What Causes White Dots In Hair Mostly Near Scalp?

Posted on Wed, 29 Apr 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 29 Apr 2015 Answered on

Wed, 27 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I see white dots in my hair mostly close to my scalp but at times all over. Easily slides of when I use my fingers. Feels kind of grainy. When I flip my hair upside down and shake it tiny white dots fall out. I wash my hair everyday mostly. How do I know if this is lice, dandruff or dry scalp? How do I treat this?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (54 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Lipoma

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the query,
Probably you have developed lipomas.
Your description matches with it.
It is a benign collection of fat.
The only possible treatment is surgical removal,
There are no topical medication to cure this.
Don't worry its not a dangerous condition.
It can be left as such.
It won't harm you.
Please meet a dermatologist if you want to get them removed.
Let me know if you have any other doubt.
Wishing you a good health.
Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (49 minutes later)

I just googled lipoma and the symptoms I have do not match the descriptions I read or pictures at all. I am not experiencing any lumps on my head. What I see is small white dots in my hair. It looks like dandruff but I'm not sure if it is because I know kid and dry scalp and dandruff all show similar symptoms.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Details required

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the follow up.
You mentioned slipping of lesion below fingure which suggested Lipioma.
Thanks for clarification.
I want few more details.
1. Is there any pus discharge from the lesions?
2. Itching or any other symptoms in these lesions.
If possible upload a photograph of the involved area.
This will help me in giving a proper diagnosis.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you.

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. Shanthi.E