Pimples on your scalp can be so annoying. They can bug you, hurt you, and make it difficult to brush or style your hair. Scalp acne thankfully isn’t as common as face acne, but it can still be a real pain. If you don’t deal with it correctly, scalp pimples can make your scalp itchy and swell up. But the good news is, if you take care of it right, you can keep these breakouts in check and stop them from happening.
In this blog, we’ll answer – why do we get pimples on head, how to treat pimples on scalp, and the best ways to keep your scalp healthy and clear.
Why Do We Get Pimples on Head?
To find the correct kind of scalp pimples treatment, you need to know what’s causing them. So what makes pimples show up on your scalp? It’s mostly when hair follicles get clogged with oil, dead skin, and germs. These are some of the causes for pimples on head (1):
1. Too Much Oil: Like all parts of our skin, even our scalp has oil-producing glands that keep scalp skin moist. But when these glands make too much oil, it can block your hair follicles. This blockage can cause pimples to pop up on your scalp.
2. Inadequate Cleansing: Not shampooing your hair regularly can create a build-up of dirt, sweat, and oils on the scalp that can clog pores and ultimately lead to pimples. But at the same time, even shampooing too frequently can wash away your scalp’s natural oils, and that’ll make it compensate by producing excess amounts of oil.
3. Certain Products: Apart from internal causes for pimples on head, there are also certain products that can create acne on your scalp. Products that are greasy, thick, and fill the hair with sulfate-based ingredients (like any product containing sodium lauryl sulfate) can sometimes block your pores or irritate your scalp, contributing to acne development.
4. Bacterial or Fungal Infections: Bacteria and fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, so if you have a sweaty scalp for any length of time, it becomes an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, which can also lead to a breakout of pimples.
5. Wearing Tight Headgear: Constant friction from tight headwear like hats, helmets, or headbands can also irritate your scalp causing breakouts. Head accessories like this can also trap sweat and bacteria on your scalp for a long time, aggravating acne.
Scalp Pimples Treatment
If you don’t know how to treat pimples on scalp, here are some solutions (2):
1. Use a Medicated Shampoo: Find a medicated shampoo that contains salicylic acid, zinc parathion, or tea tree oil. These substances are effective for opening up clogged pores and reducing inflammation in the scalp. You can find good medicated shampoo products that will cleanse your scalp well without stripping its moisture.
2. Maintain a Routine to Clean Your Scalp: The best way to clean your scalp is using a gentle shampoo frequently to remove excess oil, dirt, and product build-up that trigger clogged pores. But don’t wash too often either, because that might cause your scalp to produce even more oil to compensate.
3. Avoid Heavy Products: Try to avoid hair products that are oily or greasy since they can block hair follicles. Try to use the lightest options like lighter oils (coconut oil, jojoba oil) and non-comedogenic products.
4. Exfoliate Your Scalp: Exfoliation is as important for head acne treatment as it is for your facial skin. Consider a scalp scrub or use a brush to remove dead skin, which can help avoid clogged pores that contribute to pimples on your scalp.
5. Keep Your Scalp and Hair Dry: If you sweat a lot, especially during exercise or summer, it’s crucial to dry your scalp properly. Allowing sweat to linger on your scalp for an extended period of time can harbour bacteria and lead to future breakouts.
6. Use Natural Remedies: Nature has the best remedies to offer even for pimples on scalp. Here are a few easy home remedies you can try out:
• Tea Tree Oil is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce scalp acne.
• Apple Cider Vinegar can help reduce bacteria and promote a healthy pH. Mix one part ACV with three parts water and rinse your scalp with the mixture.
• Aloe Vera Gel can alleviate inflammation and help heal pimples on the scalp.
7. Use Over-the-Counter Treatment: If all else fails and the scalp pimples persist, consider over-the-counter treatment for topical use. Look for products containing either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Both ingredients will cause a reduction in inflammation and kill acne-causing bacteria.
How to Get Rid of Pimples on Scalp Permanently
Treating scalp pimples is important, but it’s all-the-more helpful to prevent future acne breakouts on your scalp. Here are some long-term approaches to avoid having acne on the scalp:
• Use a Clarifying Shampoo Once a Week: This will get rid of excess oil or build-up that normal shampoos don’t clean out.
• Change Pillowcases Often: Pillowcases harbour dirt, bacteria, and oils that can contribute to creating acne on the head.
• Be Aware of Allergies: Some people develop acne on their scalp due to an allergic reaction to their hair products. If you develop breakouts after using a product, stop using it.
When to See a Dermatologist
If you’re experiencing severe, painful, or chronic scalp acne, it’s probably time to speak with a dermat. Your scalp acne could be due to an underlying skin issue and will require medical treatment. So in these cases, it’s best to approach the professionals.
Final Thoughts
Acne on your scalp might be unbearable but it’s not untreatable. Maintaining a clean scalp and using the right products will help you control current breakouts and avoid future ones. And the treatments and remedies aren’t hard to follow either. So, if you notice pimples forming on your scalp, you now know the way back to a healthier and pimple-free scalp.
FAQs
Q1. How do you get rid of a pimple head?
Avoid popping it, as this can result in infection. Instead, use a medicinal shampoo containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, apply warm compresses to minimise swelling, and allow the area to heal naturally.
Q2. How long does a hair pimple last?
A small hair pimple typically lasts a few days to a week, however more severe cases may take two weeks or longer to cure, depending on the therapy.
Q3. Why are scalp pimples so painful?
The scalp contains numerous nerve endings and hair follicles, making scalp pimples more sensitive. Inflammation, pressure from hair growth, and bacterial infections can exacerbate the pain.
Q4. How to stop pimples on the scalp?
To avoid breakouts, keep your scalp clean by washing it with a light or medicated shampoo on a regular basis, avoiding oily hair products, exfoliating occasionally, eating a nutritious diet, and changing your pillow cover often.
Q5. How long do scalp pimples last?
Most scalp pimples heal within 7-14 days, but persistent or severe cases may take longer to heal and might require medical attention.