How to Treat Scalp Acne

We all know the embarrassment of acne on the face, and indeed, acne treatments are most commonly geared towards treatment of the face. The reality is that virtually anywhere on the body you have skin, you can have pimples. Pimples and other forms of acne are commonly found on the back, the neck, and even the scalp. Areas of the scalp where scalp acne is commonly seen are areas that are surrounded by hair, although not necessarily completely covered, like the neck, bald patches on the back of the head, or the hairline in front.

What Are the Causes of Scalp Acne?

To find the causes of scalp acne, you need only look at the causes of acne on the face, back, or anywhere else. Skin is skin, and the causes of scalp acne are the same as the causes of acne anywhere else, although the sources of the acne causing factors, such as dirt, oil and bacteria, may vary. Good hygiene, such as frequent washing with skin healthy products and minimizing the use of oily hair products, can help limit or reduce scalp acne, but there are other factors, such as heredity and stress, that may cause scalp acne to appear even in people with good hair care practices.

Are There Different Forms of Scalp Acne?

In fact, scalp acne is rated according to severity. More severe cases have different names indicating this. If you have small, brittle acne spots at your frontal hairline, you have scalp folliculitis, the mildest form of scalp acne. Washing with a good over the counter shampoo may be sufficient to control your acne problem. If you have found large, inflamed, black cysts throughout your scalp, you probably have acne necrotica miliaris and will generally need a more aggressive solution.

Treatments for Scalp Acne

No matter what the condition of your scalp, you should always endeavor to keep your scalp clean and healthy. To avoid scalp acne or reduce severity, consider staying away from hair products with a lot of oil, and keep clear of conditioners that contain humectants.

If you have scalp folliculitis, you have a few options. You may want to increase your shampooing frequency, using formulations designed for oily hair. Anti-dandruff shampoos, and topical steroids and antibiotics prescribed by a doctor may also provide some relief. You may additionally wish to consider cleaning the scalp with a product containing salicylic acid.

If you have more serious scalp acne, you may want to turn to shampoos with benzoyl peroxide, which is the main ingredient of the Proactiv system of products. Benzoyl peroxide products can be extremely effective on acne because of their ability to penetrate clogged pores and kill acne causing bacteria.

More Scalp Acne Information

While your doctor will probably recommend Proactiv for your acne problems, you should consult a dermatologist about your severe scalp acne before starting any treatment. He will be able to advise you about the nature of your condition and the best course of action to take.