Scabs on scalp

[MummyDoIt]

DS2 has an outbreak of small scabs on the top of his head, around the crown. He's scratching and says they also hurt (though that could be because of all the scratching!). I've checked and checked but no sign of lice or eggs, just the scabs. They appear as a raised red bump with a yellowish crusty scab (sorry if that's TMI).

I've used a different brand of shampoo on him but that was a week ago and they've only just appeared. I'll go back to the old brand of shampoo to be on the safe side but any idea what these could be?

[dikkertjedap]

It could possibly be impetigo. If it is impetigo you would need to see your GP tomorrow as he would need anti-biotic cream and if there is a risk that it has spread to blood then also oral anti-biotics. I had it myself several years ago, I ended up with blood poisoning - so it is something to take serious especially if he scratches.

[BendyBob]

Sounds very much like impetigo. My ds used to get it like this on his scalp when he was very young at preschool. For some reason he kept getting it when he was there.

If it is that then AB's are the only thing that'll shift it but as I recall it does respond pretty quickly to them and clears up well.

[MummyDoIt]

Oh gosh! Impetigo sounds like a bit of a worry. I'll make an appointment with the GP for tomorrow if I can get one (our GP is NOT patient-friendly and it's nigh on impossible to get an appointment for the same day).

[BendyBob]

Don't worry! The doctor will sort it out and if it is impetigo AB's will fix it.

It's not a nice thing and yes it should be taken seriously, but it's very common among young children and so easily caught.