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.
Lots of scalp pimples are caused by shampoo, styling gel, and hairsprays that leave residues on your scalp and also clog your pores. Scalp acne caused by hair products is so common that it has its own medical name: acne cosmetica. Hormones can also cause acne.
When treating scalp acne, a dermatologist will often recommend topical medications, which may include daily medicated shampoos. A person can try taking preventive measures to improve their scalp acne, such as changing their hair care products or increasing or decreasing the amount they wash their hair overall.
Warm Compress: Apply a warm, damp cloth to your scalp for a few minutes. The heat can help open up pores and improve circulation.
Look for a clarifying shampoo that contains salicylic acid, which helps to break down sebum plugs. Exfoliate your scalp: Just like exfoliating your skin helps remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, exfoliating your scalp can help to remove sebum plugs.
Breakage is most likely to happen at the crown due to tight protective styles, at the root from tension, and at the ends from lack of moisture.
“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.
Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil is a well-liked all-natural treatment for scalp acne because of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be applied directly to the scalp or added to shampoo for added benefit.
Everyday items that can cause allergic contact dermatitis on the scalp include the following: Shampoos, conditioners, gels, sprays and other hair products. Hair dyes, perm solutions, hair extension glue. Swimming caps, hair nets – especially those containing rubber.
Q: Do you need to exfoliate your scalp? A: Dr Burg says it's important to help scalp skin cell turnover with regular exfoliation. “A build-up of cells and oils [on the scalp] can lead to imbalances, irritation, and inflammation, which can impact the scalp environment, thus affecting hair growth.”
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.
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 often you shampoo or apply other antifungal products will depend on your hair-grooming practices and symptoms. Medicated shampoos can be used once a day or 2 to 3 times a week for several weeks. After your symptoms clear up, use a medicated shampoo just once a week or once every two weeks.
Sores, blisters, or bumps on the scalp
Painful sores, blisters, or bumps that form on the scalp may be caused by: Infection of the hair shafts (folliculitis) or the skin (such as impetigo). An allergic skin reaction (contact dermatitis). Viral infections, such as chickenpox and shingles.
Other indicators include increased stray, short hairs not part of your natural hairline or the normal shedding process. These shorter hairs often stick out from the scalp or the main length of your hair. Hair with breakage may look frizzy or lackluster, lacking its natural shine and smooth texture.
Not only does your scalp have a plethora of sweat glands, but it also has an abundance of sebaceous (oil) glands, which produce oily sebum. Have you ever scratched your scalp and noticed white, waxy buildup under your nails? That's sebum mixed with dead skin cells.
Sebaceous hyperplasia looks like small bumps (about 3 millimeters or mm, usually ranging from 2 mm to 6 mm). They're usually skin-colored, yellow or brown with a little dent in the center.
Exfoliating your scalp can also help remove buildup and promote healthier hair. Scalp massage is a simple and effective way to encourage circulation and loosen buildup. Rinsing your hair with apple cider vinegar can also help remove buildup and restore your scalp's pH balance.