Scalp Acne Causes, Treatment & Remedies with Pictures

What is scalp acne and what causes it? This is a skin condition that affects mostly the face but it can also be seen on back, shoulder, neck, chest, and scalp.

Going specifically to scalp acne, this problem can cause a lot of discomforts and you may even be compelled to scratch or pop them, especially if it were accompanied by itchiness.

Many things can cause it to both adults and children or babies. Here’s is a complete review of acne scalp meaning, causes, symptoms, treatments and preventive measures, and more.

Key facts

A few facts you need to know about acne in general, whether it is the face, chin, scalp or chest acme include the following:

It is usually mild but can leave behind acne scars if it is a serious problem.
It is a skin condition involving oils glands at the base of the hair follicles
It occurs in people of all races, all ages but common in women during periods, pregnancy, and in teenagers during puberty
Genetics can also be a risk factor for having it
Medical experts believe that a surge in hormone androgen levels is the major cause
Types include pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, papule, nodules, and cysts
Having sex or masturbating will not make acne any better or worse.
It is not infectious, you cannot pass to other people
Acne and pimples are two different things
Squeezing it or pimples on the head can worsen the condition

Meaning, formations & types

This is a skin condition that forms when sebum, dead skin cells, and hair follicles bunch together to form a plug. The plug will then be infected by bacteria resulting in a swelling called acne. The words acne and pimple often used to mean the same thing but the truth is that, they are not one. It is severe or infected acne that results in pimples.

Acne on the head just forms the same way as other body parts do form. Actually, it often forms as a result of a combination of 3 factors and they are:

Production of excess sebum by the sebaceous glands
Clogging of the pores by excess sebum and dead skin cells
Bacterial infection (Propionibacterium acnes) leading to inflammation and swellings

Whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, pustules, cysts, boils, nobles and papules will then form as a result of pore blockage. The formation will depend on the depth of inflammation and pore blockage i.e. pimples while cysts are due to deeper inflammation and infection.

On the other hand, whiteheads form when excess sebum comes out to the skin surface while blackheads form when the same sebum is exposed to the air and become oxidized.

Causes

Having an idea of what this skin condition is; it is time to look at some of the causes.

1. Hormonal imbalances (during puberty, before menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause)

Hormonal imbalances can lead to many skin changes. The changes normally are common during puberty, early pregnancy, before menstruation and menopause.

The reason why it can develop during this stages is that there is increased level of certain l hormones (especially androgen) that can trigger overactive oil glands. This will lead to excess sebum that will eventually block the follicles hence a new zit is formed.

Nhs.uk confirms that “More than 80% of cases of adult acne occur in women. It’s thought that many cases of adult acne are caused by the changes in hormone levels that many women have at certain times.”

2. Stress

Quick Acne Remedy highlights that stress is the most common causes, which if infected can be painful. This condition is also related to many skin disorders leave alone acne. It usually triggers many skin problems, or worsen the already existing breakouts.

3. Haircare products

Many hair products are usually oily, greasy and can block the skin pores on the scalp leading to its formation. Therefore, we should be extra careful with hair products such as hair oils, conditioners, dyes and gels, because they can block the pores leading to acne in scalp.

4. Oily Scalp and dry skin

Many researchers have outlined that, persons with oily or dry scalp are prone to this skin problem. According to Treatcurefast.com, “Mostly, when hair gets oily after a day or just a few hours, it causes clogged pores. The skin naturally produces sebum.” Therefore people with oily or greasy scalp will develop it, blackheads, and whiteheads if such excess oil is not dealt with, well cleaned and more regularly.

5. In families – genetics

This issue also tends to run in certain families. If one or both of you parent had acne then you are also likely to develop it and it can be very severe even at an earlier age.

6. Certain drugs

There is certain kind of medications that have been found to contribute to the development of body acne including those on the head.

Such medications can influence the crucial body hormones hence leading overactive oil glands. This will result in overproduction of natural body oil (sebum) which will thereafter block the pores leading to zits on the scalp. Some of these medications include:

Steroid medications
Anti-epileptic used to treat epilepsy
Lithium used to treat bipolar disorder or depression among others

7. Friction or pressure headgear (helmets, hats, headband, and caps)

Wearing helmets, hats, headbands, caps or bandana is not a problem but the worry is; how often do you wash your headwear? Remember this can play an important role in the development of scalp rash. Your scalp skin can be irritated when this headwear increases scalp perspiration, this can result in acne.

Again, persistent rubbing of your scalp by helmets and hats can also cause it. Try not to put anything on your head when treating acne and make sure to wash your hair immediately after putting on any headgear.

8. Dirty environment

Dirt does not cause it but can increase the chances of one getting acne. Therefore, always be keen on items that encounter your scalp skin. Dirty pillows and sheets that constantly rub against your scalp skin can also trigger zits on the scalp. Pillowcases must be cleaned at least once in a week to get rid of skin oils and products that may build upon them.

9. More triggers

Other causes include the following:

Unwashed oily hair
Hot, humid conditions
Smoking can also contribute to it among the aged
Improper diet
Allergic reaction

Symptoms

The resultant symptoms here will depend on the causes. Mild symptoms may sometimes be not seen if they are covered with hair but severe symptoms are usually seen i.e. when they lead to bald patches and bad odor on the scalp. Touching it during brushing or combing may cause extreme pain or even bleeding. Here are the common symptoms accompanying scalp acne:

Itchy scalp with bumps or painful bump on scalp
A pimple-like bumps on the scalp
Red bumps on scalp
Crusting and oozing
Bald patches and scarring
bumps on scalp
Inflammation and itching in the scalp

How common is scalp acne

According to dermatologists, approximately three-quarters of 11 to 30 year-olds will get acne at some time. It can affect people of all races and all ages. It tends to be more common in adolescents and young youths but people aged above 50 can also still suffer from this annoying condition.

According to Medicalnewstoday.com, “Although acne affects both men and women, young men suffer from acne for longer – probably because testosterone, which is present in higher quantities in young men, can make acne worse.”

However, scalp one is not a common as facial acne i.e. it affects a relatively smaller population as opposed to facial one.

Treatment and medications

Below are all the medications, treatments and cures that are very effective for treating acne. However, before applying any of them, you must test for your skin sensitivity, since some of the below scalp acne treatments may irritate your skin and even make it darken. Consult with your dermatologist before apply them on our scalp skin in case you do not know your skin type, or what may suit it.

1. Topical antibiotics

Topical antibiotics for acne product work by killing the bacteria that triggers it and it reduces inflammation. Topical antibiotics are often used together with oral antibiotics and are only available with a prescription. Erythromycin and clindamycin are good examples of topical antibiotics.

2. Oral antibiotics

This kind of medication is used to treat moderate to severe zits on the scalp. Oral antibiotics usually trigger some side effects that can be very unwelcoming. It can also interfere with the functions of birth control pill thus you should use another alternative birth control medication as you undertake oral antibiotics. This is again strictly a prescribed treatment.

3. Benzoyl peroxide

This is another perfect acne spot treatment. It is used to get rid of the bacteria that cause this problem and exfoliate the scalp skin slightly. Therefore, it is very effective for clearing blackheads and whiteheads (mild forms). This is again a prescribed if stronger while mild are OTC products.

4. Tretinoin

This is an acid extracted from vitamin A. It performs wonders by unblocking pores and limits the acne-causing bacteria. It mostly used to treat whiteheads and blackheads. Its common brand is Retin-A. Tretinoin is not available over the counter.

5. Salicylic acid

Another way on how to get rid of scalp acne is through the application of salicylic acid. It dries out skin and helps exfoliate it doing away with the dead skin cells and excess oil that may cause these zits. It is also very effective for mild cases.

6. Combined oral contraceptives (hormone therapy)

This can be used by some women and adolescent girls with frequent breakouts. This kind of medication combines estrogen and progestin in contraceptive form.

The sad news about this kind of hormonal acne treatment is that it has several side effects such as headaches, weight gain, or nausea. Some people can experience severe side effects e.g. risk of blood clot among other symptoms. However, this is rare.

Home remedies

Several home remedies can be ideal for acne on the scalp. They have unclogging, antibacterial, and exfoliating properties that make them effective for preventing or treating scalp acne. They are recommended for only mild forms. They simply unclog and disinfect the pores as well as killing the acne-causing bacteria. Below is the list of the commonly used home remedies include:

Apple Cider Vinegar
Turmeric
Tea Tree Oil
Aloe Vera
Indian Lilac
Tomato Juice
Coconut oil
Baking Soda
Lemon Juice

Tips and advice for removal or prevention

Apart from applying the above treatments, follow this simple advice to help you remove or prevent scalp acne:

Never scratch, squeeze or pop any a pimple
Always take an allergy test before applying new cosmetics
Often wash your headwear with soapy water
Avoid stressful situations
Don’t overuse alcohol, pepper, hot sauces, and spices
Strengthen your immune system to reduce infections especially for those with comprised immunity
Reduce the consumption of salt and sugar
Drink plenty of fluids
Keep your hair clean to avoid the buildup of sebum and dead skin cells.
Avoid direct exposure to excessive sun
Avoid putting on headwear most of the time
Always use medicated shampoo for acne

In summary, this skin problem is usually not dangerous but can cause some pain and look unsightly. It can also make hair care very difficult. Always seek immediate medical care if home remedies and over the counter acne products are not working for you.