If you are passionate for nice looking hair or infatuated by changing hair styles and fashion, then acne on scalp could be a rather more distressing trauma for you. Scalp acne can damage the entire appearance of head, neck, and any adjacent portion of the scalp. Surprisingly, in spite of its dreadful impacts, scalp acne is still greatly an unattended and less discussed issue.
What is It and How It Forms?
Scalp acne is scientifically known as acne folliculitis, the occurrence of which is more frequent and sometimes even severe than what people usually comprehend. Due to the presence of Propionibacterium acnes, the severity of scalp acne shoots up to a higher degree which is known as necrotica miliaris. This severity can extend up to a rather critical inflammation and end up with permanent scarring. The mildest forms of acne on scalp consist of smaller pustules typically near the hair line of the upper forehead.
These pustules are crusty and sore, and often create an excessive itching sensation. Necrotica miliaris also carry similar resemblance, but with an exception that they are larger in size and contain inflammations. Also their crusts often look black in color. The scarring caused by this type of acne leaves a serious impact on the scalp surface which looks extremely dented like in chicken pox.
Although the reason is not quite well discovered, yet the activities of resident microorganisms in the hair follicles are usually thought to be responsible for stirring up inflammatory lesions. A few types of bacteria, mites, and yeasts are found to be responsible for this type of inflammatory reactions.
The oil glands embedded within the hair follicles are also thought to be one of the major contributing factors behind acne formation. Since scalp is that portion of human skin where the concentration of hair follicles is relatively greater, it is more likely that scalp would inevitably carry a higher acne risk.
How to Manage Acne on Scalp
As long as the severity is in its mild state, over-the-counter products could provide satisfactory result. Since oily hair is the key factor behind any form of acne, one needs to be systematic in removing the accumulated oil from hair as well as scalp. And a good shampoo would be the best solution in this regard.
Be selective while choosing the right shampoo for your hair. Always go for a comparatively mild shampoo and wash your hair at least once in every 2 or 3 days. Anti-dandruff shampoos could also be used, but in combination with some good conditioner.
A shampoo might not be the ultimate solution for those who are suffering from hyperactive sebaceous glands. Hair care products exclusively designed to fight seborrhea or excessive production of oil are also available in the medical stores.
Common preventive measures that are followed to combat acne should also be maintained. For instance, drinking sufficient water, balanced diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables can keep you away from acne outbreaks.
Also try to avoid frequent intake of junk foods with too much oil and sugar content.
As with any other acne lesions, salicylic acid is proven to be an effective solution for acne on scalp. Use a cotton ball to apply solutions or other cleansing products containing salicylic acid on the affected lesions. The use of cotton balls is exclusively suggested in order to get hold of the excessive dryness triggered by a larger amount of salicylic acid.
Besides discoloration, it might also induce hair problems if you have chemically textured hair.
Nevertheless, if the scalp acne is beyond control in terms of severity, it is advisable to consult a physician without wasting time or trying the OTC products. Different medicinal approaches are taken in order to diminish and prevent scalp acne depending on the nature and severity of the cases.
Physicians often suggest both topical and oral antibiotics like clindamycin or erythromycin solution and a long term consumption of tetracycline. Oral isotretinoin and some mild topical steroids are also administered at times as a good curative measure for acne on scalp.
