Scalp acne is an inflammatory disorder of the hair follicles in the scalp. It is also known as Proprionibacterium acnes, necrotica miliaris and scalp folliculitis. These are very small in size, itchy pustules within the scalp mostly occur on the front hairline and the back of the head. They also become crusted and sore. It can also develop due to high stress and when the scalp is oilier.
Causes of Acne on a Person’s Scalp
Scalp acne is caused by the inflammatory reaction to the hair follicle and the micro-organisms and these include:-
- Yeasts like Malassezia species
- Bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acnes
- Mites like Demodex folliculorum
Treatment of Acne on the Scalp
To treat acne on your scalp, mild shampoo should be used and after that benzoyl peroxide should be applied on the scalp.
Anti-itch product with cortisone should be used and after that wash the hairs with a coal-tar shampoo if the acne itches.
Antidandruff shampoos which contain antifungal agents like ciclopirox and ketoconazole can be used for treating the acne. Sometimes conditioner is also very helpful in this case.
Skin cleanser containing salicyclic acid can be taken on a cotton ball and applied on the affected area. These cleansers can also dry the hairs so they should be rinsed thoroughly.
Oily scalp shampoo can be used along with the astringent or acne treatment can be applied to the affected area with a cotton pad or ball.
The medications are also helpful in treating the acne and they are:-
- Oral antibiotics – These antibiotics include Tetracycline which are given to the patients suffering from scalp acne and are not given to children below 10 years as they make the teeth yellow. Cotrimoxasole and erythromycin are some of the oral antibiotics used for reducing scalp acne.
- Topical antibiotics – These include erythromycin and clindamycin which can have side effects such as dryness of the affected area.
- Mild topical steroids – These are available to enhance penetration and make the condition of the skin clear.
Oral isotretinoin and oral antihistamines are also some of the medications which are helpful in treating scalp acne for both men and women.
Home Remedies for Acne on the Scalp
If the scalp has some infection, 4 parts of tea tree oil is mixed with 1 part of lavender oil in olive oil and any other oil should be applied to the scalp as a shampoo.
A cup of neem leaves should be boiled in water and head should be washed with this water when it is warm.
Hair packs, hair care, herbs and natural ingredients like natural oil should be applied on the scalp to reduce scalp acne.