Acne is a skin condition that is most common among teenagers but affects people of all ages. The condition is caused by oil and dead skin cells clogging the hair follicles and often causes whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples.
The pimples and bumps caused by acne tend to heal slowly, and often when one area heals, another begins to appear. While acne may be difficult to control, there are effective treatments available. Acne can leave scars as well as cause emotional distress and embarrassment.
What is Scalp Acne?
Most people have had pimples at one time or another, but when they appear around the hairline or underneath the hair, that is scalp acne. Scalp acne is an inflammation of the hair follicles, a form of folliculitis. Most often caused by irritation, bacteria, fungal, or other infections, people that are prone to facial acne are also more likely to have scalp acne.
Scalp acne can have several causes and can sometimes be something more serious than the typical acne breakout. While there is no specific link between dandruff and scalp acne, people with dandruff have an excess of oil, as well as dead skin cells, which can clog the pores and create acne breakouts.
What Causes Scalp Acne
Scalp acne can have several causes and can sometimes be something more serious than the typical acne breakout. While there is no specific link between dandruff and scalp acne, people with dandruff tend to have on an excess of oil and dead skin cells, which can clog the pores creating acne breakouts.
Scalp acne appears as small pimples or zits on the scalp, including the back of the head. This condition can be itchy and sore and, like pimples elsewhere on the body, happens when hair follicles get sealed with dead skin cells or sebum, the natural oil the skin uses to keep itself moisturized.
Scalp acne can be caused by dead skin cells or oil clogging the follicles, a buildup of hair products, not washing the hair thoroughly, waiting too long to wash the hair. It can also be attributed to excessive sweating while wearing a hat or other head covering, especially if it causes friction. Specific germs and bacteria, as well as diets that are high in sugary carbohydrates, can also cause scalp acne.
How to Treat Scalp Acne
Cleanliness and regular care of the scalp and hair plays a critical role in the prevention of scalp acne. As a general rule, it is important to wash the hair when it starts to feel oily or greasy, as well as any time there is excessive sweating, such as after playing sports or working out.
Scalp acne can often be treated, and further incidents reduced by wearing headwear that allows the scalp to breathe and by washing the hair regularly, especially after exercise. Using natural and hypoallergenic hair care products, and avoiding excessive use of hair products, such as hair sprays and gels, often eliminates or dramatically reduces incidents.
Diet can also play a critical role in the control of scalp acne. Many times keeping a food diary will identify specific foods that cause flare-ups. Multivitamin supplements ensure that the body is getting enough vitamins A, D, and E, which help to keep the skin and scalp healthy.
For many people, merely adhering to a regular schedule of hair washing can lessen or eliminate instances of scalp acne. For other individuals, washing the hair too often can remove the protective oil that is necessary to protect the scalp, increasing the prospect of other contaminants getting in.
Contact New Look Institute
Dealing with scalp acne alone can be difficult. The hair specialists at New Look Institute have the experience and knowledge needed to help you control and eliminate your scalp acne. Our specialists will customize a treatment option specifically designed for you.
If you are dealing with hair loss for any reason, New Look Institute has solutions. We use the highest quality products available and use the latest technology to create the perfect solution for you. New Look Institute offers our clients hair restoration systems, topical hair treatments, wigs, extensions, and a variety of hair loss solutions designed to meet your needs.
To learn more about scalp acne and treatment options, contact us today for your free consultation.
