Head wounds: 6 causes and what to do to treat

Head wounds can have several causes, such as folliculitis, dermatitis, psoriasis or an allergic reaction to chemicals, such as dyes or straightening chemicals, for example, and it is very rare that it is caused by a more serious condition, such as skin cancer.

To identify the cause, it is recommended to seek a dermatologist, who will be able to assess the scalp and, if necessary, request tests to identify the reason and indicate the best treatment according to each case.

Thus, the treatment is usually done with special care for the scalp, such as washing regularly or avoiding holding and wearing hats with wet hair, in addition to using shampoos and ointments that can soothe inflammation and help heal wounds, such as based on antifungals or corticosteroids, for example.

Despite various causes of head injuries, some of the main ones include:

1. Seborrheic dermatitis

Also known as dandruff or seborrhea, seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that causes scaling, redness, yellowish-crusted and itchy wounds that can appear on the scalp or other areas such as the face, such as eyebrows, ears and corners of the nose.

Although its causes are not fully understood, this disease has a chronic evolution, with periods of improvement and worsening, with no definitive cure. Seborrheic dermatitis can be triggered by emotional stress, allergies, scalp oil, consumption of alcoholic beverages, certain medications or infection by the fungus Pityrosporum ovale .

What to do: It is necessary to seek a dermatologist to start the treatment, control the formation of wounds and prevent hair loss, through the use of shampoos or ointments based on antifungals, corticosteroids or other components such as salicylic acid, selenium, sulfur or zinc.

It is also recommended to discontinue the use of hair creams and ointments, which make it more oily, to wash hair more frequently and to avoid wearing hats and caps. Learn more about how to identify and treat seborrheic dermatitis.

2. Ringworm of the scalp

The most frequent ringworm of the scalp is called Tinea capitis , caused by fungi of the genus Trichophyton and Microsporum , and affects mainly children.

Tinea capitis fungi affect the hair shaft and follicles, and usually cause circular, scaly, reddish or yellowish crusted lesions that cause hair loss in the affected region.

What to do: the treatment is guided by the dermatologist, with antifungals such as Griseofulvin or Terbinafine, taken for about 6 weeks. In addition, selenium sulfate or Ketoconazole shampoos can help eliminate the infection.

Check out more details on how to prevent and ways to treat ringworm of the scalp.

3. Allergic reaction

The reaction of the skin in response to contact with chemicals on the scalp can also cause head wounds. Some of the products that can cause this type of reaction are hair dyes, progressive or permanent brush products, such as ammonium hydroxide or formaldehyde, or any type of product that contains substances that cause an allergic reaction in the person.

The lesions may appear a few hours or days after contact with the product, and there may be peeling, redness, itching or burning in the affected region.

What to do: The first step is to find the cause of the reaction, avoiding contact with the product again. The dermatologist will be able to guide the use of corticosteroid drugs, in pills, creams or ointments, in addition to lotions containing anti-inflammatory and healing agents to the scalp.

In addition, when using hair care products, especially when performing chemicals such as a progressive brush, it is recommended to avoid direct contact of the cosmetic with the scalp, reducing the chances of irritation and dryness of the area.

4. Folliculitis

Folliculitis is the inflammation of the hair root, which is usually caused by infection by bacteria and fungi that live on the skin, causing the appearance of reddish balls, filled with pus and causing pain, burning and itching, which can also cause hair loss. of the hair.

What to do: Treatment is guided by a dermatologist, and may include the use of antifungal shampoos, such as ketoconazole, or application of antibiotics, such as erythromycin or clindamycin, according to the cause identified by the doctor.

See more about the causes of folliculitis in different parts of the body and how to treat it.

5. Lice infestation

Also known by the scientific name of pediculosis, lice infestation is more common in school-age children, caused by parasites that can live and multiply on the scalp, feeding on blood.

The parasite's bites can cause small inflamed spots on the scalp, however, the sores can arise due to the intense itching that this infection causes, leading to the formation of scratches and crusts on the scalp.

What to do: to eliminate lice infestation, it is recommended to use specific shampoos, fine combs and, if necessary, antiparasitic drugs, such as Ivermectin, guided by the doctor. If there is infection of the wounds, antibiotics may also be needed.

To prevent pediculosis, it is advisable to avoid sharing brushes, combs, hats and glasses, and to prefer to keep your hair stuck in case of crowds of people. There are also repellent sprays that can be applied to hair, sold at the pharmacy. Learn more on how to get rid of lice and nits.

6. Psoriasis of the scalp

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory disease related to changes in immunity, which causes the appearance of red spots with an intense dry whitish or gray flaking.

In addition to the skin, it can also affect nails, which become thick and detached, as well as swelling and pain in the joints. Scalp psoriasis causes severe itching and flaking of dead skin, similar to dandruff, in addition to hair loss.

What to do: The treatment for psoriasis is done according to the recommendation of the dermatologist and rheumatologist, with lotions containing corticoids, such as Betamethasone, Salicylic acid or clobetasol propionate.

Check out more details on how to treat scalp psoriasis.