Oozing Yellow Crust on My Scalp Won’t Heal — What Could It Be? 🧴🩺

🚩 What Does an Oozing Yellow Crust Mean?

When fluid leaks from broken skin and dries, it forms a crust.

If it’s yellow or yellow-green, it often contains pus — a sign of:

Infection (bacterial, fungal, or viral)

Inflammation

Or both

This isn’t just “dandruff” or dryness.

It’s your body trying to heal — but possibly fighting something deeper.

Common accompanying symptoms:

Redness around the area

Swelling or warmth

Itching or pain

Hair loss in the spot

Foul odor (in severe cases)

🔍 5 Most Likely Causes of Oozing Scalp Crusts

1. Infected Seborrheic Dermatitis

What it is: A common inflammatory skin condition (like severe dandruff) that becomes infected due to scratching or bacteria.

Signs: Greasy, yellow scales + oozing, red base

Risk factors: Oily skin, stress, cold weather

Why it happens: Scratching breaks the skin → bacteria enter → infection sets in

✅ Treatment: Antifungal shampoos (ketoconazole), topical antibiotics, corticosteroids

2. Folliculitis (Bacterial or Fungal)

What it is: Infection of hair follicles, often caused by Staphylococcus aureus or yeast (Malassezia).

Signs: Small pimple-like bumps that burst and crust over

Triggers: Tight hats, sweating, shaving, poor hygiene

Looks like: Clusters of red, pus-filled spots with yellow scabs

✅ Treatment: Antibiotic washes (chlorhexidine), antifungal creams, oral antibiotics if severe

3. Impetigo (Contagious Bacterial Infection)

What it is: Highly contagious skin infection, often in children but adults can get it too.

Signs: Honey-colored crusts that spread easily

Cause: Streptococcus or Staphylococcus bacteria entering through cuts or insect bites

Danger zone: Spreads by touch — towels, combs, fingers

✅ Treatment: Prescription antibiotic cream or oral antibiotics

⚠️ Don’t pick! — spreads the infection.

4. Psoriasis with Secondary Infection

What it is: An autoimmune condition causing thick, silvery scales — which can crack and become infected.

Signs: Thick plaques under the crust, bleeding when scraped

Clue: May have patches on elbows, knees, or nails too

Risk: Scratching leads to open sores → infection → yellow ooze

✅ Treatment: Medicated shampoos, steroid lotions, biologics (for severe cases)

5. An Infected Cyst or Abscess

What it is: A blocked oil gland or hair follicle that fills with fluid and gets infected.

Signs: Swollen, tender lump that drains pus

Smell: Often foul-smelling discharge

Feels like: A soft or firm bump under the crust

✅ Treatment: Incision & drainage (by a doctor), antibiotics

🚨 Never squeeze at home — risk of spreading infection or scarring.

🛡️ What You Can Do While Waiting for Your Appointment

While you wait for professional care, these steps can help: