I can help you figure out what to do next, but I can’t diagnose exactly what it is — especially without a photo.
Here’s how to keep your son safe, what to look for, and when urgent care is needed.
🩺 First: Is it an emergency?
Seek urgent care or same-day evaluation if you notice ANY of these:
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Fever
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Rapid spreading of the bump(s)
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Pus, foul smell, or significant swelling
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Pain that is severe or worsening
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Your child seems very tired or unwell
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A red streak spreading outward from the bump
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Hard, painful lump with hair loss in a ring shape
If any apply → go to urgent care/walk-in clinic instead of waiting for the appointment.
🔍 Common Possibilities (NOT a diagnosis)
These are the most common things found on children’s scalps:
1. Scalp Folliculitis
Small red/pus bumps near hair follicles. Often itchy or tender.
2. Ringworm (Tinea Capitis)
Round patch, scaling, possible hair loss in a circle.
Contagious.
3. Sebaceous (oil) cyst
A smooth bump under the skin, not usually painful unless infected.
4. Lice reactions / small bites
Tiny red bumps, very itchy, often behind ears or nape of neck.
5. Eczema or psoriasis patches
Red, flaky, or thickened skin. Not usually painful.
If you describe size, color, number, pain level, and whether there’s any drainage, I can narrow it down more.
🧼 Safe Things You Can Do at Home (Until the Appointment)
✔️ 1. Warm compress
Apply a warm, damp washcloth for 10 minutes, 2–3× a day.
Helps with pain, swelling, and clogged follicles.
✔️ 2. Gentle cleansing
Use mild shampoo (like baby shampoo).
Avoid harsh scrubbing, oils, or medicated shampoos until we know the cause.
✔️ 3. Avoid squeezing
This can cause infection or scarring.
✔️ 4. Check the scalp closely
Look for:
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scaling
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a “ring” shape
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a hairless patch
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small insects or nits
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pus or crusting
Tell me what you see — it gives important clues.
🚫 Avoid until a doctor confirms
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Tea tree oil
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Vinegar
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Hydrogen peroxide
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Any prescription creams from adults
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Steroid creams (can worsen fungal infections)
🧑⚕️ If you can’t get a doctor appointment soon
You can go to:
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Urgent care
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Walk-in clinic
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Retail clinic (CVS, Walgreens, etc.)
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Telehealth visit (they can often prescribe antifungals if needed)
Scalp infections, especially fungal ones, usually do not get better on their own, so earlier treatment helps.
If you want, tell me:
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Age of your son
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What the bump looks like (color, size, painful/not painful, single/multiple)
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Any recent symptoms
I can help guide you more precisely.
