Have you ever dealt with painful pimples on your scalp? The pimple-like bumps hurt like hell, especially when you comb or brush your hair.
Acne usually affects the face or body, but it can also affect the scalp and contribute to hair loss. Acne often occurs when pores become clogged, and those painful pimples on the scalp are known as scalp acne.
Most natural remedies can help eliminate the condition, and they are generally safe. In this article, we will identify and try to cover:
- What causes acne on the scalp
- Scalp acne treatment to avoid hair loss
- Preventing scalp acne
Table of Contents
What causes scalp acne?
Scalp acne appears as pimple-like bumps on the scalp that hurt, and it can also occur on the back of the head. Pimples of this type usually cause itchiness and are usually sore. When you comb your hair and unknowingly run it across the affected area, you will feel pain.
Folliculitis or Pimples on the scalp arrive when the pore or hair follicle gets clogged with either dead skin cells or excessive sebum- it a form of natural oil of the skin that itself keeps the area moisturized. In some cases, it is caused by bacteria, yeast or mites, which can get into the pores and cause an unwanted reaction.
Some common causes of scalp acne:
- Dead skin cells
- Follicles clogged with oil
- Buildup of hair gel or hairspray
- Not thoroughly cleansing the hair
- Not washing the hair right after a sweaty workout
- Wearing a cap or hairband causes sweat and friction
- Having a diet high in sugary carbohydrates, such as soda, donuts, and chocolate
How to prevent it?
Hygiene plays an important role in preventing clogged pores. The most important tip is to wash hair when it starts to feel oily or after a workout.
There are a few things to keep in mind when treating scalp acne:
- Avoid wearing caps and wear loose headgear to allow your scalp to breathe.
- Wash your hair right after exercise.
- Switch to natural, hypoallergenic haircare products.
- Use of hair products, such as hairsprays and gels, should be avoided.
- Don’t let the conditioner touch your scalp. Only use conditioner on the ends of your hair. Moisture can promote acne growth.
- Brush your hair at least twice a day. Brushing will allow the scalp’s natural oils to spread evenly throughout the scalp and hair, as you certainly do not want to have only a spoonful of oil (sebum) in one area. Brush in the morning and at bedtime to sleep like a princess!
- Eat fruits, vegetables, eggs, fish, and dried nuts to maintain a healthy diet. To keep the skin healthy, the body needs vitamins. After consulting your doctor, you can take multivitamins or biotin supplements.
- Infrequent hair washing can cause scalp acne in some cases. In some cases, too much hair washing can strip sebum, increasing the likelihood of other contaminants becoming trapped in the hair.
- Consult a physician. For a hair care routine that works for you, consult a dermatologist.
Important Tips:
- Acne on the scalp is treated similarly to acne on other parts of the body.
- Sometimes, scalp acne can be caused by more serious conditions. A doctor should be consulted if acne does not improve with the usual treatments.
- When treating scalp acne, a dermatologist will usually start with medicated shampoos. The doctor may prescribe a stronger treatment if this does not work. You just need to be patient; it will work!
- Acne scars fade over time, as we all know. Picking/popping your pimples won’t solve your problems. The result might not only be unwanted scars but also new infections caused by bacteria.
Home Remedies for Scalp Acne for Hair Loss
Jasmine Essential oil
Because it is rich in benzoic acid, Jasmine oil may be helpful for acne – in the hair as well as any other part of the body. By naturally sloughing off dead skin cells, benzoic acid treats scalp pimples.
How to use it? Dilute Jasmine essential oil with a carrier oil such as Grapeseed oil and massage gently on the scalp. Acne sufferers have reported that grapeseed oil helped them.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar helps decontaminate the scalp and restore the scalp’s pH level. Regular use will make your hair softer, smoother, and more manageable! You can also purchase an organic shampoo that contains apple cider vinegar. It will also produce the same results.
How to use it? Mix equal proportions of apple cider vinegar and lukewarm water, pour it onto your scalp. Massage the mixture through your hair with a bathing mug or bowl. Give it a few minutes.
Calm down with Aloe Vera
Ayurveda recommends this traditional medicine for treating pimples. Get yourself an Aloe Vera plant now. Additionally, this plant has strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Aloe supplies the scalp and hair follicles with essential minerals and antioxidants that promote healthy hair growth. In addition to soothing redness and itching, you’ll also have glossy hair and a healthy scalp. (If this does not help, then someone needs serious help – just kidding! See a dermatologist).
How to use it? It is best to use fresh Aloe vera leaves and apply the pulp to the scalp. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, then wash off with plain water.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil, the queen of acne treatments, can prevent hair loss caused by scalp acne. With its anti-inflammatory properties, it can reduce acne scarring as well as soothe the affected area. To avoid those painful bumps, you can buy a shampoo infused with tea tree oil.
How to use it? Put an ice cube on the area for 3-4 minutes. Once it has melted, add two to three drops of tea tree oil to soothe inflammation.
Lemon
Lime juice is rich in alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) – which is usually used in products to treat acne. As an exfoliant, AHA helps to unclog hair follicles. In addition to restoring the pH balance of the scalp, lime juice also makes the hair shiny and healthy.
How to use it? For this, you will need two lemons and one cup of water. After shampooing, spritz the mixture on your hair and massage it for a few minutes. Rinse off with plain water and repeat once or twice a week. You shouldn’t overdo it, as it may dry out your scalp, causing pimples.
Tomato juice
Tomatoes are loaded with vitamin C, which is useful in promoting hair growth. Tomato juice is also a natural astringent, which shrinks pores and dries acne.
How to use it? You’ll need a big, juicy tomato. Apply the juice with the seed pulp to the scalp’s center. After 30 minutes, rinse it off with lukewarm water. Do this twice a week.
Using the following tips, I hope your scalp acne will clear upp. Comment below which tip helped you the most!
