Also on the head sometimes – as on the face and on the entire body – pimples form. The causes are very different, often pimples on the head are harmless. Unpleasant they are nevertheless, since they are not infrequently accompanied by itching. Just as different as causes are treatment options for pimples on the scalp.
This is how pimples on the scalp manifest themselves
Although pimples on the scalp occur much less frequently than pimples on the face, they are usually not a serious condition. A small pimple on the head is usually harmless and does not require treatment. However, since pimples and itching can be signs of another disease, they should not be ignored either. One of the most common skin diseases, which occurs mainly on the scalp, is seborrheic dermatitis. It is often accompanied by dry scalp as well as dandruff and itching. It is still unclear how this clinical picture develops. However, genetic predisposition and hormones seem to play a role. If the hair follicles become inflamed, the skin becomes irritated. Medicine refers to this as folliculitis. Inflammatory reactions could occur anywhere hair is found. Most often folliculitis develops after shaving, when the skin is irritated and the hair follicles are blocked. If damage to the hair follicles occurs, then they become susceptible to infection by bacteria and small pimples develop, which can also develop into larger boils. Another common skin condition is scalp psoriasis. In this case, the scalp becomes red and scaly. Depending on the severity, the disease can spread to a small or larger part of the body. In mild cases psoriasis often causes only dandruff, in severe cases it can cause severe itching as well as crusted sores and hair loss. Psoriasis is not contagious and so far the exact causes are still unclear. It is assumed that it is an immune disease. Infections with bacteria or fungi can also lead to pimples on the scalp. These get into the pores of the skin and cause irritation there, which can be accompanied by redness and pain. A very common scalp infection is shear fungal lichen (tinea capitis). The disease triggers round, scaly, red and painful pus-filled bumps on the scalp. If the fungal disease is not treated in time, it can progress rapidly. Furthermore, an imbalance in hormonal balance can lead to pimples on the scalp. If this is the case, the sebum-producing glands become overactive and the pores become clogged due to excessive sebum production. Such an imbalance of hormones occurs mainly in adolescents as well as in women during the menstrual cycle. Sometimes stress also causes pimples on the scalp. A stressful everyday life and psychological stress, which can also be accompanied by sleep problems and an unhealthy diet, also promote pimples on the scalp. Often, clogged pores caused by dead skin cells and sebum are the cause of pimples on the scalp. If clogged pores are not cleaned, acne can develop.
When should a doctor be consulted?
Initially, pimples on the scalp are not a cause for concern. Various over-the-counter products can be used initially to relieve symptoms. However, if there is no improvement after a few days, a doctor should be consulted as a precaution. This also applies if several pimples appear at the same time and other complaints occur in addition to the pimples. Optimal treatment of pimples is often only possible if the specific cause is known. Once the doctor has made the diagnosis, a targeted therapy can be carried out with appropriate means.
Can pimples on the scalp be prevented?
Basically, in the context of prevention and also treatment, care should always be taken to ensure that the pores on the scalp are not clogged. So the scalp should be cleaned regularly. Wax or oil-based products and pomades are better avoided. A good cleansing shampoo that is also effective against dandruff is recommended. In addition, according to experts, the hair should be washed only every other day. Since certain care products can lead to allergic reactions, an allergy test by a doctor is advisable. If an allergy is present, then the use of mild shampoos is recommended.Under certain circumstances, a medicated shampoo can also be used after consultation with the doctor. However, it usually takes a few weeks before success is noticeable. Certain active ingredients help to care for the scalp. These include salicylic acid, for example. It removes dead skin cells and helps against clogging of the pores. It is also helpful against itching. However, salicylic acid has a drying effect, which can cause other side effects. Thus, a burning sensation and redness may develop. Tea tree oil, which is known for its cleansing as well as antibacterial and antifungal properties, also helps to gently cleanse pores. This should be applied diluted so as not to exacerbate existing irritation. A chamomile rinse following treatment also relieves itching and has a soothing effect. If it is an infection, then the doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antifungals depending on the cause. For prevention and also during treatment, it is also important to comb the hair regularly. This loosens dead skin cells and prevents them from clogging the pores. During a treatment, hair cosmetics should also be avoided. This includes not only tints and hair dyes, but also hair setting lotions, sprays and gels.
