How to Prevent and Manage Scalp Acne: A Complete Guide

Depletion in the quality of the environment has bred many health concerns. In recent times, the degrading quality of air and water has become a major factor affecting the skin and hair health of an individual.

Like many others, if you're also one of many who are facing scalp or skin issues, you urgently need to make yourself well informed about this challenge.

If you are also the one who’s experiencing a pus-filled pore in the scalp, then don't ignore it thinking it is just the cause of heat and will vanish in a day or two. 

These tiny pores may have a lot to say about your hair health.

Let's understand the cause, effect, and prevention of these through the journey of Maya, who is suffering from the same issue.

Maya, who’s a CA by profession, is having pus-filled pores on her scalp. It itches her, and sometimes it's painful as well. She visits her dermatologist to seek relief from this ailment.

Unveiling Scalp Acne

Dermatologist: Good morning, Maya. What brings you here today?

Maya: Hello, doctor. I'm fed up with these pores that I'm having on my scalp. It itches so much, and when I scratch it, the pus comes out. I'm unable to focus on my work. Please help me out. doctor

Dermatologist: Wait, let me see it first.

(The doctor examines her scalp.)

Dermatologist: Oh dear! It looks like you're having scalp acne. 

 

Maya: Scalp acne! I've heard about acne. What is a scalp acne doctor?

Dermatologist: Well, Maya, it is not a much different concept. Basically, the scalp acne are the acne or pores that are developed on our scalp or hairline.

Maya:Oh god, doctor.That sounds like a headache.Anyways, can you tell me what causes scalp acne?

Dermatologist:Sure, why not, Maya? Let's decode the reasons behind scalp acne.

Decoding Causes 

Dermatologists: Scalp acne is caused by a variety of factors. But among all these the clogged pores or the follicles are considered the major and most common factor causing scalp acne.Some other potential factors that may trigger scalp acne are as follows:

• The excessive secretion of oil or sebum,
• Layers of dead skin cells on hair follicles
• Inflammation 
• Increase in acne bacteria

Maya: What are the potential causes of obstructed hair follicles, doctor?

Dermatologist: The excessive secretion of oil and mixing it with dirt or layers of dead skin cells in the scalp area are the major reasons behind clogged pores. Aside from this, acne on your scalp may also be caused by other factors, like your genetics, hormone levels, and the type of hair care products you use.

Maya: Oh, there are numerous reasons. I have a question, doctor: How is acne on the scalp classified? 

Dermatologists:Commonly, the scalp acne is classified on the basis of severity and kind of pimple.

On the basis of severity, it is classified into mild, moderate, and severe.

On the other hand, different types of pimples include:

• Blackheads, called open comedones
• Whiteheads, called closed comedones
• Papules, or inflamed bumps
• Pustules, or bumps filled with pus
• Nodules or cysts, which are painful pimples deep in your skin
• Mixed, which is a combination of types.

Identifying Scalp Acne

Maya: Doctor, how could we identify scalp acne?

Dermatologist:There are various symptoms that are visible when one is having scalp acne.These symptoms include:

• Tiny pores on the forehead and hairline
• Whiteheads on hairline
• Painful bumps on the scalp
• Skin-colored cysts on scalp
• Itchiness, etc.

The severity of these can vary. The preliminary symptoms may not be very visible, but when we don't take proper care, the severity increases, and more serious symptoms can be visible.

Maya: Initially, I thought I was just having these pores because of the rising temperature and they would vanish in a day or two. I did not know it was scalp acne.

Dermatologist: Well, you're not alone in this, Maya. There are so many people trapped in the loop of myths.

Maya: Doctor, can you tell me more about the myths about scalp acne that are floating around?

Dermatologist: Why not? Let's debunk some myths.

Debunking Myths 

Maya: You were right, doctor, there are genuinely so many myths that are floating around.

Falling for rumors and not doing enough research is one of the reasons why some of our health concerns get severe.

DIY Tips to treat Scalp Acne

Maya: Doctor, Is there something we can do at home to prevent or reduce scalp acne?

Dermatologist: Yes, Maya. There are many DIY tips that we can follow at home in order to prevent or reduce scalp acne.

1. Applying tea tree oil either by mixing it with shampoo or directly applying it on the scalp.

2. Spreading honey on the scalp

3. The oatmeal that we use at home has anti-inflammatory properties. Its paste can be applied to the scalp for 12-15 mins and rinsed off then to reduce the inflammation in the scalp.

4. Soaking a clean cotton cloth in warm water and then compressing this cloth on the scalp for 10-15 mins can  also be beneficial in treating scalp acne. Practicing it a few days a week can accelerate the process of healing.

5. Maya: Thank you for the tips, doctor. But can you tell me, when’s the time to see a doctor?

When to see a doctor?

Dermatologist: The medical help should be taken in the following scenarios:

• When there's extensive growth of acne in the scalp.
• The itchiness is increasing.
• The scalp feels painful, etc.

The dermatologist will examine the scalp and prescribe the drugs accordingly.When the problem is persistent, one should not avoid it and should take immediate medical help.

Maya: Doctor, how can we prevent scalp acne for a long time?

Prevention from Scalp Acne

Dermatologist: Maya, now you know every possible cause of scalp acne. There are some causes, like genetics or hormonal imbalance, which are beyond your control but there are other reasons which you can avoid by taking various preventive measures. Now, I will tell you a reason causing scalp acne and you'll have to tell me how can we prevent this.

Maya: Sounds like a test doctor but I’m all up for this (smiles).

Dermatologist: So, maya let’s start. 

Q1.How can we get rid of excess oil and dirt deposited on the scalp?

Maya: Well I think, doctor, washing our hair regularly might help in this regard.

Dermatologist: Well done Maya. That's the right answer.

Pro tip: Wash it with clarifying shampoos for better results.

Q2.How can we prevent clogged hair follicles?

Maya: Doctor, If we use the right hair products, I think we'll be able to prevent clogged hair follicles.

Dermatologist: Right, look for the oil free or non-comedogenic products. It will help you in preventing excess oil and dirt which are the main reasons behind clogged hair follicles.

Q3.So, Maya, tell me one thing: what would you do to remove debris in your scalp?

Maya:Brush my hair

Dermatologist:Here, you are wrong Maya.Always avoid over brushing your hair as overbrushing doesn't eliminate debris, in fact it can increase skin irritation and inflammation.

Maya:Ok doctor.Is there anything else that we need to do in order to prevent scalp acne?

Dermatologist:Yes there are some more ways.Like:

• Avoid touching scalp
• Wearing a hat or any other headgear to protect the scalp from the sun.

Maya:Thank you, doctor.I'll definitely take these preventive measures.

Dermatologist:That's great, Maya.I’ve examined your scalp,you don't need medication as of now, but I'm suggesting some products that you can add to your hair care routine to reduce scalp acne.

Maya: Ok, doctor.

Products for reducing Scalp Acne

Shampoo: Use shampoo that contains salicylic acid and glycolic acid; it will help in exfoliating dead skin cells and eliminating microbacteria.

1. Anti-dandruff shampoo: You should use the product rich in ketoconazole or ciclopirox (Nizoral).It has antifungal properties.

2. Tea tree oil: It possesses antibacterial properties that help in fighting acne.

3. Jojoba oil: It can help in reducing inflammation.

Conclusion

Hair, as popularly said, is people’s greatest ornament. Any sort of hair concern might affect a person not only physically but also emotionally. Scalp acne being on those issues can be a point of major concern as well.

Scalp acne refers to the pores developed on the forehead or hairline as a result of excess oil, dirt, inflammation, buildup of dead skin cells, and else. These pores can cause itching and be painful in some cases as well.

On the basis of severity, scalp acne can be classified  into three types - mild, moderate, and severe.The cure of given categories of scalp acne varies. Various pastes and mixtures, like tea tree oil, honey, and oatmeal paste, can be applied on the scalp in order to reduce the acne. However, when the scalp acne is severe, one must take immediate medical support.

On the other hand, for long-term hair care, we are advised to maintain hair hygiene, be careful about the hair products, don loose hairstyles, avoid over brushing hair, and take other preventive measures before it's too late.

There are also certain hair products, like shampoo, consisting of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and ciclopirox, jojoba, and tea tree oils, which can significantly reduce the scalp acne.

One should not be ignorant about this ailment and must take proper care of scalp health.

Recommended Products by Blue Nectar:

Briganantadi - D Tea Tree Anti Dandruff Hair Oil | Clean & Healthy Scalp

Briganantadi Shikakai Anti-Dandruff Shampoo | Itch Free & Healthy Scalp

Related Articles:

All About Dandruff: Types, Preventions, and Remedies

Get dandruff free hair with natural ayurvedic haircare products

References:

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/what-to-know-about-scalp-acne

https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/scalp-acne#treatment