What causes small lumps on the head?

　　In general, small bumps on the head may be caused by mosquito bites, allergic dermatitis, folliculitis, seborrheic dermatitis, sebaceous cysts, and other conditions. Symptomatic treatment such as general care and medication may be needed. If discomfort symptoms occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

　　1. Mosquito Bites

　　In summer or environments with many insects, bites on the scalp may cause red, swollen small bumps. Symptoms are usually mild and may resolve on their own without other accompanying symptoms. Usually, no special treatment is required, but topical application of cooling oil or essential balm may help relieve itching and swelling.

　　2. Allergic Dermatitis

　　Contact with allergens such as dust mites and pollen may irritate the skin, causing allergic reactions that can lead to allergic dermatitis. This may cause bumps on the scalp, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as itching and redness. It is recommended to use medications such as levocetirizine hydrochloride tablets, loratadine tablets, and calamine lotion under a doctor's guidance.

　　3. Folliculitis

　　When the scalp produces excessive oil or personal hygiene is poor, hair follicles may be invaded by bacteria, causing inflammatory reactions and forming red swollen bumps. Symptoms may include scalp itching, pain, and localized redness and swelling. It is recommended to use medications such as mupirocin ointment, fusidic acid cream, and compound polymyxin B ointment under a doctor's guidance.

　　4. Seborrheic Dermatitis

　　Excessive secretion from scalp sebaceous glands combined with the action of microorganisms such as Malassezia may cause skin inflammation, resulting in red patches, scaling, and small bumps. Symptoms may also include oily scalp, itching, and erythema. It is recommended to use medications such as clobetasol propionate cream, betamethasone valerate cream, and halometasone cream as directed by a physician.

　　5. Sebaceous Cyst

　　A sebaceous cyst is a retention cyst formed due to blockage of the sebaceous gland excretory duct, causing gradual expansion as the contents cannot be discharged. In addition to small bumps on the scalp, mild pain and other symptoms may also occur. It is recommended to use medications such as azithromycin capsules, minocycline hydrochloride capsules, and roxithromycin capsules under a doctor's guidance.

　　In daily life, maintaining scalp cleanliness and dryness and avoiding products that may cause allergies can help prevent this symptom.

　　References

　　[1] Gao Feng, Huang Ruiye. Understanding Surface Tumors [J]. Everyone's Health, 2024, (21): 53.

　　[2] Liu Feng, Han Tingting, Jia Qingwen, et al. Hair Follicles and Scalp Issues and Countermeasures [J]. China Surfactant Detergent & Cosmetics (Chinese and English), 2024, 54(10): 1251-1259.