Differential Diagnosis for Bumps on Scalp
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Seborrheic dermatitis: This is a common condition that causes scaly, itchy bumps on the scalp, often associated with dandruff and oily skin.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Psoriasis: An autoimmune condition that can cause red, scaly bumps on the scalp, often accompanied by itching and flaking.
- Folliculitis: An inflammation of the hair follicles, usually caused by bacterial or fungal infections, leading to bumps, redness, and itching on the scalp.
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis): A chronic skin condition that can cause itchy, inflamed bumps on the scalp, especially in individuals with a history of allergies or asthma.
- Ingrown hairs: A condition where hair grows back into the skin, causing bumps, redness, and inflammation, often seen in individuals with curly or tightly coiled hair.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Meningioma: A rare type of brain tumor that can cause bumps or lumps on the scalp, often accompanied by neurological symptoms such as headaches, seizures, or vision changes.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: A type of skin cancer that can cause bumps or sores on the scalp, especially in individuals with a history of sun exposure or immunosuppression.
- Lymphoma: A type of blood cancer that can cause bumps or lumps on the scalp, often accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever, weight loss, or fatigue.
- Rare diagnoses
- Kerion: A rare fungal infection that causes a large, painful bump on the scalp, often accompanied by fever, swelling, and lymphadenopathy.
- Trichoepithelioma: A rare benign tumor that causes small, flesh-colored bumps on the scalp, often seen in individuals with a family history of the condition.
- Cylindroma: A rare type of skin adnexal tumor that causes small, firm bumps on the scalp, often seen in individuals with a family history of the condition.