Pimples on the scalp: causes and what to do with them

Pimples on the head in the hair, especially with purulent or reddish content, most often appear in the winter season and can be a sign of folliculitis, acne, ringworm or psoriasis. On the causes of their appearance and ways to combat the editorial staff of the portal INC-News.ru talked to experts: a doctor dermatologist and Dr. toxicologist.

Subcutaneous or purulent pimple that appeared on the scalp, most often a consequence of poor hygiene. It is usually associated with the wearing of hats made of artificial materials that do not remove moisture from the surface of the head and do not provide sufficient ventilation.

Heat and moisture promote bacterial growth, as well as increased activation of sweat and sebaceous glands. This leads to the accumulation of too much sebum in the pores of the skin and their blockage.

Causes of acne on the scalp

Maria Konstantinova, a dermatologist of the CIDC clinic network, ambassador of the booking platform in the FILLIN.RU aesthetic medicine clinics, identifies the following main causes that lead to the appearance of this problem:

- Pimples appear when the hormonal background is disturbed; in problems with the gastrointestinal tract; as a consequence of inflammation caused by the activity of fungi or harmful bacteria; as a result of the development of seborrhea and acne, as well as chronic stress. The cause may also lie in an allergic reaction. In this case, it is enough to stop contact with the allergen and take antihistamines.

- If you use products that are not suitable for your skin type, there is a possibility of getting dermatological complications. Regular use of such products violates the pH of the skin and negatively affects the sebaceous glands. It is also not recommended to use more often than recommended various peels for the scalp. The body will try to restore the protective layer and increase the production of sebum. It will mix with dead skin scales, and clog follicular orifices. The place of blockage is ideal for the life of mites and bacteria, resulting in the formation of pimples on the skin. The same effect can be obtained if you often wash your hair with hot water and use a hair dryer on high temperature - all this increases the activity of sebaceous glands.

- In women, the appearance of acne can be associated with ovulation, at this time increases the number of rashes on the skin. It can also be caused by taking oral contraceptives.

- Errors in nutrition, such as excess fried and fatty foods in the diet, as well as bad habits such as alcohol abuse and smoking, wearing synthetic headgear can be considered as provoking factors.

In addition, Dr. toxicologist, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Mikhail Kutushov, notes that this problem can also occur with too thorough care of the scalp, especially with the use of products with a peeling component:

"Prolonged and frequent use of deep-cleaning products or shampoo-peeling also will not lead to anything good and will only exacerbate the problem. The epidermis will produce even more sebum to protect itself from drying out the skin. Mixed with the scales of the skin, there will be a process of blocking the mouth of the follicles, on the background of which will begin to lose hair or serious rashes".

Do not underestimate the first pimples appearing on the scalp. Failure to take proper care, and in more serious cases, and dermatologic treatment, can contribute to hair loss, baldness and even extensive inflammation.

Pimples on a child's head

Small pimples on the scalp can appear on the skin of very young children, including infants. An accompanying symptom is sometimes itching. In most cases, pimples are the result of an allergic reaction to shampoo.

Therefore, it is recommended to use hypoallergenic dermocosmetics that do not contain irritants, SLS, parabens, artificial fragrances, dyes and preservatives.

Can exercising trigger hair acne?

"During intensive sports, a person sweats a lot, and a warm and humid environment is an ideal place for the development of harmful microorganisms. Therefore, athletes should pay more attention to personal hygiene," says the dermatologist.

Remedies for acne on the scalp

There are many ways to get rid of acne on the hairy part of the head. Dermatologists recommend shampoos with ingredients such as ketoconazole or ciclopirox. Preparations with salicylic acid and zinc oxide give good results.

Before applying them to the skin, it is important to make sure that the listed active ingredients do not cause allergic reactions.

Home remedies for acne on the head may not be very effective. There is no denying that many dermatological problems can be significantly reduced with dietary and lifestyle changes. To have healthy skin, you need to give up bad habits, especially smoking and alcohol consumption.

Along with this it is necessary to:

• Use properly selected products for care. It is better to entrust this to a cosmetologist, as his qualifications allow you to make a competent system of care.
• Exclude internal diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and hormonal disorders, establish a nutritious diet.
• Contact a dermatologist, trichologist and conduct the necessary research. The specialist can prescribe antibacterial drug therapy, external application of various ointments and recommend taking complex vitamin supplements.