ALL ABOUT SCALP ACNE

While it is much less common than acne on other areas of the body, acne on the scalp can be just as difficult to deal with.

Scalp acne resembles small zits or pimples, and can be found all over the scalp, including the back of the head. If you’ve ever had to contend with this, you’d know that they can be quite sore and itchy.

What is the cause of scalp acne?

There are many reasons why you may experience scalp acne, but just like pimples elsewhere, scalp acne often occurs after dead skin cells or sebum clog up a hair follicle. Let’s remember that the sebum is the natural oil that the skin uses to keep itself moisturised.

The clogging of the hair follicle can be triggered by the following:

Not washing your hair carefully enough.

When products, such as hairspray, leave-in treatments, or hair gels build up on the scalp

Sweating because you had on a head covering, especially if the head covering was tight

Mites, yeast, or bacteria getting into the pores and causing a reaction.

Waiting a long time after exercising to wash your hair.

Lastly, scientists have discovered a link between acne and diet, stating that a diet high in sugary carbohydrates may increase someone’s susceptibility to acne, including scalp acne.

How to treat scalp acne

Some people visit the doctor in seeking treatment for their scalp acne. In most cases, the doctor prescribes a medicated shampoo that washes away any debris and excess oil from the scalp. Such shampoos also prevent the return of scalp acne.

You will be glad to learn that you can buy medicated shampoos without a prescription. Such shampoos often contain ingredients such as:

Glycolic acid: It exfoliates the scalp, and removes dead sebum, bacteria, and skin cells.

Salicylic acid: It helps to get rid of dead skin cells

Tea tree oil: This is an essential oil that helps to get rid of scalp bacteria

Ciclopirox: This is an antifungal for treating skin infections. You will find it in most dandruff shampoos.

Ketoconazole: This is also an antifungal agent, and helps to improve scaly or red skin.

Benzoyl peroxide: It eliminates Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria often found in severe scalp acne.

Where scalp acne is prolonged and has caused other problems such as inflammation and hair loss, your doctor may prescribe the following treatments:

Antihistamines for allergic reactions

Specific medications for severe acne, such as isotretinoin

Steroid creams or topical antibiotic ointments

Oral antibiotics or steroid injections

Light therapy, also called phototherapy

A word of caution

If you are undergoing treatment for scalp acne, it is important that you use only that one type of scalp treatment at a time, except your doctor has directed otherwise. This way, you can track how effective each individual product is.

So, how do you prevent scalp acne in the first place?

It is always better to prevent a condition than to treat it afterwards. This said, it is important to note that scalp hygiene plays an important role in avoiding clogged pores. To prevent scalp acne, treat it, or prevent further flare-ups, here are some tips for you to consider:

Avoid using too many hair products, such as gels and hairsprays.

Switch to natural, hypoallergenic hair care products.

Wash your hair soon after a work out.

Wear looser-fitting headgear so that your scalp can breathe.

Get enough vitamin A, D, and E, to keep your skin and scalp healthy.

In conclusion

At the end of the day, it is important for you to understand that scalp acne is relatively common and is treated similarly to acne on other parts of the body.

If you have been dealing with scalp acne with no resolution, it is advised that you see your doctor to find out the best treatment plan for you. While at it, it is also important to avoid picking the acne on your head to prevent creating deep scar tissue and spreading bacteria.

Also, acne scars may take some time to fade, and it is important that you take preventive measures to stop the scalp acne from coming back.

See you on the other side of beautiful.