Scalp acne is a common and often embarrassing skin condition that affects the scalp. It usually manifests as small red bumps, which are sometimes accompanied by flakes of dead skin cells. What’s worse? Scalp acne can be hard to treat because it tends to reoccur every time you wash your hair or get a haircut. Here are some natural remedies for getting rid of scalp acne
The “scalp acne shampoo” is the best way to get rid of scalp acne. The shampoo can be found at any drug store or online. It also has a pleasant smell and lathers well.
You may have observed acne along your hairline or even on your scalp if you use beanies in the winter or backward baseball hats as an ensemble staple. But how can you deal with acne on your scalp? Although you shouldn’t use your acne-prevention face cleanser on your hair, several of the same skincare concepts that apply to your face also apply to your scalp. So, if you’re looking for information on how to cure scalp acne, preserve your hair, and avoid future breakouts, read on.
What is acne on the scalp?
According to Michele Green, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in Manhattan, New York, scalp acne is caused by blocked sebaceous pores, or follicles, when there is a build-up of dead skin cells, debris, and oil. According to Dr. Green, other variables such as product build-up, sensitivity to hair treatments, headwear, prevalent fungal infections of the hair, and excessive sebum on the scalp may all contribute to scalp and hairline acne.
Scalp acne may resemble ordinary pimples along the hairline or on the scalp in appearance and sensation. It might occur as a single pimple patch or many patches. According to Melanie Palm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Art of Skin, it may even damage your whole scalp. If your acne extends to your forehead, neck, or ears, it’s still considered scalp acne.
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“Scalp folliculitis” is the most frequent and mild form of scalp acne, according to Dr. Palm. She says it happens near hair follicles, usually on the back and sides of the head. Dr. Palm adds that in rare circumstances, severe and untreated fungal infections on the scalp may result in a crusted, acne-like huge mass known as a kerion. Although this is an uncommon occurrence, any breakouts that spread quickly, produce pus, or are very painful should be treated by a specialist.
How to get rid of and cure scalp acne
First, take stock of what you’ve been up to since the breakthrough. If you’ve just begun using new soaps, lotions, or shampoos, go back to the ones you were using before to prevent a material that might irritate your skin. Consider putting hats, scarves, or the collar of your winter coat in the wash if you’ve been breaking out from them. Make sure you’re using a detergent that’s been shown to be gentle on your skin in the past.
What to stay away from if you have scalp acne
Sodium lauryl sulfate: Dr. Green advises staying away from products that contain this chemical since it might block pores. According to a 2015 research published in Environmental Health Insights, the chemical may cause skin irritation. Because acne is an inflammatory disorder, any chemical that increases skin irritation should be avoided, according to Dr. Green.
There are too many products: Cutting down on the amount of items you use will help you figure out what’s causing your acne. “Another strategy to keep scalp acne at bay is to limit the usage of hair products and to use hair products with soothing ingredients,” adds Dr. Green.
Silicone: Professional hairdresser Emilio Uribe advises against using silicone-based products since they might cause irritation. This is particularly true if you co-wash your clothes (which I will get to in a second).
Co-washing: For some individuals with curly hair, co-washing, or washing with conditioner, is a gentler option. This is beneficial for those who find that shampoos with harsher chemicals dry out their hair or make their curls less springy. A research published in Skin Appendage Disorders in 2019 looked at the benefits and drawbacks of co-washing and discovered that, although co-washes may help maintain hair hydrated, a clarifying shampoo was required every 15 days. This is owing to the fact that milder shampoos enable residue to build up, which may irritate the scalp and produce blocked hair follicles.
Oils: Oily hair care products and cosmetics may clog your hair follicles with dirt, dead skin cells, debris, and oil. Dr. Green recommends avoiding hair products that include oils or petroleum jelly, such as vaseline, to prevent scalp and hairline acne.
What should you do instead?
Scalp scrubs or detox treatments (for sensitive skin): “If you have hairline acne, I suggest using a scalp scrub or scalp detox to maintain your hair clear of product build-up that has accumulated over time,” adds Uribe.
Sensitive skin & acne preventative products: This is a common problem, so there are a lot of products out there that specify their safety for sensitive skin, says Dr. Green. These products usually say something like “oil-free,” “non-comedogenic,” “anti-acnegenic,” or “won’t clog pores,” she adds.
Tea tree oil is one of the few exceptions to the oil rule. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you have a fungal infection of the scalp, you may use products containing tea tree oil because of its anti-fungal characteristics. Though seeing a physician for possible prescription medications to treat a fungal infection on the scalp may be beneficial, Uribe suggests tea tree oil products because of their natural anti-fungal characteristics.
Shampoo with salicylic acid & other acne-fighting properties: There are shampoos available OTC formulated to help treat scalp acne. Shampoos formulated with pyrithione zinc, coal tar, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, salicylic acid, and sulfur all work well on scalp acne, Dr. Green adds. She explains that these products work by reducing surface bacteria, excess oil, and inflammation, resulting in fewer breakouts.
Prescription medicine: If your scalp acne is giving you substantial discomfort, spreading or worsening over time, or taking a long time to cure, you should see a doctor. Antibiotics such as clindamycin, dapsone, or prescription-strength shampoos may be required in certain cases.
Consider some more best practices.
Because of pore obstruction and pollutants, those who wear hats are more likely to develop scalp acne. Preventing scalp acne may be as simple as washing your headwear more regularly, sanitizing the region your hat contacts, such as the hairline, and taking breaks from wearing hats.
Courtney Rubin, MD, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder and chief medical officer of Fig 1, recommends washing your hair after every workout and if it feels greasy. Also, however how tempting it may be, resist picking at the acne on your head and hairline. According to her, this may result in scarring, hair loss, skin discoloration, and the spread of infections.
If your hair is oily, washing it often, cleaning your hats, and bathing the face and skin surrounding the scalp are all good strategies to keep the skin clear and avoid scalp acne. Don’t worry—you don’t have to give up your favorite winter beanie. Just remember to throw it in the wash once a week.
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Scaling acne is the worst and can be very painful. Here are some home remedies that you can try to help with the problem. Reference: scalp acne home remedies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get rid of scalp acne fast?
A: This is a very difficult question to answer. There are many different methods that people use for getting rid of this problem, I would recommend trying one of these:
-Cleaning with soap and water daily
-Using an acne scrub made specifically for the scalp area
-Shampooing your hair with a clarifying shampoo
Why is my scalp breaking out so bad?
A: Your scalp may be breaking out because you are experiencing a reaction to the product you have been using. If this is the case, please stop using that product and see our doctor for further treatment.
What is the best shampoo for pimples on scalp?
A: Reducing the amount of sebum on your scalp can be achieved through washing with shampoo or applying a clay mask.
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