Differential Diagnosis for White Dry Papule on Top of Head
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Seborrheic keratosis: A common, benign skin growth that can appear as a white, dry papule, especially in older adults. It's often found on the scalp, face, and neck.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Actinic keratosis: A precursor to skin cancer that can present as a dry, scaly patch or papule, often on sun-exposed areas like the scalp.
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis): Can cause dry, scaly patches on the scalp, including the top of the head, especially in individuals with a history of allergies or asthma.
- Psoriasis: An autoimmune condition that can lead to dry, scaly patches on the scalp, including the top of the head, often accompanied by other symptoms like redness and itching.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Basal cell carcinoma: The most common form of skin cancer, which can sometimes present as a pale, dry patch or papule, especially in sun-exposed areas.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: Another form of skin cancer that can appear as a firm, dry patch or papule, often on sun-exposed areas like the scalp.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Keratoacanthoma: A rare, benign skin tumor that can resemble a small, dry volcano-like papule, often on sun-exposed areas.
- Cutaneous lymphoma: A rare type of cancer that affects the skin and can cause a variety of skin lesions, including dry papules on the scalp.