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Sunday 1 February 2009

Scalp Acne - How To Treat Scalp Acne

Scalp acne treatment is a little different from other acne treatments. This is not only because the location of the pimples in among hair makes the use of most creams and lotions difficult, but also because these pimples are usually a different form of acne to that found on the face.

Often known as scalp folliculitis, pimples on the scalp are caused by inflammation of the hair follicles. Another technical name for it is acne necrotica miliaris. The problem is often worst around the hairline, especially on the forehead but sometimes also behind the ears and at the back of the neck.
This type of acne itches worse than most other kinds so it is hard to leave it alone. Scratching and squeezing at the pimples usually makes them worse and prevents healing. Unless your hair is very short the marks are often hidden, so the problem is not as visible as facial acne, but it can be very annoying all the same.

The cause of scalp folliculitis is not known for sure, but it is believed that the follicles become inflamed as a reaction to micro-organisms that get into them. These micro-organisms can be bacteria, mites, or yeast-type fungal organisms similar to those that cause dandruff.

Where yeast is the cause, anti dandruff shampoos can be helpful. In other cases, there are some topical creams that can be applied directly to the pimples. If the problem is severe you may be prescribed antibiotics or other oral acne medications.

The most severe form of scalp folliculitis is a rare condition that mainly affects dark-skinned adult men, though there are a very small number of women and white-skinned people who suffer from it. In this case large cysts or nodules form in the scalp along with smaller pimples. They often contain pus. There will be hair loss in the area forming bald patches which can be permanent. If you think that you may have this type of scalp condition you should see a dermatologist.

More commonly, if you have oily hair along with pimples that are not concentrated at the hairline but appear around the crown and over the scalp generally, then you may have seborrheic dermatitis. This is caused by excessive sebum being released into the hair follicle by the sebaceous glands, which are found on the scalp, face and chest.

With seborrheic dermatitis you are likely to have oily skin and acne-like pimples on your face plus possibly on your chest too. There are some effective treatments available, including shampoos that can help to control the oiliness of the hair as well as the scalp pimples. See a dermatologist to confirm whether seborrheic dermatitis is the correct diagnosis and find the best scalp acne treatment for you.

By: Bill Nad

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