Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 3: Topical preparations
• Part 2 of 3: Prescription Drugs
• Part 3 of 3: Preventing scalp acne
• Warnings

A rash on the scalp causes the same pain and itching as a rash on the face or back, but it is much more difficult to cure it, because it is covered by your hair.The only good thing is that pimples are hidden under your hair, but natural oils from your hair or headgear can make it worse and lead to new pimples. Learn how to treat scalp pimples and take preventive measures to prevent recurrence.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Topical preparations

1. 1 Benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is found in many acne lotions and creams. It kills bacteria that could otherwise clog pores and lead to new pimples. Benzoyl peroxide also cleanses the target area of ​​excess oil and dead skin cells. Benzoyl peroxide in concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 10% is available over the counter.
   • Possible side effects of using benzoyl peroxide include bleaching hair and clothes. This can happen if the hygiene product contains too much benzoyl peroxide. Apply this product to your hair or scalp with care.
   • Other side effects include dry skin, redness, burning, and flaking of the skin.
2. 2 Apply salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is one of the most common ingredients in acne remedies. It can be found in most facial cleansers and medical wipes. It prevents pores from clogging up and can even unclog pores that have already been blocked, reducing pimples on the scalp or elsewhere on the body. Salicylic acid is sold over-the-counter at a drug concentration of 0.5 to 5%.
   • Possible side effects include skin irritation and mild burning.
3. 3 Alpha hydroxy acid. There are two types of alpha hydroxy acids: glycolic acid and lactic acid. Both forms of alpha hydroxy acids are often used in over-the-counter acne treatments as they help remove dead skin cells and reduce inflammation. Some studies show that alpha hydroxy acids stimulate the growth of new smoother skin.
4. 4 Sulfur. Some people consider products containing sulfur as good acne remedies. Sulfur helps to remove dead skin cells and excess oils. Sulfur is often a component of skin cleansers and medicated ointments.
   • Be aware that some sulfur-containing foods may have an unpleasant odor.

Part 2 of 3: Prescription Drugs

1. 1 Retinoids. Retinoids are a type of ointment base, which are structural analogs of vitamin A. Retinoids prevent blockage of hair follicles, thereby reducing the likelihood of acne.
   • Apply retinoid products to scalp in the evening. First, apply it three times a week, and when your skin gets used to the drug, apply it every day.
2. 2 Dapsone. Dapsone (Akzon) is an acne gel that kills bacteria, unclogs pores and prevents them from clogging. It is often used in conjunction with topical retinoids to maximize the effectiveness of both drugs. Possible side effects include dry skin, redness and / or irritation.
3. 3 Topical antibiotics. If the rash is severe, you may need antibiotics to treat the current outbreak and prevent a new rash. Antibiotics are often used in conjunction with benzoyl peroxide to reduce the chances of developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria on the skin. They are also combined with retinoids for maximum effectiveness.
   • The most common antibiotic combinations for acne include clindamycin with benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin with benzoyl peroxide.
4. 4 Oral antibiotics. For a moderate to severe rash, you may be prescribed oral antibiotics. Antibiotics reduce the prevalence of bacteria that cause acne. They will also reduce the inflammation that acne leads to. The most commonly prescribed treatments for acne are tetracycline, minocycline, and doxycycline.
5. 5 Combined oral contraceptives. Some women and adolescent girls with frequent outbreaks of rash find that combined oral contraceptives can help treat acne. These medications combine estrogen and progestin to saturate the body with both birth control and acne protection.
   • Among these drugs are "Mikroginon", "Trikvilar", "Jess", "Midiana".
   • Possible side effects include headache, breast tenderness, nausea, weight gain, and intermittent bleeding between menstrual periods, although some have more serious side effects, such as an increased risk of blood clots. Check with your doctor to determine if you can take combined oral contraceptives.
6. 6 Find out about antiandrogenic agents. Antiandrogenic agents like spironolactone can be prescribed for women and adolescent girls who have a hard time taking oral contraceptives. This class of drugs prevents androgens from affecting the sebaceous glands in the skin.
   • The most common side effects are breast tenderness, painful menstrual periods, and possible retention of potassium in the body.

Part 3 of 3: Preventing scalp acne

1. 1 Use shampoo daily. Many people wash their hair every few days, but if you suffer from frequent flare-ups of acne on your head, this may not be enough. Instead, wash your hair every day with the shampoo you normally use. This will help reduce the amount of oils in your hair, which in turn will reduce the likelihood of a new breakout of acne.
   • You may want to use a deep cleansing shampoo, or alternate with a regular shampoo. Oftentimes, scalp pimples are caused by a buildup of styling products, dead skin cells and sebum, and deep cleansing shampoo may be more effective at treating them.
   • Try not using hair conditioner and see if that helps. Conditioners moisturize the hair, which can leave too much oil on the scalp.
2. 2 Avoid known irritants. If you wash your hair every day, but acne still occurs, the problem may lie in the substances that get on your hair. Try not to use hair products and see if the pimples are gone. Once you've identified the cause, experiment with different hair products to see if they are right for your skin.
   • Look for products that are water-based or labeled “non-comedogenic”. This means that these medications will not lead to clogged pores and acne.
   • Do not apply hair products too close to your forehead. You can use gel or pomade on your hair, but try to apply it only to the base strands and avoid touching your scalp or forehead.
3. 3 Let your scalp breathe. Some people who are prone to scalp acne and wear baseball caps or sports equipment (such as a helmet) have an increased risk of spreading acne due to heat / friction / pressure, sometimes referred to as "mechanical artifactual acne." If you read that wearing a cap or helmet gives you acne, try to let your head breathe more often. Alternatively, if you have to wear protective gear on your head, wear an absorbent bandage or cover your head with something.
   • Shampooing your hair immediately after removing your cap / helmet will reduce the chances of scalp acne.
4. 4 Brush your hair daily. Brushing your hair helps to remove dead skin cells and separate strands of hair that have been stuck together with natural oils.This will help prevent acne breakouts, both by removing dead skin cells that may have clogged pores and by separating strands of hair that have trapped excess natural oils on your scalp.
5. 5 Consider cutting your hair. If you are prone to scalp acne, cutting your hair to a more manageable length and volume can reduce the chances of re-spreading. Having short and thin hair will reduce the amount of oils, dirt and bacteria that build up on your scalp.

Warnings

• Do not swallow salicylic acid - it is for topical use only. Also keep this medication out of the reach of children. Never use acetylsalicylic acid on children with flu symptoms. This can lead to Reye's syndrome, which can be fatal to a child.