Hi CW77, following on from Lucie's response, I'm very happy to share my experience with you.

Four years ago I noticed one or two scabs appear on my scalp. Like yours, they wouldn't go away. I was diagnosed with a pre-cancerous condition called actinic keratosis (AK). The treatment for me at that time was Efudix cream. Subsequently, I was referred to Dermatology and some different scabs were 'frozen'. This gave me a good result.

Last year some new scabs appeared on a different area of my scalp. I had moved to another part of the UK and my new GP practice wouldn't prescribe Efudix as a first step. Instead I was prescribed Solaraze gel. After several months it hadn't helped at all and I was referred to Dermatology.

One thing that often puzzles me is the terminology used to describe these scabs. They're typically called lesions, which I think can suggest it isn't anything to worry about. But it most definitely is. Over the past few months my 'lesions' have dramatically changed in size and appearance. To be blunt, they've erupted into sizeable disgusting crusty black mounds the size of large peas. They're extremely painful when touched and appear to be pushing themselves out of my scalp. So now I'm calling them tumours. They could of course be benign, but Dermatology has triaged me on to the red flag list as suspected squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) which can spread.

I'm so glad you asked your question on this forum. Based on my experience, you're absolutely right to be concerned. Please ask your GP to take a look as soon as you can. I hope my directness isn't alarming. It isn't intended to be.

It'd be nice to know how you get on, if you ever want to share an update.

Take care and warmest wishes.

Hi CW77, following on from Lucie's response, I'm very happy to share my experience with you.

Four years ago I noticed one or two scabs appear on my scalp. Like yours, they wouldn't go away. I was diagnosed with a pre-cancerous condition called actinic keratosis (AK). The treatment for me at that time was Efudix cream. Subsequently, I was referred to Dermatology and some different scabs were 'frozen'. This gave me a good result.

Last year some new scabs appeared on a different area of my scalp. I had moved to another part of the UK and my new GP practice wouldn't prescribe Efudix as a first step. Instead I was prescribed Solaraze gel. After several months it hadn't helped at all and I was referred to Dermatology.

One thing that often puzzles me is the terminology used to describe these scabs. They're typically called lesions, which I think can suggest it isn't anything to worry about. But it most definitely is. Over the past few months my 'lesions' have dramatically changed in size and appearance. To be blunt, they've erupted into sizeable disgusting crusty black mounds the size of large peas. They're extremely painful when touched and appear to be pushing themselves out of my scalp. So now I'm calling them tumours. They could of course be benign, but Dermatology has triaged me on to the red flag list as suspected squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) which can spread.

I'm so glad you asked your question on this forum. Based on my experience, you're absolutely right to be concerned. Please ask your GP to take a look as soon as you can. I hope my directness isn't alarming. It isn't intended to be.

It'd be nice to know how you get on, if you ever want to share an update.

Take care and warmest wishes.

Thanks! I was told it is most likely keratosis but pics were taken and sent to the main hospital here. I really appreciate the replies here and hope everyone is as good as can be. My late father died of cancer so it's always in the mind xx

Oh, you're so welcome. Best of luck with everything!