Therapy – When do I need to see a doctor?

The therapy for red spots on the scalp is carried out depending on the cause of the complaints. The red spots are a symptom and can speak for many diagnoses. It is important that a doctor is consulted if the red spots on the scalp do not subside by themselves.

A visit to a doctor is also indicated if the spots appear suddenly without a recognizable cause. If other symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath or pain occur, it may be a serious illness, in which case a doctor should be consulted immediately. In order to determine the cause of the red spots on the scalp and to initiate the appropriate treatment, a detailed conversation is first held (anamnesis) and the rash on the head is examined.

If the cause is not yet determined, blood tests and a tissue sample or a smear of the affected scalp may be necessary. In case of an infection with bacteria, viruses or fungi, appropriate medication and ointments for therapy can be considered. If an allergic reaction is suspected, an allergy test can be performed. Diseases such as psoriasis must be treated regularly and require regular follow-up care.

Red spots on the scalp of children and babies

The typical childhood diseases can almost all be accompanied by red spots on the scalp. For example, the three-day fever after defibrillation can lead to a skin rash, which is usually localized on the neck and trunk, but can also spread to the scalp. In the case of chickenpox, red blisters are to be expected, which are very itchy.

The typical rash of rubella starts at the scalp behind the ears and spreads from there over the whole body.Scarlet fever also causes, in addition to the typical throat and swallowing problems, a fine spotted rash that can appear as red spots on the scalp. The ringworm infection initially resembles a cold, later on it develops the characteristic ring-shaped, red and itchy rash, mostly initially on the cheeks and in the scalp area. Measles, too, usually leads to red patches in addition to the flu-like symptoms of fever, cough and rhinitis; an itching like chickenpox does not usually develop. But infections with parasites are also common in children. Mites, lice or fleas should be recognized in time and treated consistently because of the high risk of infection.