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Angry, annoying pimples aren’t just limited to your face and body: Scalp acne is a very real struggle too—and can be a major headache to deal with. These breakouts aren’t as common as the ones on your chin, forehead, or back, but “they’re not exactly rare either,” Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Premier Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, tells SELF. Think about it: You have tons of hair follicles and oil-producing sebaceous glands on your scalp. And if they get clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and/or product buildup, it’s not unusual for a few pimples to pop up, Dr. Zubritsky explains.
Keep in mind, though, that not all scalp blemishes are necessarily acne. So before you start self-diagnosing, scroll below for everything you need to know about zits on top of your head—including how to treat them, how to prevent them, and how your styling products might be contributing to the problem.
First, what is scalp acne?
Just like the breakouts on your face, acne on your scalp can take the form of whiteheads, papules (tiny flesh-colored bumps), and cysts around your hairline, roots, or the back of your neck, Howard Sobel, MD, clinical dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, tells SELF.
However, if you’re experiencing more tender-to-touch or super itchy bumps, you may actually have scalp folliculitis, not acne. This skin condition looks pretty similar, and some of the treatment recommendations are the same—like avoiding pore-blocking ingredients and regularly washing your hair. The main difference? Folliculitis shows up when hair follicles become inflamed (not just clogged) from a bacterial or fungal infection. As a result, these spots tend to be monomorphic (all the same size), smaller, itchier, and more painful than the average zit, Dr. Sobel explains.
What causes scalp acne?
“Scalp pimples can be caused by numerous factors, including but not limited to bacteria, hormones, and excess oil production,” Dr. Zubritsky says. And while head zits don’t necessarily favor a certain hair type or texture, Tiffany Clay-Ramsey, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Epiphany Dermatology in Atlanta, tells SELF that they’re more common in folks with thin, straight strands—since that hair type tends to be oilier (which in turn can lead to congested pores). Similarly, people with greasier roots in general are more likely to get pimples on their scalp.
Other possible culprits include heavy hair care products such as gels, pomades, waxes, and hairsprays—all of which can trigger acne cosmetica (breakouts stemming from things applied directly to the skin), per the American Academy of Dermatology. Frequently wearing a hat may contribute to breakouts too—the friction can irritate your scalp and the material can trap oil and bacteria, Dr. Zubritsky says.
In more severe cases, annoying spots hiding in your hair can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition like lichen planopilaris (a form of alopecia), scalp psoriasis (itchy, scaly patches or plaques), and seborrheic dermatitis (scalp eczema). “This is especially true if you’re experiencing more concerning things like bleeding, flaking, or pain,” Dr. Zubritsky adds—in which case, it’s best to see a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.
How to treat scalp acne at home
Whatever you do, “absolutely do not squeeze or pop the pimples,” Dr. Sobel says. You run the risk of creating open wounds, which are entry points for bacteria. So, touching them with your fingers can increase your risk of infection.
Instead of giving in to your zit-picking or head-scratching urges, try your best to rely on these safer and more effective treatment options.
When your scalp is breaking out, it’s best to avoid heavy, possibly pore-clogging products that may make things worse. For example, ease up on the wax or pomade you rely on for that slicked-back updo. Or, instead of lathering your roots with your super moisturizing—but also thick—shampoo, opt for something lighter, which brings us to our next recommendation…
Of course, how often you should wash your hair depends on things like your hair type and workout routine. But as a general rule, “it’s important to stay consistent, particularly after using a lot of styling products or sweating excessively,” Dr. Zubritsky says. That way, any leftover oil or residue won’t congest your skin and trigger breakouts.
Don’t cleanse your roots with just anything though; Dr. Zubritsky recommends hair products that are non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and oil-free. Dr. Sobel also suggests looking for shampoos formulated with acne-fighting salicylic acid, which works by “gently exfoliating the skin and unclogging pores.” (For the best results, he says to let the formula sit on your scalp for a few minutes before rinsing it off.)
If you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with regular ol’ zits versus folliculitis, Dr. Sobel recommends trying an anti-dandruff shampoo. As we mentioned above, the latter can sometimes be fungal, in which case the bumps are triggered by an overproduction of natural yeast on your scalp. (These microorganisms are also to blame for dandruff.) So, you might have better and clearer results with antifungal actives such as ketoconazole, Dr. Sobel says, which are usually the star ingredients in these flake-fighting formulas. (And if you do, indeed, see significant progress, it’s likely that your “acne” was actually fungal folliculitis.)
A fancy scalp-cleansing serum or toner isn’t a must, but if that’s something you’re down to try, consider one with gentle and clarifying ingredients like glycolic acid to sweep away dead skin cells and banish stubborn blemishes, Dr. Zubritsky suggests. (Just be sure not to overdo it—she recommends sticking to once or twice a week; otherwise, you might dry out and further irritate the area.)
As with most acne treatments, getting rid of pimples (including those on your scalp) takes time, so patience is key. But if you don’t notice any improvement after six weeks or so, it may be time to see a dermatologist—“especially if you’re experiencing scarring, hair loss, drainage of pus, or severe pain,” Dr. Clay-Ramsey says. A professional can diagnose your bumps and determine if you need a prescription-grade treatment to get to the root (heh) of the issue.
Related:
- Do Trendy Hair Loss Products Live Up to Their Promises?
- 13 Stylist-Approved Tips to Perfect Your Hair Care Routine
- 7 Fantastic Scalp Sunscreens That Will Protect Your Part
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