While acne on the face is usually given more attention than body or scalp acne, you should not ignore the condition just because they are less visible because acne is a skin disease and should be treated accordingly. It is now well-known that acne is not just a teenage problem with many adults suffering from acne well into their forties. However scalp acne is less publicized with many choosing not to care about it since it is hidden by hair and out sight.
Both men and women can suffer from scalp acne that can also give rise to other problems such as dandruff and oily or dry scalp.
Scalp acne is caused by blocked skin pores and inflamed sebaceous glands in the hair follicles. In most cases, the acne redness, pimples and skin irritation caused is mild and discomfort level manageable, yet another reason why scalp acne is often not treated. Since it can be hard to locate being obscured by hair, the extent of the condition may not be as obvious.
To make matters worse, the naturally occurring hair oils mixed with hair products can make healing problematic. When you comb your hair, you may end up spreading by rupturing or irritating the pimples. In addition to an oily scalp, high stress levels can contribute to the spread. Therefore, it is important to keep your hair and scalp clean with regular and thorough shampooing.
Mild acne usually occurs on the front of the head with more severe acne concentrated at the back. These are usually inflamed cysts that contain pus or lumps of acne redness. At times, these cause bouts of itchiness and can give rise to skin flaking or dandruff.
While you can treat scalp acne with topical lotions, in order to have a greater success rate of having healthy, acne-free scalp with a head of lustrous hair, you would also need to observe good hygiene routines when washing your hair and keep a healthy diet.
Try to decrease the intake of oily food and have more fruits and vegetables that are packed with natural vitamins and minerals that help not only with your general well-being, but also ensure healthy glowing skin.
When choosing hair products, pay attention to how your scalp reacts after application. Some conditions contain chemicals that can worsen scalp acne. If you suspect your present condition to be such, stop using for a period of time to see if this reduces the problem. Certain anti-dandruff shampoo can help with scalp acne treatment as they contain various ingredients such as zinc that are effective in treating pimples and acne. Try to use a milder shampoo to wash your hair more frequently to keep your hair and scalp clean without stripping your hair of its natural oils completely.
There are some topical antibiotics that are available over the counter but it is best to consult your dermatologist before using such medication since you may not be aware of possible side effects. This is especially so if your condition is severe. Your dermatologist is the best person to examine and recommend the best course of treatment to eradicate your scalp acne problem.
See also:
Best Scalp Acne Treatment
