Treating scalp acne becomes very difficult, especially if there are other existing scalp problems such as dandruff and a very oily scalp. This article discusses a few treatment methods for this condition.
Acne is a skin problem that affects almost all individuals in their puberty stages. Some people even experience acne outbreaks later in their 40s and 50s. The main cause of this problem is the blockage of the sebaceous gland, which over a period of time gets accumulated with oils and skin debris. Eventually, the acne affected areas become inflamed and infected, resulting in various symptoms.
Acne can erupt in any part of the body, including the face, neck, chest, back, and scalp. Although the outbreak of this skin problem on the face or any other location is unsightly and difficult to treat, scalp acne is one of the least curable skin conditions. This condition can be mild (scalp folliculitis) or severe (necrotica miliaris). Its treatment differs from the therapeutic approaches for other types of acne.
Treatment
Acne on the scalp and hairline are triggered by factors like oily skin, irregular shampooing, poor scalp hygiene, and prolonged stress. If this condition is left untreated, there is a high risk of infection due to bacteria and yeast. The condition gets even more worse in people who have dandruff and a naturally dry or oily scalp. Some of the methods for treating acne on the hairline and scalp are discussed below:
Clean the Scalp
Keep the itchy scalp clean as much as possible. This may help in faster healing of the acne condition. You may use a formulation that contains salicylic acid as one of its ingredients. Do not irritate the scalp while cleaning as it can worsen the problem. Rather, you may use a cotton ball for gentle application of the scalp cleaning product.
Use Correct Shampoo
As per hair experts, irregular shampooing and using a poor quality shampoo is the leading cause for pimples on scalp. Therefore, take regular head bath with a mild and healing shampoo. You may consult a hair expert for tips on reliable shampoo brands for treating this condition.
Avoid Conditioners
Maximum brands of hair conditioners are formulated with humectants that keep the hair moist and soft. Hence, an affected individual should refrain from using conditioners until the acne disappears completely. However, for people with dandruff and scalp acne problems, an anti-dandruff shampoo with conditioner may be used on a regular basis to avoid excess drying of the scalp.
Use Prescription Medicine
In case of severe acne problem that has a high risk of infection, prescription antibiotics and steroids are used for treatment. Depending upon the severity and patient’s health, topical ointments, oral tablets, or both may be recommended for fast and effective healing. Avoid using products with benzoyl peroxide since it may alter the original hair color.
The treatment is primarily focused on keeping the scalp clean and free of debris, which are the triggering factors for acne development. Using soda water and white vinegar to rinse the hair also helps deal with this problem. You may also prevent this condition by minimizing the use of oily hair styling and hair care products.
Disclaimer: This HairGlamourista article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
