Viruses such as chickenpox or shingles can spread to and cause infections on the scalp. While many people now receive chickenpox vaccinations at a young age, the virus is still fairly common. The characteristic red, bumpy rash of chickenpox can reappear later in an adult's life as shingles. Like chickenpox, the shingles virus can spread to the scalp but tends to cause soreness and pain in addition to itching. Shingles is contagious to people who are not immune to chickenpox.

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