Scalp Acne is a skin disease which is caused due to the blockage of skin pores or inflammation of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles which are present on the head or overly produced oil in the glands. Mainly men suffer from this condition but women and children can also get it. Scalp acne is also known as scalp folliculitis, proprionibacterium folliculitis or acne necrotica miliaris. It is quite inquisitive condition and is also causes baldness in rare cases.

Generally, scalp acne has pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, cysts or nodules at the base of the hair and mainly on the front hairline. Scalp acne is caused due to various reasons and these could be the similar factors that can cause acne on other areas of body. There are different severities of the condition but it can be manageable by various treatments. One primary symptom of scalp acne is pustules and pimple like formations on the head and the hair fall as well. This may be the indication of a fungal infection of the scalp. After finding the causes and symptoms, it is very easy to understand how scalp acne treatment is followed.

Causes of Scalp Acne:

Stressful Moments:

High level of stress may be the cause for scalp acne that can result in more severe scalp pimples condition.

Allergic Reactions:

Some hair products have allergic reaction to the scalp and when applied on scalp, they can harshly irritate scalp and cause scalp pimples. Chemical ingredient which is present in the hair product is responsible for this allergic reaction and the condition is known as contact dermatitis. These hair products include hair dyes, conditioner, shampoos or hair sprays. They might place the residues that can congest the hair follicle and giving the unbalanced condition.

Over Production of Oil:

Excessive sebum or DHT production on the skin of head also cause scalp acne. The sebaceous glands produce this oil in order to protect your scalp. So, they will go over drive if you pour harsh chemical on your scalp. As the scalp acne treatment, scalp acne shampoo will be great for this condition.

Viral Infection:

Bumps come out on the scalp due to viral infection like shingles or chickenpox and it can lead to scalp acne.

Infected by Others:

Acne is infectious condition and so it can be also caused from sharing towels with others or being in public hot tubs or spas that may be a bacteria breeding ground.

Unclean Brushes:

As one of the scalp pimples causes, many people fail to notice their hairbrush. Along with any dirt or hair product that you use, oil is transferred to the brush. Therefore, it is necessary to wash your hairbrush regularly with a mild shampoo because it prevents the placement of the residue back on your scalp every time you brush your hair.

Folliculitis:

Dry scalp can also be the scalp acne cause as the hair follicle will be a bit open which permit dirt and oil to be clogged inside.

Hereditary Genes:

Some people have hereditary genes that responsible for acne troubles.

Other causes of scalp acne:

Inadequate diet

Poor hygiene

Congenital factors

Imbalance in hormone levels

Weather and seasonal changes

Too much exposure to sunlight and heat

Intake of spices causing irritation

Drinking caffeinated beverages

Toxicity in drugs especially steroids

Drugs or smoking

Wrong shampoo product that does not suit your scalp

Irregular consistency of hair washing

Symptoms of scalp acne:

It is a very itchy condition that makes it difficult for those who have it. When condition is milder, the pustules are small, crusty, and they are sore. Mainly, they are present on the upper forehead at the hairline.

Necrotica miliaris is the more severe form of scalp acne. It is identified by inflamed larger papules with black-colored crusts. The scars left by this form of acne have similarity to those resulting from Chicken Pox. More severe form of scalp acne primarily affects adult African-American men but can actually affect anybody, in spite of race or sex. An occurrence of large cysts along with smaller pustules and papules that grow to be very large is a very rare condition.

Scalp Acne Home Remedies:

Tea Tree Oil:

Tea tree oil is one of the most effective home remedy for any kind of acne because of its antibacterial properties. You can directly massage it to the scalp. Mostly all natural shampoos contain tea tree oil as a primary ingredient.

Neem Leaves:

Boil neem leaves in water. Then, rinse your hair with this water. It works gently on your scalp. This will soothe the inflammation. The speed of healing of your scalp blemishes is also increased.

Take Vitamins:

To fight against acne, vitamins A, B, C, E and zinc are the best vitamins and are present in many fruits and vegetables. Actually, acne can be caused due to a deficiency in vitamins A, B-2, B-3, B-6 and zinc.

Wash:

Acne can happen when the scalp is left unwashed or oily or when oily hair products have been used for long periods of time. Regular hair wash will help to clear acne and prevent reoccurrence of it. Don’t use product that can build up on your hair and clog pores. Massage your scalp with just your fingers while shampooing and avoid using your fingernails.

Maintain a Clean Environment:

At least once per week, rinse your pillowcases to maintain a clean environment. The oil from your hair and skin rubs off on the pillowcases while sleeping. It can build up and cause more acne on the scalp as well as on the face. Wearing of unclean hats regularly can prevent the scalp from breathing properly and leads to a buildup of sweat and oil, resulting in more breakouts.

Other home remedies for scalp acne:

Herbal anti dandruff shampoos are very effective to treat scalp pimples.

Avoid consumption of fatty substance and go for more natural products for example fruits and vegetables.

Use lemon juice and rose water to reduce clogged skin. Lemon also creates skin fresh, dry and less oily.

Apply salicylic acid on the acne area with the help of cotton or wool.

You can also apply benzoyl peroxide at area of pimples or acne for healing purpose but it may change your hair color.

It can also be treated by applying orange peel directly to the scalp skin as it will reduce the itching and will make recovery faster.

To heal pimples, pustules or nodules, groundnut oil is very effective.

To reduce the itching, wash your hair for several times using coal tar shampoo.

Applying an anti-itch product sold at drugstores or department stores provide relief in itching.

For mild cases of acne on the scalp, ketoconzaole or ciclopirox is also effective when used with an effective conditioner.

Prevention of scalp acne:

It is better to prevent scalp acne rather than cure. Overproduction of oil is the main cause of acne. Some products that are sensitive to the skin can also cause acne. Instead of trying over and over again to treat it, you can prevent this form of acne by following techniques:

As acne is contagious and it can be transferred from a person having scalp acne, avoid sharing of towels with others.

In the same way, do not share combs etc.

Rinse your hair regularly.

Only use a consistent and mild type of shampoo (Anti dandruff shampoo is better).

Avoid spas or public hot tubs.