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The scalp is often overlooked when it comes to sun protection, but it’s one of the most vulnerable parts of the body to sun damage. Whether you have a full head of hair or are balding, UV rays can cause significant damage to the skin on your scalp — sometimes with serious consequences.
Sun damage on the scalp can present in several ways, depending on the extent of exposure and the person’s skin type. Common types of damage include:
1. Sunburn
Even a single day outdoors without protection can result in a painful scalp sunburn — redness, tenderness, and peeling are typical symptoms. It can also trigger flaking that is sometimes mistaken for dandruff.
2. Actinic Keratoses (AKs)
These are rough, scaly patches that may feel like sandpaper. AKs are considered precancerous and are often found on sun-exposed areas like the scalp, especially in men with thinning or no hair. They can be flesh-colored, red, or brown, and may itch or burn.
3. Solar Lentigines (“Sun Spots”)
Flat, pigmented spots caused by chronic sun exposure. While usually benign, they indicate long-term sun damage and a higher risk of skin cancer.
4. Photoaging
Chronic sun exposure can also lead to thinning, leathery skin, broken capillaries, and loss of elasticity — changes that make the scalp appear aged.
The scalp is a common site for non-melanoma skin cancers, including:
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): Often appears as a pearly bump or flat, scar-like lesion.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Typically arises from actinic keratoses and may appear as a rough, crusty sore that doesn’t heal.
Melanoma: Although less common, melanoma on the scalp tends to be more aggressive. It can resemble a mole that changes in shape, size, or color.
Why the Scalp? The scalp is often exposed to the sun, especially in people with thinning hair or baldness. It’s also harder for people to self-check, which can lead to late detection of cancers.
The best treatment is prevention. Here’s how to protect your scalp:
Wear a Hat: A wide-brimmed hat offers the best protection. For those with thinning hair, even a cap helps.
Use SPF Products: Apply a spray or lotion sunscreen (SPF 30+) to exposed scalp areas, especially part lines or bald spots.
Stay in the Shade: Avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours (10 AM – 3 PM).
Check Your Scalp Regularly: Use a mirror or ask someone to help check for new or changing lesions.
Use Hair Products with UV Protection: These can help shield the scalp and hair from sun damage.
Depending on the type and severity of the damage, treatment options may include:
This quick, in-clinic procedure uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy precancerous cells. After treatment, the lesion typically blisters, crusts over, and falls off, allowing healthy skin to grow in its place.
PDT involves applying a special light-sensitive cream to the scalp, which is absorbed by damaged or abnormal cells. A blue or red light is then used to activate the cream, selectively destroying those cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.
A CO₂ laser precisely removes layers of sun-damaged skin, improving texture, reducing pigmentation, and stimulating collagen production. It’s particularly effective for treating sun spots and early signs of photoaging on the scalp.
Prescription creams are used to treat actinic keratoses by targeting abnormal cells. These medications cause the damaged cells to die off, often resulting in redness and peeling before new, healthy skin forms
You should seek medical attention if you notice:
A new lesion or sore that doesn’t heal within 3 weeks.
A scaly patch or bump that bleeds or becomes tender.
A mole or spot that changes in color, size, or shape.
Persistent irritation or flaking that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatments.
Early detection is key — especially with skin cancers. If in doubt, get it checked.
Sun damage to the scalp is more common — and more dangerous — than most people realize. Whether you’re bald, have thinning hair, or just part your hair a certain way, your scalp is vulnerable. Protect it like you would any other part of your skin. And if something doesn’t look or feel right, trust your instincts and book a skin check.
Your scalp may be out of sight — but it should never be out of mind.