Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Topically applied products
• Part 2 of 3: Using prescription medication
• Part 3 of 3: Preventing pimples on the scalp
• Warnings

Acne on the scalp is just as painful and itchy as acne on your face or back, but it is more difficult to treat because of the hair covering it. The only benefit of acne on your head is that it is largely hidden under your hair, but the natural oils from your hair or headgear can make it worse. Learn how to treat acne on your scalp and take precautions so that it doesn't become a recurring problem.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Topically applied products

1. Use benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is an ingredient found in many acne cleansers and lotions. It works by killing the bacteria that can cause acne. It also removes excess fat and dead skin cells from the affected areas. Benzoyl peroxide exists as a 2.5 to 10% solution in products that are available without a prescription.
   • Potential side effects of benzoyl peroxide include bleaching the hair or clothing it comes into contact with. Pay close attention when applying it to your scalp or hair.
   • Other side effects include dry skin, redness, burning and flaky skin.
2. Apply salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used acne-fighting ingredients and is found in many facial cleansers and medicated wipes. It prevents clogging of pores and can clear clogged pores, which can make existing pimples on the scalp or elsewhere on the body smaller. You usually find it as a 0.5 to 5% solution in over-the-counter products.
   • Possible side effects include skin irritation and a mild burning sensation.
3. Use alpha hydroxy acid. There are two types of alpha hydroxy acid: glycolic acid and lactic acid. Both forms can be found in acne over-the-counter remedies as they clear up dead skin cells and reduce inflammation. There is research showing that alpha hydroxy acid stimulates the production of new, smooth skin.
4. Try sulfur. Some people with acne benefit from sulfur treatment. It can remove dead skin cells and reduce excess oil on the skin, and it is often combined with other over-the-counter remedies in cleansing lotions or other medicinal products.
   • Note that products containing sulfur often smell very bad.

Part 2 of 3: Using prescription medication

1. Try retinoids. Retinoids are a type of topical agent derived from vitamin A. Retinoids prevent hair follicles from getting clogged, thus reducing pimples.
   • Use retinoids on your scalp at night. Start by applying it three times a week and slowly build up once your skin gets used to it.
2. Try Dapson. Dapsone is a gel that treats acne by killing bacteria and keeping pores clean. It is often combined with retinoids to maximize the effect of both agents. Possible side effects include dry skin and redness or irritation.
3. Use topical antibiotics. Severe acne cases may require antibiotics to control an outbreak and prevent new breakouts. Antibiotics are often combined with benzoyl peroxide to prevent the bacteria from becoming resistant to the antibiotics, or with retinoids for maximum effectiveness.
   • Antibiotic combinations commonly prescribed for acne are clindamycin with benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin with benzoyl peroxide.
4. Take oral antibiotics. Oral antibiotics can be prescribed for severe acne to reduce the presence of the bacteria in the body that lead to acne. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics for acne are minocyline and doxycycline.
5. Try oral contraceptives. Some women or girls who suffer from acne can benefit from a contraceptive pill that also helps against acne. This medication combines estrogen with progestin, making it effective against acne as well as against pregnancy.
   • Two birth control pills that are available in the Netherlands and also help against acne are Yasmin and Diane.
   • Common side effects include headache, breast tenderness, nausea, weight gain, and breakthrough bleeding, although in rare cases more serious side effects such as blood clots can occur. Talk to your doctor to determine if birth control pills may be a good solution for your acne.
6. Ask for anti-androgens. Antiandrogens such as spironolactone can be prescribed for women or girls where oral contraception is not working. This type of medication prevents androgen hormones from affecting the sebaceous glands in the skin.
   • Common side effects are breast tenderness, painful periods and possible potassium storage in the body.

Part 3 of 3: Preventing pimples on the scalp

1. Use shampoo every day. Some people wash their hair every few days, but if you often suffer from pimples on your scalp, that may not be enough. Wash your hair with normal shampoo every day. Then your hair will be less greasy, so you may not get pimples on your head as quickly.
   • Do not use a conditioner to see if your scalp improves. Conditioner moisturizes the hair, which may cause too much grease or oil to be trapped on the scalp.
2. Know what you can't handle. If you find yourself frequently having pimples on your head while you wash your hair every day, the problem may be what you put on your head. Try not to use hair care products for a while and see if that improves your scalp. Once you know the cause, you can experiment with other products to see if your skin can tolerate those ingredients.
   • Preferably use water-based products, or find something that says it won't clog pores.
   • Do not apply products too close to your hairline. You can use some gel or wax, but try to apply it only to your hair and not to touch your scalp.
3. Let your scalp breathe. Some people who are prone to blemishes often wear headgear such as caps or helmets. This is called acne mechanics. If you think you have spots because you often have something on your head, let your head breathe more often. Or, if you must wear protective headgear, put an absorbent hair band under the helmet.
   • Shampooing your hair right after wearing a headgear may also help you avoid getting pimples on your scalp.
4. Brush or comb your hair every day. Combing or brushing your hair every day removes dead skin cells and loosens hair trapped in the natural oils of your scalp. This can prevent acne because your pores are less likely to become clogged.
5. Consider cutting your hair short. If you are prone to breakouts on your scalp, you can cut your hair shorter to reduce breakouts. Short hair is less likely to trap grease, dirt and bacteria against your scalp.

Warnings

• Do not swallow salicylic acid; it is for external use only. Moreover, it is very important to keep these products out of the reach of children; Never give children aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) as it can lead to Reye's syndrome, which can be potentially fatal.