Yellow scabs on the scalp are often harmless and clear up on their own. However, they can sometimes be a sign of a condition that may require treatment, such as psoriasis, contact dermatitis, or head lice. In this article, we look at the possible causes of yellow scabs on scalp and their treatment options. We also cover prevention tips and when to contact a doctor.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a condition where the body replaces skin cells much faster than usual. This causes dry, discolored, and scaly patches of skin. These patches can occur almost anywhere on the body, including the scalp. People with scalp psoriasis may experience itchy, flaky skin that looks similar to dandruff.
Some people with psoriasis find that certain things trigger or worsen their symptoms. Identifying and avoiding these triggers, which may include stress or certain foods, can help. For example, cigarette smoking typically worsens psoriasis and can make the condition harder to clear.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema that causes dry, scaly, blistered skin. It occurs when an irritating substance comes into direct contact with a person’s skin. When contact dermatitis develops on the scalp, the irritating substance is often a shampoo, hair product, or soap.
Contact dermatitis usually clears up on its own once a person identifies and avoids the irritant. If the rash is very painful or itchy, a doctor may prescribe a medicated shampoo or corticosteroid to relieve symptoms. Unlike psoriasis, contact dermatitis occurs as a reaction to irritants. The condition will also not result in thick plaques as psoriasis would.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common condition that causes itchy, flaky skin and may result in skin scales developing. This rash occurs in areas with lots of sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands produce an oily substance called sebum. Seborrheic dermatitis can appear greasy or scaly. In severe cases, it can cause raised bumps and scaly, white skin at the hairline. In adults with seborrheic dermatitis, stress, lack of sleep, or other triggers may cause symptoms to reoccur frequently.
Final Things to Know
Infants often develop a type of seborrheic dermatitis called cradle cap, which usually clears independently. However, caregivers may need to apply dandruff shampoo or other treatments to loosen the scales. The greasy nature of seborrheic dermatitis can help people to distinguish it from contact dermatitis and psoriasis, which typically result in drier patches of discoloration and irritation.
