Pimples on the scalp are painful and itchy like pimples on the face or back, but are more difficult to treat because they are covered by hair. The only advantage of scalp acne is that it is mostly covered by hair, but natural oils from hair or headgear can make scalp acne worse or cause new pimples to form. Learning how to treat scalp acne and taking preventative steps can help ensure that the site of the pimple doesn't cause a recurring problem.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Using Topical Products
Step 1. Use benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient in facial soaps and acne-specific lotions. This ingredient works by eradicating the bacteria that clog pores that form new pimples. Benzoyl peroxide also helps remove excess oil and dead skin cells from the affected area. Benzoyl peroxide is usually found in strengths varying from 2.5 to 10 percent in over-the-counter products.
- A possible side effect of benzoyl peroxide is bleaching hair and clothing if you use a product that contains too much benzoyl peroxide. Caution should be used when applying this product to the hair or scalp.
- Other side effects are dry skin, skin redness, a burning sensation, and possibly peeling skin.
Step 2. Use salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used topical acne ingredients, found in most face washes and medicated wipes. This ingredient helps prevent pores from clogging and can even open up clogged pores, shrinking pimples on the scalp or other parts of the body. Salicylic acid is usually found in strengths between 0.5 and 5 percent in most over-the-counter topical products.
Possible side effects are skin irritation and a mild stinging sensation
Step 3. Use an alpha hydroxy acid
There are two types of alpha hydroxy acids: glycolic acid and lactic acid. These two forms of alpha hydroxy acid are often used in over-the-counter acne medications, because they can help remove dead skin cells and reduce inflammation. Several studies have shown that alpha hydroxy acids can also promote the growth of new and smoother skin.
Step 4. Try using sulfur
Some people with acne find sulfur a useful treatment option. It can help remove dead skin cells and excess oil from the body and is usually combined with other ingredients in over-the-counter face washes or topical medications.
Note that some products containing sulfur may have an unpleasant odor
Part 2 of 3: Using Powerful Prescription Medicines
Step 1. Use retinoids
Retinoids are topical medications derived from vitamin A. Retinoids prevent clogging of hair follicles to reduce the occurrence of acne.
Use retinoid products on the scalp at night. Start by applying it three times a week and continue to use daily as the skin gets used to the remedy
Step 2. Try Dapsone
Dapsone (Aczone) is a topical gel that helps treat acne by killing bacteria and keeping the pores on the skin clean and unclogged. These drugs are often combined with topical retinoid medications to maximize their effectiveness. Possible side effects are dry skin and skin redness/irritation.
Step 3. Use a topical antibiotic
For more severe cases of acne, antibiotics may be needed to help treat existing acne and prevent future breakouts. Antibiotics are often used with benzoyl peroxide to reduce the chance of developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria on the skin and can be combined with retinoids for maximum effectiveness.
Common antibiotic combinations prescribed to treat acne are clindamycin with benzoyl peroxide (BenzaClin, Duac) and erythromycin with benzoyl peroxide (Benzamycin)
Step 4. Take oral antibiotics
Oral antibiotics may be prescribed for moderate to severe acne to reduce the prevalence of bacteria in the body that can cause acne. Antibiotics can also help reduce inflammation caused by acne. The most common oral antibiotics prescribed to treat acne are tetracyclines, including minocycline and doxycycline.
Step 5. Try the combined oral contraceptive pill
Some women and girls with frequent acne find that the combined oral contraceptive pill helps treat acne. These drugs combine estrogen and progestin as contraceptives and protect against acne.
- The combination contraceptive pill currently available in Indonesia is the Mainstay Pill.
- Common side effects are headache, breast tenderness, nausea, weight gain, and periodic discharge bleeding, although some people experience more serious side effects such as an increased risk of blood clots. Talk to your doctor to find out if the combined contraceptive pill is the right choice for you.
Step 6. Ask about antiandrogens
Antiandrogen agents such as spironolactone (Aldactone) may be prescribed to women and girls who have had no success with oral antibiotics. This class of drugs works by preventing androgens from affecting the sebaceous glands in the skin.
Common side effects are breast tenderness, menstrual pain, and storage of potassium in the body
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Scalp Acne
Step 1. Use shampoo every day
Some people only wash their hair every few days, but if you suffer from frequent scalp acne, this may not be enough. Instead, try to wash your hair every day using your regular shampoo. This can help reduce the oil in your hair, which can reduce the chances of acne breakouts on your scalp.
Avoid conditioner to see if it can improve the condition of the scalp. Conditioner helps moisturize the hair, which can cause too much oil to get trapped in the scalp
Step 2. Avoid known irritants
If you notice you have frequent scalp pimples and you wash your hair every day, the problem may stem from something you're putting into your hair. Try to avoid using styling products and see if they clean your scalp. Once you've identified the cause, you can experiment with different types of styling products to see if the ingredients in those products are suitable for your scalp.
- Try using products that are water-based or look for products that are labeled noncomedogenic, meaning they don't clog pores and cause breakouts.
- Don't get too close to applying hair products to the hairline. For example, it's fine to use hair gel or pomade, but try to apply only to the main strands without hitting the scalp or hairline.
Step 3. Allow the scalp to breathe
Some people who are prone to scalp acne who wear baseball caps or sports equipment (such as helmets) have an increased prevalence of acne due to heat, friction, or pressure on the skin, sometimes called acne mechanica. If you believe that wearing a hat or helmet is causing scalp acne, try allowing your scalp to breathe more often. Or, if you must wear headgear, make sure you wear a bandana or absorbent hair covering under the helmet.
Taking a shower immediately after removing the hat/helmet and using shampoo can also reduce the appearance of scalp acne
Step 4. Brush/comb hair every day
Brushing or combing your hair can help remove dead skin cells and release strands that have fused with your scalp's natural oils. This can help prevent breakouts by removing skin cells that clog pores and separating hair strands that hold oil trapped on the scalp.
Step 5. Consider getting a haircut
If you are prone to scalp acne, cutting your hair to an easy-to-adjust length and thickness can help reduce acne breakouts. Having short and/or thin hair can help reduce the amount of hair that holds oil, dirt, and bacteria in the pores of the scalp.
