Are you experiencing pimples on your scalp? There's a good chance that you're not alone. The majority of both men and women experience some form of acne at some point in their lives. For some, acne can occur on the scalp. It's not as uncommon as you may think, and it isn't something to panic over. If you're experiencing pimples on your scalp, knowing the root cause and the best treatment options is essential.
What Causes Pimples on the Scalp?
1. Acne
Acne is something we've all experienced, whether on the face or on the scalp. Those with oily skin tend to be the most susceptible to acne. Even though acne may not be a serious condition, it can be painful and harm your self-esteem. In essence, acne is a condition where the pores become clogged with sebum, dead skin cells, and debris from the environment. As a result, a pimple forms.
When it comes to the scalp, acne is common for those with oily scalps. Oily scalps are common in men, and they tend to exacerbate the symptoms of acne. Overactive sebaceous glands and the use of hair products can cause the glands to become clogged. In addition, the sebaceous glands may produce too much sebum.
2. Imbalanced Scalp Fungus
Fungi are everywhere. They live on the skin, hair, and even the scalp. The fungi on the scalp are called dermatophytes. Early on, these fungi are relatively harmless. They are able to remain on the scalp without causing any major problems. However, if they are allowed to grow, they can cause inflammation, irritation, and redness. Scalp fungus is common in both men and women who wear their hair in tight braids or ponytails.
3. Folliculitis
Folliculitis is a condition that affects the hair follicles. It's a bacterial infection that can cause pimples. It may be difficult to spot folliculitis as a condition, as the symptoms are similar to those of acne. In addition, folliculitis can also be caused by a reaction to a hair product. Folliculitis can be painful and itchy, and stressful. Bacteria feed off of the oils produced by the sebaceous glands. Therefore, when folliculitis occurs, it's important to treat the infection with an antifungal product.
4. Other Causes
In addition to the above-mentioned conditions, other factors can cause pimples on the scalp. These factors include:
A. Scalp Psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis is a skin condition that affects the skin and underlying tissue. It's painful and itchy. It can also be embarrassing for those who have it. It's also important to note that psoriasis is extremely common in men.
B. Allergies
Allergies can cause pimples in any area of the body. If you experience allergies, you may develop a rash or pimples. The reason for this is that when you have an allergic reaction, your body produces histamine. Histamine is a chemical that is produced by the immune system. It's the histamine that causes inflammation, irritation, and redness.
C. Heavy Sweating
Heavy sweating on the scalp is a common cause of pimples. When you sweat, you cause the pores to open and the skin to become oily and moist. If you suffer from heavy sweating, you may want to consider wearing a hat or using a good-quality hair product.
Treating Pimples on the Scalp
The best thing you can do for your scalp acne is discuss it with a doctor. If you have acne on your scalp, you should see a dermatologist. A dermatologist can help you decide which treatment is best for you. In addition, your dermatologist can recommend a shampoo to help clear your skin. Here are some things you can do to help clear your pimples.
1. Change the Products You're Using
Changing the products you use on your hair may help reduce pimples on the scalp. If you're using the wrong products, like products you may be allergic to, they can cause acne. In addition, if you're using the right products for your hair type, but they're not suited for your skin type, they can still cause pimples.
2. Oral Antibiotics
If you have folliculitis, an oral antibiotic may help clear it up. Treatments such as tetracycline drugs or isotretinoin, drugs that a dermatologist typically prescribes, may also be useful.
3. Topical Products
There are a number of topical products that may help treat scalp acne. A good quality anti-fungal shampoo may help clear your acne. In addition, you may want to ask your dermatologist for a prescription for an anti-acne product.
4. Avoid Headwear
Hats, caps, beanies, and other headwear can cause pimples on the scalp. This is because the headwear can cause sweat to build upon the scalp. This sweat can cause pimples to develop. If you wear headwear, you should consider taking a break from it for a while. If you need to wear headwear, you should wear headwear that is not too tight.
5. Change Your Diet
Changing your diet can help reduce pimples. If you have oily skin, you should avoid greasy foods. Instead, you should eat more fruits and vegetables, and drink lots of water.
6. Reduce Stress
Stress can cause pimples on your face and scalp. If you're feeling stressed, you should consider activities that can help you relax. Yoga and meditation can both be useful activities.
Conclusion
Scalp acne is a common condition that can affect men and women. In addition, it can be painful and embarrassing. If you have pimples on your scalp, you should see a dermatologist. In addition, you may want to consider changing your shampoo and other hair products. If you're experiencing hair loss, you can talk with a doctor from the comfort of your own home, with no video required. Check out Phoenix Health's hair loss solutions.
This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or other professional advice. Your specific circumstances should be discussed with a healthcare provider. All statements of opinion represent the writers' judgement at the time of publication and are subject to change. Phoenix and its affiliates provide no express or implied endorsements of third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products, or services.