Acne on the scalp can be extremely bothersome and may even lead to some hair loss if severe. However, you can rid yourself of scalp acne by first diagnosing the cause of your breakouts and eliminating irritating substances like hair gel from your life to prevent future blemishes from forming.
Definition
Scalp acne is any blemish that sprouts up on your scalp or along your hairline. It might appear in the form of blackheads, whiteheads, papules or pustules, but in all cases it can be extremely itchy and cause your scalp to flake, peel or even ooze. Scalp folliculitis is another condition that might be mistaken for scalp acne, and since it causes inflammation in the hair follicles, you should obtain an accurate diagnosis from a dermatologist before pursuing treatment.
Causes
Scalp acne can be caused by a variety of factors. Just like standard acne, it might be caused by hormonal fluctuations or a buildup of dead skin cells. Too much oil is another factor. Bacteria invading your scalp is another cause. If you have scalp folliculitis, mites, yeast or bacteria could be the cause of your sudden inflammatory breakout. However, simple lifestyle habits could also be to blame, like rubbing or picking at your scalp repeatedly, washing your hair too often or too infrequently and using greasy hair products.
Hair Gel
Hair gel is used often to hold that perfect style, but it can really clog the pores on your scalp and cause a buildup of oil and dead skin. These factors often lead to dandruff or scalp acne. When you notice a few blemishes cropping up on your scalp, one of the best ways to tackle them is to discontinue use of any harsh hair products, including hair gel, to see if that helps.
Treatments
Since you have hair to contend with when dealing with scalp acne, you can't use the same treatments for it as you would on your face. For instance, benzoyl peroxide can actually bleach your hair, so that wouldn't be useful as a scalp treatment. However, you can get medicated shampoos from your dermatologist to help clear up your scalp acne that contain salicylic acid or a similar ingredient. A good, oil-free conditioner is essential as well to keep any flaking skin from clogging pores further.
Alternatives
If you must have your hair in a rigid style, then you should look into hair gel alternatives to get your desired hold without the unwanted scalp acne. Use an extra-hold hair spray and avoid getting it on your scalp. Or, look into all-natural hair gels made from organic ingredients or formulations that lack parabens, fragrance, dyes and other chemicals that are known skin irritants.
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