Symptoms of a scalp rash

The main symptom of a scalp rash is itching and sometimes burning. Open areas are also possible, which then also lead to pain. Most dry areas with reddish discolorations and pustules are visible.

Some of these spots can be visible at the hairline. Infections are accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat and malaise. Furthermore, the skin scales are stronger and these scales are also visible on the pillow.

Depending on the type of rash, increased hair loss may also occur. The symptoms can be of varying severity and may not always occur. Itching is the main symptom of skin rashes and is also found in rashes of the scalp.

In most cases, the skin is dry and scaly, which leads to increased itching. The allergic reaction as such is also associated with itching. In children, frequent scratching is an indication of itchy skin rashes, but head lice must also be considered in the differential diagnosis.

The itching does not have to be present continuously and can also be intensified at certain times. Scratching often intensifies the itching. Depending on the cause of the rash, the rash may be accompanied by purulent pimples.

Pimples are rarely seen in allergic reactions. In some people affected, the scratched pustules can also become purulent and therefore show a great similarity to pimples. A so-called superinfection of rashes with bacterial pathogens can also lead to pus pustules and pimples.

Heavy sweating can also lead to pimples on the scalp, which can also increase in rashes. Find out what you can do against pus pimples on the scalp. Swollen lymph nodes are in most cases a sign of an immune reaction of the body.

Lymph nodes are found in many places in the body and are also present at the back of the head and behind the ears. They are part of the body’s healthy defense system and cannot be felt without swelling. In case of a rash caused by an infection, the lymph nodes swell.

The lymph nodes remain mobile and can be painful. In most cases, the lymph nodes are enlarged on both sides.With some systemic infections, the lymph nodes in the neck area may also swell. These infections include both bacterial diseases and viral diseases such as mumps or measles.

With these diseases, the skin rash can also spread to the head. The skin is made up of several layers. In the so-called dermis, the hairs are anchored with their roots.

There are also the follicles from which the hairs can grow again if they fall out or tear out. When the skin is irritated and dry, the skin can sometimes no longer hold the hairs. Particularly longer hairs, which have more weight and are also under greater strain when combed, then fall out.

With skin rashes, the skin is strongly attacked and is stressed by scratching even more. Affected people therefore often report increased hair loss. This is particularly noticeable on the pillow and in the brush.

In the case of severe rashes, reaching in with the hands is enough to pull out large amounts of hair. The hair grows back as soon as the irritation subsides. In the case of chronic rashes, such as neurodermatitis on the head, the hair may appear thin and not grow back completely.

Also the ointments, which are supposed to calm the rash, can initially increase the hair loss before the rash subsides. Cortisone also belongs to these drugs. The hair normally does not fall out completely, but is only thinned out.