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What Causes Sore And Red Spots On Scalp?

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Posted on Wed, 9 Dec 2015
Question: I have a small red spot on top of my scalp that is extremely sore. Even area around it is sore. I attached a picture, hard to see. Kind of causing slight headac
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (55 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Oral antibiotic for a week; topical antibacterial; ketoconazole shampoo

Detailed Answer:
Hello . Thank you for writing to us at healcaremagic. I have gone through your query and I have also reviewed the image.

I can see an illdefined red area on scalp and seems to be seborrheic dermatitis. Probably this area has developed a secondary bacterial infection and has therefore become sore and discomforting.

If I was the treating doctor i would suggest a course of an oral antibiotic for a week. e.g amoxicillin or cephalexin. Topically you may use an antibacterial ointment e.g either mupirocin or neosporin. These would take care of bacterial infection.
You may also take an oral antiinflammatory e.g ibuprofen, once or twice daily for symptomatic relief from pain.
Since the underlying cause is seborrheic dermatitis therefore you must also use an antifungal shampoo e.g Nizral (ketoconazole) shampoo, regularly.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (11 minutes later)
Ok, is it necessary to go and get an oral antibiotic or will topical over the counter ointments take care of it?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Use an otc ointment and otc antifungal shampoo

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

You may use an otc topical antibacterial like Neosporin or polysporin initially along with an otc shampoo i.e ask for ketoconazole shampoo at pharmacy as suggested. Hopefully it will work for a localised area of involvement.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (18 minutes later)
Ok thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for writing to us

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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

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What Causes Sore And Red Spots On Scalp?

Brief Answer: Oral antibiotic for a week; topical antibacterial; ketoconazole shampoo Detailed Answer: Hello . Thank you for writing to us at healcaremagic. I have gone through your query and I have also reviewed the image. I can see an illdefined red area on scalp and seems to be seborrheic dermatitis. Probably this area has developed a secondary bacterial infection and has therefore become sore and discomforting. If I was the treating doctor i would suggest a course of an oral antibiotic for a week. e.g amoxicillin or cephalexin. Topically you may use an antibacterial ointment e.g either mupirocin or neosporin. These would take care of bacterial infection. You may also take an oral antiinflammatory e.g ibuprofen, once or twice daily for symptomatic relief from pain. Since the underlying cause is seborrheic dermatitis therefore you must also use an antifungal shampoo e.g Nizral (ketoconazole) shampoo, regularly. Regards