Scalp acne is a common skin problem that affects many people. If you have ever suffered from scalp acne or are suffering with it now then you probably already know what a pain it can be.
Scalp acne is caused in the same ways that other types of acne are caused. When there is too much oil and dead skin clogging the pores, you get outbreaks. Changes in hormones, bacteria buildups, etc. are all typical causes of scalp acne. Sometimes scalp acne occurs due to an allergic reaction to the harsh chemicals in shampoos, conditioners and dyes. If you think that your acne is from one of these then try switching to a different kind, perhaps one that is dermatologist recommended or labeled for sensitive skin. Sometimes people who suffer from the skin problem eczema will get acne on their scalp. It is best to see a dermatologist any time you are suffering with acne as they can diagnose you correctly.
Although acne found on the scalp is caused by many of the same things as other types of acne, the way it is treated differs, but they share the same principles, cleanliness and consistency of the regimen are key. Treatment can be done in six simple steps and are as follows.
#1. Exfoliate your scalp. Cleaning the scalp directly can help reduce and prevent future outbreaks. Dead skin cells located on the scalp cause the hair follicles or pores to become clogged. This is why commercial scalp scrubbers that exfoliate the skin are so effective in treating the acne. Using an exfoliation scrubber of some kind will remove all dead cells on the scalp and unclog the pores, leaving your skin rejuvenated and feeling much better.
#2. Shampoo frequently. Since scalp acne is the result of too much oil it is important to shampoo your hair and scalp frequently to remove excess oil. Choose a shampoo that is best for your hair type and increase the number of times you wash your hair and scalp to at least a few times a week. It is also important to rinse your hair thoroughly so that all traces of shampoo are removed.
#3. Condition your hair. After each time you shampoo your hair it is important to remember to condition it. This helps make it more manageable. If you suffer from skin acne and use conditioner it is best to make sure that you don’t get any on your scalp, as most people who suffer from acne on the scalp already have too much oil/lubricants in their hair. For best results try to add the conditioner an inch or so away from the scalp and rinse out thoroughly so no residue remains.
#4. Apply acne medication. If you find acne on your scalp then sometimes using over the counter acne medications such as those containing ingredients like Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid can be quite effective in getting rid of acne. These types of medication will help dry out and heal the acne and also prevent future outbreaks from occurring.
#5. Brush your hair. Brushing your hair and scalp is also a very effective procedure in treating acne on the scalp as it helps to loosen up dead skin cells. However it is very important to remember that if you are currently suffering from an outbreak that excessive brushing can irritate the skin and can lead to infection. Whenever you do brush, make sure that you are gentle and cautious.
#6. Massage the scalp. Some people who suffer from scalp acne have found that massaging the scalp gently helps to not only relax you and make you feel better when the thought of acne has you down, but also helps to loosen dead skin cells. Massaging of the scalp also helps increase circulation, bringing more blood and nutrients to the scalp.
What else should I know about scalp acne?
Many people have also found that using home remedies such as apple cider vinegar to rinse the hair and scalp after shampooing and conditioning has been quite effective in treating acne. This is because the acid in it helps to restore the ph balance of the hair thus cutting down on pimples.
There are several conditions that cause acne to occur on the scalp. A condition called scalp folliculitis is an inflammatory disorder of the hair follicles in the scalp that cause small pustules where inflammation occurs. You should always see a physician or dermatologist when suffering from acne on the scalp so that they diagnose you correctly. In many cases people with this certain condition are given topical antibiotics such as fucidin gel or erythromycin solution to treat acne. A more severe form of this condition is known as acne necrotica and should be treated because it often leads to scarring.
