer from redness on your scalp, you can benefit from a number of preventive measures:
- Avoid the sun's harsh rays - especially during the midday hours between noon and 3 p.m. Protect your scalp with sunscreen or a sun hat to avoid sunburn.
- Avoid wearing tight headgear. Minimise the use of hats, caps or other headgear that fits tightly and creates an enclosed scalp.
- Avoid using too many hair products. Cut down on styling products, which can be hard on the scalp. Take a break from them to give your scalp a "rest".
What is a red scalp?
Red scalp is a skin condition where redness or red-coloured areas appear on the scalp.
The skin on the scalp can develop red spots or patches, which can often be sore or itchy. This is a very common skin problem that affects many people - and can be caused by several different skin conditions. You can find out more about them below.
Why do you get red patches on the scalp?
There is no single reason why your scalp turns red. There can be many reasons, including:
Skin irritation
Skin irritation can show up as red patches on the scalp. For example, your hairbrush may irritate the delicate skin on your scalp, or your towel may have irritated your skin after blow-drying your hair.
If you often wear a cap, beanie or other headwear, it can also irritate the scalp, which gets "trapped" under the headgear.
Sun burn
As autumn and winter turn into spring and summer, it means you need to be careful of the sun's harsh rays.
If you have very thin hair or are bald, your scalp is particularly vulnerable. If you've been exposed to too much sun, it can give you a red scalp, which often feels sore and painful from the sunburn.
Excess use of products
Your scalp can turn red or develop red patches if you are too diligent with styling products or if you use products that your skin cannot tolerate.
Hair products can irritate your skin if you use them too often and if they are too strong for your skin. If you blow-dry your hair, the air will also dry out your skin - and this can cause itching that eventually leads to redness of the skin.
Thrush on the scalp
Scalp fungus is an irritating skin condition. It is caused by an infection with skin fungi (dermatophytes) that colonise the scalp.
The fungus appears as scaly, red patches and, in the worst cases, untreated scalp fungus can cause hair loss.
It is most commonly caused by infection from domestic animals that have fungus on their skin. However, it can also be caused by the growth of fungal spores that are found all over our bodies. Fungal spores can grow large and cause a fungal infection if your skin's natural defence barrier is broken.
This could be due to pregnancy, stress or poor diet, for example. It can also be caused by a weakened immune system if you are ill.
Serborrheic Dermatitis
Serborrheic dermatitis and Dandruff eczema is a common type of eczema - it often appears on the scalp and face, which are areas with many sebaceous glands. The eczema causes redness and itching, and the skin flakes to a greater or lesser extent.
If you have eczema, it is usually a chronic skin condition.
This could be due to pregnancy, stress or poor diet, for example. It can also be caused by a weakened immune system if you are ill.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis comes from the Greek word for 'itch' and is a skin disease that causes white or red scaly patches.
The disease is common on the scalp, where the skin surface becomes over-activated, forming a red skin rash.
