Acne typically appears on the face, chest and neck, but the scalp may also experience outbreaks of pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. An occasional pimple may be easy to hide, but it can remain painful until it eventually disappears. Hormonal changes and a new hair care routine may encourage acne outbreaks, necessitating a specialized treatment to treat the problem.
Isolating the Cause
The treatment of scalp acne requires an evaluation to determine possible causes. If the outbreak is recent and the infection involves a large area of the scalp, a medical professional should be consulted. Consulting a doctor ensures that medical conditions are not the cause, such as a reaction to prescription drugs. The National Institutes of Health report that diseases such as rosacea and cellulitis affect the skin around the edges of the scalp, but these conditions must be diagnosed by a health care professional.
Primary Treatment
Changes in hair dyes, shampoos, hair sprays, gels and conditioners contribute to the amount of oil produced and the degree of scalp pore blockage experienced. The hair treatments may be quickly modified to reduce the scalp acne. The first step in home treatment is to list any hair preparations or hair treatments and note the date that the scalp changes occurred in relationship to the new products. If the acne is related to only one hair care treatment, it is easy to eliminate from a beauty routine. The results may take four to six weeks to determine since the production of oils and the clogged pores take time to return to normal, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Over-the-Counter Treatments
Use of over-the-counter hair care products is another way to treat scalp acne. Look for products that include zinc, as these will reduce the bacteria found in the hair follicles, according to clinical studies done by N.M. Niren and H.M. Torok in 2006 at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The zinc products should be used sparingly since excessive use of zinc will dry the skin (and the hair), leading to hair loss and skin scaling. The use of products containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, including gels, washes, creams and astringents, provides a drying agent to reduce the acne oil and eliminate the bacteria. The products are applied to active infections and must be used directly on the acne itself, avoiding the hair.
Medical Treatments
Large scalp cysts and widespread acne outbreaks on the head require medication from a dermatologist or family doctor. Topical prescription antibiotics, including erythromycin, offer a way to reduce the bacteria infection that leads to scalp acne. The exact prescription strength is determined by the skin specialist, and topical application must be done carefully to avoid drying or bleaching the hair around the acne.
Treatment of Acne Related to Hormonal Imbalances
If the scalp acne is a result of hormonal imbalances due to age or life changes, this requires a complete evaluation of the skin by a dermatologist. An oral antibiotic, such as tetracycline, doxycycline or minocycline, may be prescribed to deal with a widespread scalp acne outbreak. An analysis of the products used routinely to clean and dress the hair will help, since the hormonal changes may influence the way the scalp reacts to the products. Eliminate the use of all products and reintroduce the treatments one at a time until an acne reactions occurs. When that happens, the product should be eliminated from the hair care routine.
