Pimples on the scalp are just as painful and itchy as those on the face or back, but they are much more difficult to treat as they are covered in hair. The only advantage of this type of acne is that it is in a well-hidden position, even though the natural sebum present on the hair or caps can make the situation worse and trigger the development of new pimples. If you learn how to treat them and take preventative measures, you can prevent them from becoming a recurring problem.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Applying Topical Products
Step 1. Use benzoyl peroxide
It is a fairly common ingredient in acne lotions and cleansing products. It works by killing bacteria that would otherwise block pores and form new pimples; it also helps eliminate excess sebum and dead cells from the affected area. This substance is usually present in different percentages, between 2, 5 and 10% in over-the-counter products.
- Among the possible side effects you may notice a whitening of the hair and clothes, if the active ingredient in the product has a high concentration. You need to be especially careful when applying it to your hair or scalp.
- Other adverse effects are dry and red skin, a burning sensation and the possibility of the skin cracking and flaking off.
Step 2. Apply salicylic acid
It is one of the most common ingredients found in topical acne products and is found in many cleansers and medicated wipes. It helps to avoid clogging of pores and helps to free those already closed, reducing existing pimples on the scalp or in other parts of the body. It is usually present in a percentage between 0, 5 and 5% in most over-the-counter products.
Possible side effects include skin irritation and a slight stinging sensation
Step 3. Use alpha hydroxy acids
Two types are available: glycolic acid and lactic acid. Both are often used in over-the-counter acne treatments, as they help eliminate dead skin cells and reduce inflammation. Some studies have found that these acids are also able to promote the growth of new and smoother skin.
Step 4. Test for sulfur
Some acne sufferers find it to be a very useful remedy. It can eliminate dead skin cells and excess sebum; it is typically present in combination with other ingredients in over-the-counter topical products such as cleansers or medicated topical lotions.
Be aware that some sulfur-containing products may have an unpleasant odor
Part 2 of 3: Using Stronger Prescription Products
Step 1. Apply the retinoids
These are a type of topical medication derived from vitamin A. They prevent the obstruction of the hair follicles so as to reduce the frequency of acne breakouts.
Use retinoid products on the scalp in the evening. Start by applying them three times a week and proceed by putting them on every day when the skin has become accustomed to the medication
Step 2. Try dapsone
It is a topical gel that is useful in treating acne because it kills bacteria and leaves the pores clean and clear. It is often combined with topical retinoids to maximize the effects of both active ingredients. Possible side effects include dry skin and redness / irritation.
Step 3. Use topical antibiotics
In severe cases of acne, these medications are needed to treat the current breakouts and prevent them in the future. They also often contain benzoyl peroxide to reduce the risk of developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria and are combined with retinoids for maximum results.
Among the combined antibiotics that are prescribed for acne are clindamycin with benzoyl peroxide (Duac) and erythromycin with benzoyl peroxide
Step 4. Take oral antibiotics
When acne is moderate or severe, your doctor may prescribe these medications to reduce the prevalence of the bacteria in the body that are responsible for pimples. Antibiotics can also reduce the inflammatory state that accompanies acne; the most common ones that are prescribed for this disorder are tetracyclines, including minocycline and doxycycline.
Step 5. Try combined oral contraceptives
Some women and adolescents who have frequent acne breakouts benefit from combined hormonal contraceptives. These drugs are composed of estrogen and progestogen which protect against both unwanted pregnancy and acne.
- Contact your gynecologist for a prescription because they are the best person to find the COCs best suited to your situation and body.
- Among the most well-known side effects are headaches, breast pain, nausea, weight gain, bleeding between periods, although some women have more serious adverse effects, such as an increased risk of blood clots. of blood. Talk to your doctor to determine which oral contraceptive is best for you.
Step 6. Learn about antiandrogen agents
The doctor may prescribe these steroid compounds, such as spironolactone, to women and girls who have not experienced positive results with oral antibiotics. This class of drugs is effective in preventing androgens from affecting the sebaceous glands in the skin.
The most common side effects are breast tenderness, painful menstrual cycles, and possible potassium retention in the body
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Scalp Pimples
Step 1. Use shampoo every day
Some people only wash their hair a few times a week, but if you have frequent breakouts on your head, it may not be enough. Instead, try washing them every day using your regular shampoo. In this way you reduce the amount of sebum present and consequently decrease the risk of new episodes of acne on the scalp.
Do not apply conditioner to see if the situation improves. Conditioners help moisturize the hair, but can cause more sebum / grease to form and remain in contact with the skin
Step 2. Don't use products that are known to cause you irritation
If you find that you suffer from frequent acne on your head even if you wash your hair every day, the problem could be from something you apply to your hair. Try to avoid some styling products and see if the situation improves. Once the cause is identified, you can try hair care alternatives to see if the new ingredients are compatible with your skin type.
- Try to use water-based products or check the label to make sure they are non-comedogenic, meaning they are less likely to clog pores and cause acne breakouts.
- Be careful not to apply hair products too close to the hairline. It is okay to use gels or creams, for example, but try to put them only on the main strands avoiding the area near the head, so that they do not come into contact with the skin.
Step 3. Let your scalp breathe
Some people are more likely to suffer from acne in this area of the body when wearing baseball caps or sports equipment (such as helmets). In this case, acne is caused by friction / pressure and can be defined as mechanical acne. If you are concerned that wearing a cap or helmet could cause scalp acne, try to make your head breathe more often. Or, if you have to wear protectors on your head, make sure you use an absorbent headband or cover your head with fabric before putting on your helmet.
Wash immediately after taking off your cap / helmet and use shampoo to reduce the chances of pimples on your head
Step 4. Brush / comb your hair every day
By doing this, you more easily eliminate dead skin cells and detangle the hair, freeing it from the natural sebum that has remained deposited. This allows you to counteract the development of acne both by eliminating dead cells that can clog the pores, and by separating the strands, which could otherwise retain the oiliness in contact with the scalp.
Step 5. Consider cutting your hair
If you tend to get frequent pimples on your scalp, cutting your hair to a more manageable length and thickness can help reduce breakouts. If your hair is short and thin, the amount of oil, dirt and bacteria that can settle on the pores is less.
