What Causes Of Scalp Acne?
Scalp acne is actually caused by the same issues and
aggravated by the same conditions as acne of the face and body. Besides being
annoying, scalp acne, if allowed to continue out of control, can actually lead
to common symptoms such as itching, redness and tenderness, flaking, scabs, thinning and hair loss.
Physical Signs
Pimples can appear as whiteheads or blackheads, just as they
would appear anywhere else. These often
go unnoticed in the hair. The acne can also become cystic, which is reddened or
painful, and will be felt when combed or brushed. Large groups of
scalp acne and pimples may
cause an itching or prickly feeling and the hair may appear more oily than
usual.
Causes Of Acne
Although scalp acne is less common than acne of the face or
back, it develops in the same way. The
skin produces a protective layer of oil that is called sebum. Sebum is
transferred to the skin’s surface through pores. Excess oil, dead skin cells or
dirt can clog these pores. Bacteria then multiply in the oil that is trapped in
the pores, forming a microcomedone or pre-pimple.
The microcomedone becomes larger and more visible as the
bacteria grows, and finally it becomes a blackhead or whitehead. These are also
known as comedones. When the comedone becomes inflamed and red, and fills up
with pus, it is commonly referred to as a “zit” or pimple.
One can also have over-active sebaceous glands. This can be
caused by diet, hormonal imbalance, stress or heredity. While you can’t change
your genes, if one of these other areas gives you cause for concern, it will
certainly not hurt to address them.
buildup of oil leading to oily scalp or hair. Hair products, including
conditioners, mousse, and styling gels, can contain ingredients that actually
clog the pores of the scalp.
Treatment
The first and easiest course of action is to address the
products you’re using. Heavy gels and products that contain a lot of oil are more
likely to clog pores, so changing products may help alleviate a problem very
simply. If you know that some foods bother you in other ways, these may also be
causing you to break out. Some people find that milk products contribute to
acne breakouts, for example.
You can treat acne breakouts on the scalp with almost any
over the counter product made for acne, but you will want to avoid those
containing benzoyl peroxide. The reason is that the peroxide will bleach your
hair and cause discoloration of dyed hair.
There are also shampoos made for dandruff and scalp
irritation that are helpful in treating acne, such as those with anti-bacterial
elements in them. Some may prefer to use topical anti-bacterial creams to clear
up infected areas.
Related Conditions
Some people mistake scalp folliculitis for scalp acne. Folliculitis
is
caused the same way but is much more serious. Folliculitis covers an area of
skin and resembles a heat rash. It is often caused by irritation to the skin or
wearing a cap or clothing that is too tight or smothering. It is also a result of excessive scalp dryness and can be treated with
emu oil shampoos and conditioners. Though not effective for everyone, emu oil and various hair products containing emu oil can re-hydrate the scalp and reduces occurrences of acne-like symptoms on the scalp
Scalp psoriasis is a common syndrome that is marked by red,
scaly, patchy skin. It usually does not have the hallmark pimples of acne. It
can be extremely itchy or burning.
As with all conditions, the best way to know what you are
treating is to seek treatment with a doctor. A dermatologist is the doctor of
choice to help you diagnosis and figure out the best treatment for your scalp
acne.
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