This is not due to picking. If you do not get these white "plugs" out the sore will not heal. This is not normal and as far as I've found widely undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. I have these "plugs". It presents itself as acne, the top layer of skin will come of, and under are these little white grains. If I do not get them out the sore will not heal! I've tried leaving them be and they do not go away. I've done endless hours or research. My best guess is an autoimmune disease (Discoid Lupus?) Or skin cancer of a sort, possibly a wart. I don't know but this is plaguing me and many others. I hope this is seen I know the post is old.
Please someone look up Basal Cell Carcinoma and tell me if you can relate to any of the symptoms.
Or Squamous Cell Carcinoma/ Actinic Keratosis....
An open sore that does not heal, and may bleed, ooze or crust. The sore might persist for weeks, or appear to heal and then come back.
A reddish patch or irritated area, on the face, chest, shoulder, arm or leg that may crust, itch, hurt or cause no discomfort.
A shiny bump or nodule that is pearly or clear, pink, red or white. The bump can also be tan, black or brown, especially in dark-skinned people, and can be mistaken for a normal mole.
A small pink growth with a slightly raised, rolled edge and a crusted indentation in the center that may develop tiny surface blood vessels over time.
A scar-like area that is flat white, yellow or waxy in color. The skin appears shiny and taut, often with poorly defined borders. This warning sign may indicate an invasive BCC.
https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/bcc-warning-signs-images/
I promise. Just look it up.
Best treatment for this, that I've found online, is to shave off hairs. Since mine is on my scalp I want to try other options first!
I have this also.
I've had a bumpy 'film' on my scalp that was oily if I picked at a bump. I started using Head & Shoulders clinical strength and my scalp is smooth for the first time in a few years.
Then while scrubbing my head I was finding tiny white rice like particles. Very hard. After shampooing with this for about 2 weeks, I am finding tiny white balls that feel hollow when squeezed.
Looking online, it may be white piedra which is a fungus and may need a stronger prescription fungal shampoo used 4 times a day.
Hello,
The white bulb at the end of hair is normal and is the follicle. The other possibility is of small sebaceous cysts. It is filled with a soft, whitish brown material that sometimes oozes out onto the skin's surface. This material is called sebum.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.