Beauty Columnist and founder of Flip The V clothing line, Phoebe Waller, at Bustle interviews Dermatologist Dr. Hadley King of SKINNEY Medspa, and Dr. Janet Prystowsky on how to get rid of scalp acne in the article “Here’s How To Address Scalp Acne, According To The Experts.”
When it comes to acne woes, pimples on your scalp are is not the most pressing reason for seeking professional acne treatment. Mostly because “scalp acne is less comon than back or face acne” says Dr. Prystowsky. And of all types of acne, pimples that form on your scalp often go unnoticed. “You may not always see or feel your scalp acne, since it will usually be covered by your hair,” explains Dr. Prystowsky. “But it can still be a nuisance for some people.” Especially considering that scalp pimples can be quite painful.
Bustle is also quick to point out that even though scalp pimples are “hidden in your hair…chances are, it’s at least a little on show. It might be found along your hairline or have traveled down your neck or forehead.”
So in the quest to vanquish acne, no matter where breakouts occur, Bustle asks the experts for tips that may help readers discover how to get rid of acne on the scalp.
Tips for How to Get Rid of Scalp Acne
What causes scalp acne? Similar to other forms of acne (like pimples on the face, back acne or neck acne,) scalp acne “forms when there is a buildup of clogged oil, dead skin, and bacteria in a pore.” Dr. Prystowsky tells Bustle. This means that scalp acne may respond to some of the best acne treatments for treating pimples on the body or face. Like acne medication.
Medication for Scalp Acne
“Some women find that oral contraceptives help treat their acne,” says Dr. Prystowsky, which is definitely something to bear in mind if you’re not having much luck with other treatments.” Additional prescription medications for treating “more persistent acne,” may also include “isotretinoin, topical antibiotics, or oral antibiotics.” She also counsels that in cases of cystic acne on the scalp “steroid injections are also helpful.”
Shampoos Formulated for Getting Rid of Scalp Acne
Another solution that is touted as one of the best acne treatments is Salicylic Acid. Dr. Hadley King tells Bustle readers who have scalp pimples to consider a shampoo that is specially formulated for treating scalp acne. Specifically “an OTC shampoo that contains salicylic acid such as Neutrogena T Sal.” Acne shampoos are usually effective for helping to get rid of scalp acne, so if you try an acne shampoo but it doesn’t seem to work, Dr. Hadley King recomends you “see your dermatologist for other treatment options and to rule out [scalp] folliculitis if necessary.”
What is Scalp Folliculitis? Scalp Folliculitis “can look very similar to scalp acne,” making it easy to misidentify it, but Scalp Folliculitis is a “more serious condition…caused by a bacterial infection of the hair follicle,” explains Dr. Prystowsky. So if you are worried that bumps on the head may not be scalp pimples, drop in to your dermatologist’s office for a quick check up.
Scalp Acne Treatment: Use More Shampoo In General
If your scalp acne is not severe and you are only dealing with a few pimples on your head, simply washing your hair with shampoo more often may help.
Some people think they should wash their hair less often if they have pimples on their scalp. While skipping on the shampoo may help keeping your hair hydrated and protect the oils that fortify the hair, it is these very oils that can clog the pores and lead to acne breakouts. Dr. Prystowsky tells Bustle readers “if you have scalp acne, try using shampoo more often. The shampoo will help dissolve excess oil and dry your scalp.”
Can Shampoo cause Back Acne? One thing to keep in mind, your shampoo and conditioner may be causing back acne and neck acne. As explained in the article, What Causes Back Acne and How to Get Rid of It when people shampoo or condition their hair, these substances run down the neck and the back, and if not effectively washed off in the shower, can clog pores and lead to neck acne and back acne breakouts.
Forego Styling Products
While you shouldn’t skimp out on shampooing your hair, it may be a good idea to cut down on the amount of product you use to style your hair. These products are often greasy and they can clog your pores, so “avoid using other hair products like hair gel, wax, and sprays until your acne clears,” says Dr. Prystowsky.
What Not to Use on Scalp Acne
While some of the best acne treatments like acne medication and topical salicylic acid are helpful when trying to get rid of scalp acne, other traditional acne treatments, such as Benzoyl Peroxide are not recomended for treating pimples on your scalp. Mostly because Benzoyl Peroxide can “potentially bleach your hair” warns Dr. Prystowsky. Opt for “Salicylic acid and AHA’s, like glycolic acid and lactic acid,” which “are better options” for treating scalp acne.
Professional Acne Treatment in NYC
While scalp acne is not easily noticeable (in most cases) other forms of acne break outs, like back acne or severe facial acne that can leave acne scars is a serious concern for many men and women. For the best acne treatments in NYC, consider SKINNEY Medspa, a leading skin and laser spa that specializes in using the latest advancements in cosmetic technologies to help men and women get rid of acne, restore clear, healthy complexions and diminish the appearance of acne scars.
Call (646) 883 – 8941 for a free skin consultation to see if professional acne treatments is ideal for you and save 20% on your first professional acne treatment or schedule a free consultation online and save 20% on your professional acne treatment.
