Some people get acne on the scalp that may take a few weeks to clear up.
Some people get acne on the scalp that may take a few weeks to clear up.
Scalp acne is known as acne necrotica miliaris, and seems to flourish during times of high stress or when the scalp is oilier than normal. Oily scalp may occur if you haven't shampooed as often as usual or are using hair-care products with a lot of oil.
To speed healing of scalp acne, shampoo frequently and apply an acne remedy with benzoyl peroxide. If scalp acne itches, use an anti-itch product with cortisone or wash your hair several times with a coal-tar shampoo.
Scalp acne can be annoying, but are easily treated the same way you would treat any other breakout. You can use a skin cleanser containing salicylic acid on a cotton ball and apply it only on the breakout area. Most of these cleansers are very stripping and will dry the hair out completely, so keep to the target area and rinse the cleanser thoroughly.
As an option, and since many people with scalp acne also have oily scalp conditions, you can use your oily scalp shampoo and follow up with an astringent or acne treatment containing salicylic acid applied directly on the blemish area with a cotton ball or pad.
It is important to remember that you don't want to use those acne products containing benzoyl peroxide or other peroxide ingredients on your scalp acne because of the potential for altering the hair color. This is doubly important if you have color-treated or chemically-textured hair which is already more porous than virgin (untreated) hair.
There is a specific type of scalp acne called “pomade acne” which occurs on skin that comes into contact with the pomade, such as the scalp, forehead and temples Pomade scalp acne occurs on the scalp, forehead and temples where pomade comes into contact with the skin. It usually consists of comedones, with perhaps a few papules and pustules.
Most, if not all, pomades fall into the category of comedogenic (pore clogging) cosmetics and hair dressings. The heavy oils in pomades can clog skin, setting the stage for formation of scalp acne. In addition, some of the other chemicals in pomades may irritate the skin, contributing to inflammation.
For pomade scalp acne, treatment consists of these options:
If using pomade to decrease scalp dryness, try applying pomade one inch behind the hairline.
Is using pomade to style or make hair more manageable, try applying pomade to the ends of the hair only to avoid contact with the scalp and hairline.
Stop using pomade if you have severe scalp acne.
When pomade is no longer making contact with the skin or pomade use is discontinued, pomade scalp acne should gradually clear. If it persists, the scalp acne should be treated the same as any other acne by gently cleansing the skin and using a topical preparation, such as benzoyl peroxide. If the scalp acne does not clear after 6 – 8 weeks of treatment, contact a dermatologist.
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