Scalp acne, the mildest form of which is also known as scalp
folliculitis, occurs more frequently
than most people realize. Just
about everyone knows what acne
is and that it commonly breaks
out on the face, chest, arms and
on the back. But acne also appears
on other parts of the body as
well, and unless you're someone
with acne in one of these 'other'
areas, you may not have realized
this.
Scalp acne and those similar to
it, are often triggered during
periods of great stress. This
irritating scalp condition usually
develops when the scalp becomes
oilier than usual, for example
when the hair isn't washed as
frequently or when hair care products
that contain a considerable amount
of oil are used.
Scalp acne can be very itchy and
therefore makes it very difficult
for those who have it to leave
it alone. In its mildest form,
the pustules are small, crusty,
and they're sore. They appear
mainly on the upper forehead at
the hairline. A person can have
just a few pustules or there can
be many.
A more severe form of scalp acne
called acne necrotica miliaris
is characterized by inflamed larger
papules with black-colored crusts.
This form of acne can leave behind
scars that resemble those resulting
from Chicken Pox. There is an
even more severe form of scalp
acne that primarily affects adult
African-American men, but can
actually affect anybody, regardless
of race or sex. This extremely
rare condition is a combination
of large cysts and smaller pustules
and papules that grow to be very
large.
Treatment for Scalp Acne
Mild forms of scalp acne can be
treated the way most other acne
is treated. Keep the affected
area clean by using a product
that contains salicylic acid.
Remember though that these products
can cause excessive dryness so
use only on affected areas. For
better control, apply using a
cotton wool or ball.
Since oily hair is a contributing
factor to scalp acne, it is imperative
to use shampoo that's formulated
for oily hair. Hair care products
designed specially to treat seborrhea
have also been used with reasonable
success. And since many people
use more than just shampoo on
their hair, it's a good idea to
check the labels on all hair care
products and make changes as necessary.
Never attempt to treat the more
severe forms of scalp acne without
consulting a dermatologist or
doctor first.
One thing that should not be used
to treat scalp acne is any product
that contains benzoyl peroxide.
That's because when peroxide comes
into contact with hair, it can
change the color of the hair and
result in a 'less-than-desirable'
look! Those who have chemically-textured
hair (for example those with perms)
or color-treated hair are most
prone to hair trouble when benzoyl
peroxide comes into contact with
hair.
John Wellington is from AcneHelpZone.com
providing people suffering from
acne with quick, relevant and
free acne resources that they
can download and take away with
them for easy reference.
