Scalp acne
Scalp acne is similar to ordinary acne. Scalp acne is common in both men and women and affects people of all ages. Acne typically has whole pustules. Contributing factors that lead to acne can include clogged pores. Clogged pores can be attributed to hair oil, bacterial growth or poor hygiene. Stress can also trigger scalp acne.
Scalp acne can also develop when the scalp has too much oil, or the hair hasn’t been washed or the products that are used on the scalp and hair have excess amounts of oil. Triggers will also include mites, bacteria and yeasts.
There are mild, moderate and severe forms of scalp acne. Other names for this condition are scalp follicullitis or necrotia miliaris. Mild cases of scalp acne occur mostly at the hairline. The blemishes are often small, core and crusty.
In more severe cases of scalp acne the blemishes are inflamed larger papules which are black in color. Often times the more severe cases are called necrotica miliaris. Scalp acne can leave scars similar to ones left by chicken pox.
Treatment of scalp acne includes cleaning with products that contain salicylic acid which will be applied with a cotton ball. Salicylic acid can cause excessive drying and should only be applied to the affected area which is why a cotton ball is used to apply to the blemishes.
Acne remedies can include mild shampoos to control oil. Mild shampoo can help to control the increased oil production often a problem for people with scalp acne. It should not be treated with benzoyl peroxide because the peroxide will change the color of the hair, even blond hair. Anti-dandruff shampoos can also be used in the treatment of scalp acne.
Antibiotics are also included in the treatment plan of some sufferers. The antibiotics are in either oral or topical (on the skin) form. Some dermatologists also recommend the use of mild topical steroid creams/lotions to decrease the inflammation in the skin which decreases the production of blemishes.
The oral antibiotics include tetracycline, doxycycline, cotrimoxasole and ethrythromycin. Oral antihistamines are used to decrease the histamine response in the skin, decreasing inflammation and therefore decreasing scalp acne breakouts.
Scalp acne isn’t as talked about as ‘regular’ facial and back acne. It is more prevalent than you might think because it also isn’t as evident since most people suffer with blemishes just inside the hairline. Treatment of scalp acne is important so they don’t leave pock type scars.
Filed Under Scalp Acne |
Tagged With
Comments
Leave a Reply
html:
