Found this on my son’s scalp. Have no idea what it is and we can’t get a doc appt soon. Tips?.

 

👶🏽🧠 Step 1: Let’s assess this issue quickly

Please consider the following questions (you don’t have to answer here, but they’ll help you figure out next steps):

• What does it look like?

  • Bumps? A patch? Scab? Open sore? Lesion?

  • White/yellow/clear discharge?

  • Red, inflamed, or flaky?

  • Hard or soft?

  • Moving?

• Does it itch or hurt?

  • Is your son scratching it often?

  • Any tenderness when touched?

• How big is it?

  • Pea-sized? Dime? Quarter?

  • Growing or shrinking?

• Has he had any recent symptoms?

  • Fever, fatigue, sore throat, rash elsewhere on the body?

• Has he had contact with animals or shared hats, brushes, or pillows with anyone recently?

---

🩺 Most common possibilities (non-exhaustive)

Possible Cause	Description	Action
Ringworm (Tinea Capitis)	Fungal infection – scaly, round patches, hair loss	OTC antifungal shampoo (e.g., ketoconazole), but needs oral antifungals from a doctor
Lice/Nits	Small white eggs near hair roots, may see bugs moving	Use fine-tooth comb and OTC lice treatment shampoo
Seborrheic Dermatitis	Cradle cap in babies, dandruff in older kids – greasy, yellow scales	Gentle washing, medicated shampoo (Selsun Blue, Head & Shoulders)
Folliculitis	Inflamed hair follicles – red bumps or pustules	Keep clean, avoid scratching, use antibacterial wash
Scalp Psoriasis	Silvery, thick, flaky scales	Often chronic; OTC coal tar/salicylic acid shampoo can help
Bug bite or cyst	Local swelling, redness	Clean with soap/water; apply ice and monitor