Scalp acne is the worst — experts tell us how to treat acne

you Until now go to When I run my fingers through my hair, think Are you about to do a commercial for a fancy shampoo but your finger hits a painful bump and you come to a screeching halt? this Happened to me recently. After a season of back-to-back wedding-related festivities (which means lots of hairspray, updos, and blowouts), I picked up some painful scalp acne bumps along the way.

Dermatologists preach against the urge to pop pimples (on the scalp or face), but I do the forbidden and pop some and ignore the rest until they finally disappear. did. The good news is that scalp acne, while painful and annoying, is very common and generally easy to treat with a few applications. small Tweak your routine.

Some scalp pimples are stubborn, and some people are prone to acne, so popping them and ignoring them isn’t a good long-term strategy. Listen to your dermatologist’s advice instead Dr. Shereen Taymor and Dr. Ohara Ivazwe talked earlier about how to treat scalp acne and get rid of it completely.

What causes scalp acne?

According to Dr. Aibaz, there are many causes of scalp acne, including increased sebum production, clogged pores, inflammation, hormonal changes, and overgrowth of a bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes. .

Hair products are a common culprit, butch I have experienced it firsthand. Just as various skin care ingredients can cause breakouts on your face, ingredients in hair products can have a similar effect on your scalp. “Oils block the hair follicles, and certain ingredients irritate the skin, causing inflammation,” Dr. Taymor explains. “This type of acne is often seen around the hairline and roots, where the products are most concentrated.”

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Is it scalp acne or scalp folliculitis?

nowscalp folliculitis is also a term thrown around in scalp acne conversations, but the causes of both are completely different. “Scalp acne is characterized by painful pimples on the scalp and can be caused by a variety of factors, including increased sebum production, clogged pores, and even hormonal changes,” Dr. Ibus explains. “Folliculitis is caused by inflammation of the hair follicle. Usually triggered It is caused by a bacterial or yeast infection. ”

You may not know which is correct.You’re dealing with this mainly because it’s not easy to get a good look at your scalp, and most bumps on your head feel just like standard bumps. However, there are some obvious differences. “Similar to facial pimples, scalp acne can appear as comedones, papules, or cysts on the hairline or scalp,” adds Dr. Taymor. “The main difference is that folliculitis occurs when the hair follicles are not only clogged, but also inflamed by a bacterial or fungal infection.

As a result, the bump size is usually uniform, but small“It’s more itchy and painful than regular acne.” The good news is that the treatments for both conditions are often the same. “In general, I recommend the same shampoos and prevention methods as for scalp acne,” says Dr. Ivaz.

How to treat scalp acne

Here are some things that can help treat scalp acneThey are already popping up:

Shampoo containing salicylic acid ASid

“What I often recommend is Shampoo with salicylic acid Suitable for mild to moderate conditions as it gently unclogs pores without stripping the scalp of moisture.“Salicylic acid is a type of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that helps exfoliate dead skin cells and reduce sebum production, both of which are major causes of scalp acne.” Dead skin and excess on the scalp Especially great for reducing oil buildup. ”

Shampoo with ketoconazole

Ketoconazole is another powerful shampoo ingredient that improves your appearance.or. “Shampoo with Ketoconazole” It also has the added benefit of improving scalp acne and aiding hair growth. For maximum effectiveness, we recommend using it three times a week, leaving it on for three minutes to take effect, then washing it off.CT,” says Dr. Taymor.

Uses natural tea tree oil treatment method

tea treeAccording to Dr. Teemore, ee oil has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great option if you have mild scalp acne. “I recommend this to anyone looking for a more natural approach. It helps reduce bacteria on the scalp while calming inflammation.” For those with sensitive skin, she suggests: Masu. patch test Since the tea tree oil can I get irritated Some people.

Add target process

Targeting scalp acne benzoyl peroxide spot treatment Dr. Taymor says it’s effective against stubborn pimples (keep in my heart (can lighten hair). “For persistent cases, topical retinoids are used, such as: adapalene Can promote cell turnoverYes,” she adds, adding that it helps get rid of breakouts.

don’t be afraid sulfate

Please listen. Sulfate-free shampoos are best for your hair, says Dr. Avaiz, but if you have acne on your scalp, consider using milder sulfates to help remove dirt. “Using a sulfate-containing shampoo can also be helpful in this case, as many sulfate-free formulas don’t do a good job of removing oil from the scalp,” she says.

In some cases, there may be more more

Don’t be afraid to combine treatments prescription strengthAnd wash your hair more often, says Dr. Ivaz. “When treating scalp acne, I like to use a combination approach. A cleansing shampoo or prescription-strength shampoo is important to remove oil from the scalp. Prescription-strength topical or oral Antibiotics can also help treat scalp acne.”

So how can you prevent scalp acne?

aboveOnce the pimples have healed, there are several things you can do to prevent scalp acne from coming back.

Avoid products that clog pores

It may already be the case If you’re dealing with acne, avoid applying products on your face that clog your pores. The same strategy works for your scalp. “To prevent clogged pores and acne, it’s essential to switch to hair products that don’t clog pores,” says Dr. Taymor. That applies to all hair products. “Make sure your shampoo, conditioner, and styling products are labeled oil-free to avoid clogging your pores,” says Dr. Ivaz.

take off that hin

It’s cute, but I’m sorry, but wearing hats too often (and this is a long story) can be bad for your scalp. “Hat can carry bacteria and can clog oil from your scalp, so avoid wearing a hat if possible, or at least wash it after every use,” says Aibaz. Dr. Recommended.

Exfoliate regularly

Just like using regular exfoliating cleansers and peels, you were If you are treating acne on your face, you should use the same ingredients on your scalp as well. “I often recommend glycolic acid to exfoliate and promote cell turnover,” says Dr. Taymor. “I think this is especially helpful for people with oily hair.” Who are you? Easy to get acne. ”

final point

PleaseWell, it’s scalp acne and clogged hair follicles. If these methods don’t work, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. “In some cases, if symptoms are severe, treatment with oral antibiotics or oral antifungals may be necessary,” says Dr. Ivaz. “So if your scalp doesn’t improve after that, using With over-the-counter treatments, you’ll know it’s time to see a dermatologist. ”