What Causes Pink Growths and Bumps on The Scalp? Treatment Tips

Understanding Pink Growths and Bumps on the Scalp

Discovering a new lump or bump on the scalp can be alarming. However, many scalp growths are benign. Pink growths may be caused by common scalp conditions like pimples, cysts, warts, or other skin lesions. Identifying the type of growth is key to proper treatment.

Common Causes of Pink Scalp Growths

Some common causes of pink lumps or bumps on the scalp include:

• Pimples - Can appear pink, red, or skin-colored. Often painful.
• Skin cysts - Slow growing round lesions filled with fluid or material.
• Lipomas - Soft, movable fat-filled lumps under skin.
• Warts - Rough, pink or skin-colored growths caused by HPV.
• Abscess - Tender pink swollen lump containing pus.
• Moles - Pink, tan or brown raised spots that may be flat or raised.

Pink scalp bumps can vary in size, texture, and how fast they develop. Consulting a dermatologist is important to determine the exact cause.

Pimples on the Scalp

Acne can develop on the scalp just like other areas of skin. Scalp pimples often look like small pink or red bumps. They may be filled with pus and be tender to the touch.

Pimples on the scalp usually occur when hair follicles get clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Bacteria can then cause inflammation and infection. Scalp acne is more common in adolescents and adults due to hormonal changes.

Mild scalp pimples usually clear up on their own. Warm compresses, over-the-counter acne medications, and keeping the scalp clean can help. Severe or cystic acne may require prescription medicines or drainage by a doctor.

Epidermoid Cysts on the Scalp

Epidermoid or sebaceous cysts are slow-growing bumps that form a round, fluid-filled lump under the skin. They range from pea-sized to a few centimeters wide and develop from clogged hair follicles or oil glands.

The growth may be pink, skin-toned, white, or yellow. The lump is typically not painful. However, it can become tender, swollen and reddened if infected.

Small cysts may disappear over time. Larger or problematic cysts can be surgically removed. Drainage and antibiotics are needed if the cyst is infected.

Lipomas on the Scalp

A lipoma is a benign tumor made up of fatty tissue. They form soft, rubbery lumps just under the skin ranging from small to several inches wide. Lipomas are typically pinkish, skin-colored or yellowish.

They grow gradually over time and tend to feel doughy or spongy. Lipomas can form anywhere on the body including the head and scalp region. Most are harmless and simply monitored. But large lipomas may require surgical removal.

Warts on the Scalp

Warts are noncancerous skin growths caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). They infect the outer layer of skin and can develop anywhere on the body.

Scalp warts look like small bumps a few millimeters in size. They may be pink, skin-toned, white, grey or yellow. The texture is often rough or scaly. Scalp warts are generally harmless but unsightly.

Treatment options include freezing/burning them off, prescription creams, or surgically cutting them out. Boosting immunity can also help clear HPV infections.

Abscesses on the Scalp

A scalp abscess is a tender, pink, swollen lump filled with pus. Abscesses develop from a bacterial infection of a hair follicle, oil gland, or injured skin.

The area quickly becomes inflamed, painful, and fills with infected fluid. It may look like a boil or enlarged pimple. Scalp abscesses require prompt medical treatment with incision and drainage to clear the infection.

Moles and Birthmarks

Moles and birthmarks are common, harmless skin growths. They form from clusters of pigment cells in the skin and can develop anywhere on the body.

Scalp moles are usually small, about the size of a pencil eraser. They may be pink, tan, brown, black, or multicolored. Moles are typically flat but can also be slightly raised.

Most moles and birthmarks are benign. But abnormal changes in size, color, or texture need evaluation to check for skin cancer risks.

Treating Pink Growths on the Scalp

Treatment for a pink scalp growth depends on the specific cause. Some general guidelines include:

Pimples

• Gentle cleansing with dandruff shampoo
• Salicylic acid products
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Topical or oral antibiotics for severe cases

Sebaceous Cysts

• Warm compresses to promote drainage
• Incision and drainage if infected
• Complete surgical removal for large or recurrent cysts

Lipomas

• Observation if small and not bothersome
• Surgical removal for larger lipomas

Warts

• Salicylic acid
• Cryotherapy to freeze off warts
• Prescription creams like imiquimod
• Laser removal

Abscess

• Oral antibiotics to treat infection
• Surgical drainage and packing of abscess
• Incision and drainage may be needed

Moles

• Observation if benign appearing
• Biopsy or excision if abnormal features

Seeing a doctor is important if the growth is painful, bleeding, getting larger, or has an unusual appearance. Proper diagnosis is key to effective treatment.

When to See a Doctor

Schedule an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist if you notice any of the following:

• The growth seems to be enlarging or changing
• It bleeds, oozes fluid, or crusts
• It becomes painful or tender to the touch
• The texture feels hard, lumpy, or asymmetrical
• It has an unusual or multi-colored appearance
• You have other worrisome symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or weight loss

While most pink scalp bumps are harmless, these types of changes can sometimes indicate a more serious condition like skin cancer. It’s important to rule that out.

Seeking prompt medical advice is recommended if you are unsure about a new growth to determine if testing or treatment is needed.

Preventing Bumps on the Scalp

You can help minimize certain types of scalp bumps with some proactive care:

• Wash hair frequently enough to control oil and buildup.
• Avoid excess styling products that can clog follicles.
• Shampoo hair with salicylic acid or tea tree oil for anti-fungal/anti-acne benefits.
• Avoid picking at the scalp to prevent infections.
• Treat existing dandruff, ringworm, or other scalp conditions.
• Wear sun protection on the scalp to prevent sun damage.

While some bumps are unavoidable, keeping the scalp clean and healthy can reduce recurrent issues. Be sure to point out any new growths or changes during skin exams and haircuts.

When to Seek Emergency Care

In rare cases, seek prompt emergency medical care if you experience:

• Sudden severe headache and vision changes
• Loss of sensation or weakness on one side of the body
• Rapid swelling of the scalp lump
• High fever, confusion, stiff neck
• Uncontrolled bleeding from the scalp

While rarely the cause, scalp lumps and growths can sometimes indicate a more serious condition like tumor, aneurysm, or infection. Seek emergency care if you notice any severe or alarming changes.

The Bottom Line

Discovering a new lump or bump on your scalp can be unsettling. However, most scalp growths are harmless. With an accurate diagnosis from your doctor, pink or red bumps on the scalp can be effectively managed and treated.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.