What is acne on my scalp?
Acne on your scalp, or acne breakouts, occurs when it breaks out on your scalp or hairline. These breakouts are the result of clogged pores or hair follicles. Scalp acne is characterized by itching and pain.
What is the difference between acne and scalp acne?
Acne can cause pimples on your skin, but there is a difference between acne and pimples. A pimple is a small growth or bump on your skin. They may be a different color than your normal skin color, filled with fluid, or inflamed. Even if you don’t have acne, you can get pimples from time to time. Acne is a condition. After effective treatment, it can be long, chronic or short-term. Acne is a symptom of acne.
How common is scalp acne?
Acne is common on your face, chest, and back, but scalp acne is less common. Acne affects almost 80% of people between the ages of 11 and 30. Acne on the scalp is not limited to a certain age group and is more common in adults.
Who is at risk for scalp acne?
The risk of scalp acne may be higher in the following cases.
You always wear hats, helmets and hats.
You use oil-based hair care products.
You work with oily products throughout the day, for example in the kitchen pan.
What are the symptoms of scalp acne?
Symptoms of scalp acne include:
Acne appears on the scalp or hairline.
A white-topped pustular bump (white head).
Inflamed or swollen bumps (acne papules).
Pus-filled cysts deep in the skin (acne cysts).
Pain, itching or soreness.
Acne appears as small groups or clusters.
Symptoms of acne on your scalp can be mild, moderate or severe. If you have severe acne on your scalp, you may experience hair loss or scaly patches around the acne.
What causes pimples on my scalp (scalp acne)?
Clogged hair follicles can cause pimples on your scalp (scalp acne). Your hair follicles are the channels through which hair grows from your skin. They can be blocked for the following reasons.
Accumulation of hair products such as shampoo, hair gel, and hairspray.
Fungi or microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and mites.
Sweat, oil or dead skin cells.
Too much or too little sebum (the oily substance that protects the surface of your skin).
Additional causes of acne on your scalp include:
Hormone levels change.
Friction from wearing hats, caps and headbands.
Stress.
Genetic characteristics.
Reactions to certain drugs.
Is acne on my scalp a symptom of another disease?
Acne on your scalp or pimples on your scalp can be a symptom of an underlying condition, including:
Pilar cyst.
Scalp folliculitis.
Seborrheic dermatitis.
Squamous cell carcinoma.
Your health care provider can help determine the cause of your scalp acne.
