Why is my scalp breaking out?

Author: Cortney Schowalter  |  Last update: Monday, June 30, 2025

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.

Why is my scalp suddenly breaking out?

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.

How do I stop my head from breaking out?

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.

How do I stop my scalp from breaking hair?

How Do You Prevent Hair Breakage?
  1. Limit your wash days. ...
  2. Avoid super-hot water. ...
  3. Use a T-shirt to dry wet strands. ...
  4. Don't tug on tangles. ...
  5. Protect hair from heat. ...
  6. Let your hair air-dry partially. ...
  7. Try a different hairstyle. ...
  8. Use a hair-bonding treatment.

How do you unclog your pores on your scalp?

Warm Compress: Apply a warm, damp cloth to your scalp for a few minutes. The heat can help open up pores and improve circulation.

Scalp Pimples Unveiled: Causes and How to Deal with Them

How do you unclog sebaceous glands on your scalp?

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.

Why do I have so much breakage on the top of my head?

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.

How do you heal a broken scalp?

How to treat the scalp
  1. Keep the area clean.
  2. Use petroleum jelly to help keep the scab or wound moisturized.
  3. If possible, cover the area with a bandage and change it daily.
  4. Use sunscreen or keep the scalp covered to prevent browning or reddening of the scab.

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 home remedy is good for scalp acne?

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.

What causes scalp flare up?

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.

Should I exfoliate my scalp?

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.”

What disease causes pimples on scalp?

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 does it mean when your scalp breaks out?

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 should I wash my hair with seborrheic dermatitis?

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.

How to get rid of sores on the scalp?

You might need:
  1. Antibiotics (cream, ointment, or pill) if the acne became infected.
  2. Steroid cream or ointments if the acne caused folliculitis.
  3. Oral medication called isotretinoin.
  4. Oral antihistamines to relieve the itching.
  5. Prescription shampoos for acne on the scalp.

Why do I keep getting sores on the top of my head?

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.

What does hair breakage look like on scalp?

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.

When I scratch my scalp, I get white stuff under my nails.?

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.

What does a clogged sebaceous gland look like?

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.

How to get rid of buildup on scalp?

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.

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