Scalp Acne care and treatment

Scalp Acne – what is it and how to treat it.

By now, most people will be aware that acne commonly breaks out on the face, chest, arms and on the back as well.

In fact, acne can appear on virtually any part of the body where the conditions suit it – this is something that many people don’t realize.

Acne is purely a skin condition so it makes good sense then that acne can appear almost anywhere on the body.

One area in particular that is generally not often associated with acne is the scalp.

Scalp acne, in its mildest form is correctly known as scalp folliculitis and occurs more frequently than many people actually realize. One of the main triggers for scalp acne is during periods of high stress.

This irritating scalp condition usually develops whenever the scalp becomes oilier than usual.

Some good examples are when the hair isn't washed frequently or when hair care products that contain a considerable amount of oil are used.

You will find that scalp acne gets very itchy and this makes it hard for people to stop scratching it – which is obviously one of the worst things you can do. In its mildest form, the pustules are small, crusty, and quite sore.

They become visible mainly on the upper part of the forehead at and around the hairline.

There is an even more severe form of scalp acne known as acne necrotica miliaris. It is characterized by inflamed larger papules with black-colored crusts.

You need to be aware that this form of the condition can leave behind acne scars that look a lot like those resulting from the Chicken Pox.

And if that is not enough to frighten you there is an even more severe form of scalp acne that primarily affects adult African-American men, although it can affect anybody, regardless of race or sex.

Fortunately it is a very rare condition being a combination of large cysts and smaller pustules and papules that are most likely to grow and become quite large.

The Best Treatment for Scalp Acne

In its mild form, scalp acne can be treated the same way most other acne conditions are treated. Just keep the affected area clean by using a product that contains salicylic acid.

But remember though, these products can cause excessive dryness so only use the medication on the affected areas. Apply the product using a cotton bud for better control.

Oily hair is one of the main contributing factors to scalp acne. By using a shampoo that is formulated especially for oily hair is the best option.

Hair care products designed to treat seborrhea have also been used successfully. As many people use conditioners and other hair care products it is always good practice to check the ingredients on the label and make changes as might be necessary.

Please heed our words of warning - never attempt to treat the more severe forms of scalp acne without first consulting your family doctor or a dermatologist.

And another little piece of good advice about treating scalp acne – the one product that should not be used is anything that contains benzoyl peroxide.

As you might have already guessed, the peroxide may give you some rather unprofessional looking streaks that you were not really looking for – especially if your hair is already permed or has been color treated.