What are the inflamed pimples on my scalp?

Author: Horacio Huel  |  Last update: Friday, March 28, 2025

Folliculitis is a common skin condition that happens when hair follicles become inflamed. It's often caused by an infection with bacteria. At first it may look like small pimples around the tiny pockets from where each hair grows (hair follicles). The condition can be itchy, sore and embarrassing.

What are the inflammation bumps on my scalp?

Scalp folliculitis begins with small, inflamed bumps that appear along the hairline. Over time, these bumps grow larger and become more inflamed. Without treatment, scalp folliculitis can spread to hair follicles in the center or back of the head.

Why is my scalp breaking out with pimples?

Clogged hair follicles cause pimples on your scalp (scalp acne). Your hair follicles are the canals where your hair grows out of your skin. They could be clogged due to: A buildup of hair products like shampoo, hair gel or hairspray.

How do you get rid of sore scalp pimples?

Treatment for scalp acne
  1. Salicylic acid: This is a common ingredient used in skin care products to fight acne. ...
  2. Glycolic acid: This acid can help exfoliate the scalp and remove dead skin cells, bacteria, and sebum.
  3. Ketoconazole: An antifungal agent, ketoconazole is used to treat red or scaly skin.

How do I get rid of inflammation on my scalp?

Creams, lotions, shampoos or ointments that control inflammation. Your health care provider might prescribe a prescription-strength corticosteroid you apply to the scalp or other affected area. These include hydrocortisone, fluocinolone (Capex, Synalar), clobetasol (Clobex, Temovate) and desonide (Desowen, Desonate).

Scalp Pimples Removal | 5 Fast and Easy Ways to Get Rid of Scalp Pimples

How to get rid of scalp folliculitis?

What is the treatment for scalp folliculitis?
  1. Topical antibiotics (eg, fusidic acid gel), clindamycin solution, erythromycin solution.
  2. Mild topical steroid lotions or creams.
  3. Oral antihistamines.
  4. Oral antibiotics, particularly long-term tetracycline.
  5. Oral isotretinoin – long-term low dose treatment may be required.

How do you get rid of inflammation in your head?

Exercise can reduce inflammation throughout the body, including in the brain. It also helps to reduce stress and improve mood, and even moderate exercise can have a positive impact, so aim for 30 minutes per day.

Why do I have small painful bumps on my scalp?

Scalp acne

A person may have raised bumps, whiteheads, or blackheads, which may be itchy, sore, or tender. Scalp acne occurs when pores or hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells or oil. If someone has oily hair or adds certain products, they might be more susceptible to scalp acne.

What is the best shampoo for scalp acne?

Selected. Our top picks
  • Best overall. Dove Dermacare Shampoo. $undefined. $4.84. ...
  • Best splurge. CLn Shampoo. $undefined. $36.00. ...
  • Best for oily hair. Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Shampoo. $3.99. $5.49. ...
  • Best for dry scalps. Neutrogena Therapeutic Shampoo. $7.32. $10.48. ...
  • Best color-safe. Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo. $undefined.

What does folliculitis look like on the scalp?

In most cases, the main symptom of folliculitis is red bumps that look like pimples on your skin. These could also look like they're white-filled bumps or they could be filled with pus (pustules). Folliculitis can feel itchy and uncomfortable. Many people feel the need to scratch when they have folliculitis.

What shampoo is good for clogged hair follicles?

“For someone with a more oily scalp, scales, and clogged pores, one can start with over-the-counter Nizoral (1% ketoconazole) shampoo—or get the prescription strength 2% ketoconazole from your dermatologist,” Dr. Kobets says.

What is a good scalp scrub?

Our top pick is Briogeo, a clarifying shampoo and scalp-scrub combo treatment that our testers said banished itchy symptoms and flakes for days on end.

Why do I keep getting pimples on my scalp?

Your scalp is full of hair follicles and oil glands. If the follicle or pore becomes clogged with dirt and oil, this can lead to acne. You can still get scalp acne even if you have good hygiene, but sweat, oil, and dirt buildup from improper or incomplete washing can lead to clogged pores.

What to eat to reduce scalp inflammation?

Other foods that can help with an anti-inflammatory diet include chicken, greens (kale, kelp, and seaweed are some of the best), and sweet potatoes. You may find that including a diet that is rich in a range of colors – bright oranges, deep greens, and reds can help to give your body the nutrients it needs to do well.

What virus causes bumps on scalp?

This common type is a rash of itchy, pus-filled bumps. It occurs when hair follicles become infected with bacteria, usually Staphylococcus aureus (staph). Staph bacteria live on the skin all the time. And they can cause problems when they enter the body through a cut or other wound.

How often should you wash your hair?

Generally, he says, the range is somewhere between once a day and once a week. “If you have very fine or thin hair, you may need to wash more often, while those with thick or curly hair may need to wash less often,” says Dr Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, a double board certified dermatologist and hair health expert.

What is scalp psoriasis?

What is psoriasis of the scalp? Scalp psoriasis is a chronic, noncontagious, inflammatory skin condition that occurs on the scalp, causing itching, redness, and flaking. It can extend beyond the scalp onto the forehead.

What foods should you avoid if you have folliculitis?

Some research suggests that avoiding foods made with wheat can ease your symptoms. Give up the grease. Unhealthy fats, low-fiber foods, and processed products can all lead to flare-ups.

What does scalp inflammation look like?

Signs of the skin inflammation. The condition can lead to flakiness, redness, dandruff and other scalp buildup — and sometimes it's sign of other conditions. Flaky scalp, itchiness and painful patches can all be signs of scalp dermatitis, an inflammation of the scalp that can have as many causes as it does symptoms.

How to exfoliate the scalp?

Here's how the hair experts get their scrub on:
  1. Choose a quality scalp scrub like our Nexxus Clean and Pure Exfoliating Scalp Scrub.
  2. Wet your hair thoroughly.
  3. Apply your scrub directly onto your hair.
  4. Massage your scalp by moving your fingertips in gentle circular motions to spread the scrub.

How I cured my scalp inflammation?

Some of the most effective topical anti-inflammatory treatments for restoring scalp health include corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, coal tar, ketoconazole, tea tree oil, aloe vera, zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, chamomile extract, and niacinamide.

What is the number one food that kills inflammation?

An anti-inflammatory diet should include these foods:
  • tomatoes.
  • olive oil.
  • green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards.
  • nuts like almonds and walnuts.
  • fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines.
  • fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges.

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