Facts About Scalp Acne

Scalp acne is just another form of acne. So any pustule formations or cystic acne on scalp, around the crown, on upper forehead or the neck could be termed as a scalp acne. The treatment and cures for scalp acne are pretty similar to that for other forms of acne. But before you treat scalp acne on your own, or consult a dermatologist for the condition; it would be prudent to take a look at these 5 secret facts about scalp acne.

Scalp Acne Treatment

Acne on scalp could be mild folliculitis or even a severe form called acne necrotica miliaris. Further, the infections could be triggered by yeast, bacteria or even mites. The severity of the infections could be varied and they should be treated differently depending upon the causal organisms as well as the extent to which the infection has grown. Yeast-inflicted infections could, for instance, be treated with zinc rich anti-dandruff shampoos. Similarly antifungal, antibiotic, antihistamine, and/or steroidal agents could act as potent cures, depending upon the need. Alternatively, you can also get your scalp checked by an expert dermatologist.

Scalp Acne Is Not Just About Fatty Foods, It’s About Hormones Too

Most suggestions for scalp acne cure hover around recommendations for a healthy, oil-free diet. But this is simply not the whole truth. A healthy, nutritious diet is undoubtedly important for overall well-being but acne crop up mainly due to hormonal surges. It is the sebaceous glands on the scalp, face and chest which become over productive and release excessive sebum into the hair follicle, thereby triggering oil secretion, and in turn causing acne. Effective cures for scalp acne could then lie in controlling seborrhea through salicylic acid cleanses, oral antihistamines, or oral isotrenoin treatments.

Benzoyl Peroxide Should Be Avoided

Benzoyl peroxide is a fairly common and effective remedy for acne.  But when it comes to scalp acne, avoiding benzoyl peroxide treatment is the best policy. This is because the chemically active agent could ruin the hair texture terribly; leaving it with an unsightly, bleached look. The odds of disasters are even high for those with chemically treated or colored/dyed hair than for those with naturally untouched hair.

Regular Combing And Massages Help To Treat Scalp Acne

It is also interesting to note that hair massages and the application of hair brushes do not worsen scalp acne. In fact, these practices prevent scalp acne from spreading. These activities work to the effect of increasing blood circulation, regulating sebum production and thereby redistributing the oils along the hair shaft. All of which, in turn, prevent scalp acne from exacerbating.

Conditioners And Styling Products Must Be Avoided At All Costs

Hair conditioners surely impart a smooth texture and a great look to your hair but most of these come added with humectants, which can aggravate scalp acne. Similarly, styling products could be forgone for some time to prevent chemical accumulations on the scalp. Instead mild anti-dandruff shampoos like ketoconazole or ciclopirox, which come with the advantage of containing anti-fungal ingredients, followed with cool water rinses (to close the pores of the scalp) could prove effective. The best option is to use scalp acne shampoo only.

The above facts, if adhered to in sincerity, will surely prevent you from falling for disasters while treating scalp acne.