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Why Do I Have A Raised Red Patch On My Scalp?

Posted on Thu, 16 Dec 2021

Question: I have a raised red patch on my scalp, I’m worried it could be nodular melanoma, my GP is not concerned. I first noticed the patch in April. Do I need to push for a dermotolgist referral?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Seems like Seborrheic dermatitis

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

You have seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. It usually presents as faintly red, scaly, variably itchy patches on the scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis is a steroid-responsive dermatosis.

I'd suggest you apply a moderately potent topical steroid lotion e.g either Mometasone furoate 0.1%lotion or Betamethasone Dipropionate 0.05 %lotion, twice daily for a few days. These are prescription medications and I advise you to kindly talk to your local practitioner for a prescription of the same.

Feel free to ask further.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 hours later)

I have been applying Elocon ointment daily for 3 weeks as advised by GP with no improvement.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (29 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Pilar cyst

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Seborrheic dermatitis should have responded to elocon. In image it seems like a nodular lesion.. Most likely it is a Pilar cyst/trichilemmal cyst arising from the hair follicle.. It is not a melanoma. A Pilar cyst can be left alone if it is not causing symptoms.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (40 hours later)

If it’s a nodular lesion how do you know it’s not nodular melanoma?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Not Melanoma

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

A melanoma usually has a pigment component and is therefore dark, at least in part. Moreover, a melanoma usually has a history like change in size, shape, margins, color etc and/or history of ulceration or bleeding.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (36 hours later)

Thank you. What I’m worried about in paticular was almelanotic nodular melanoma. Which I thought wasn’t pigmented?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (28 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding your scalp lesion

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Yes, right. I suggest a scalp skin biopsy/histopathology for confirmation.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (5 hours later)

So do you now think it is nodular melanoma? Or do you mean it’s unlikely but to rule it out?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Not Melanoma

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

I don't think it is a nodular melanoma. I biopsy would document it.

Regards

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T