Pimples on the scalp. Pimples on the scalp in women's hair: causes and treatment

Many people face the problem of acne on the scalp. They can be subtle and can cause significant discomfort to their wearers. It is imperative to find the cause of their appearance in order to select the appropriate therapy. You can’t let the situation get worse – this can aggravate the problem and lead to rashes all over the body.

Causes

In most cases, the appearance of acne in the hair on the head of men and women is caused by disturbances in the functioning of certain systems and organs.

These include:

Excessive activity of the fat glands, which leads to narrowing of the follicle channels. They become clogged and inflamed.
Diseases of the nervous system.
Hormonal dysfunctions in the body, which often occur during puberty, during certain periods of the menstrual cycle in women. Changes in the testosterone hormone and a lack of extradiol can provoke acne.
Polycystic ovary syndrome.
Adrenal gland dysfunction (usually after stressful situations).
Gastrointestinal problems.
Damage to the skin, resulting in a bacterial infection entering the dermis.

In addition to internal ones, there are also external factors that cause acne on the scalp:

eating the “wrong” foods – excess sweets, fatty and fried foods, lack of foods containing vitamins A, E;
taking certain medications or synthetic hormonal agents (steroids, barbiturates);
washing hair with chlorinated water;
allergies to certain hair products (shampoo, hair dye);
smoking and drinking alcohol;
use of synthetic pillows and linen;
violation of hygiene rules;
exposure to low or high temperatures on the scalp.

Symptoms and signs

If acne appears on the head, this phenomenon is accompanied by itching. After 1-2 days, red or pink formations appear on the skin. They rise slightly above the surface. The diameter ranges from 1 mm to 1 cm. Pain is felt when touched. Irritation appears and the skin feels tight.

Gradually, the pimple matures, and purulent contents accumulate on the surface formed near its surface. After a few more days, the protective film covering the formation bursts and the liquid flows out. Some formations mature without the formation of pus. Hair acne can be localized, often located between hair follicles. But there may be diffuse rashes, forming columns of inflamed areas.

Pimples on the head are localized:

in the back of the head,
in the partings between the hair,
in the border area between the neck and hair,
on the temples,
upper frontal part.

If a purulent pimple occurs in the deep layers of the dermis, it may leave scars or hair loss.

Types and classification

Experts do not classify rashes on the head into any specific forms or types. They are conventionally divided into two types for a more competent selection of treatment regimens:

inflammatory rashes.

The first appear due to the formation of a plug in the sebaceous ducts and their contamination. They practically do not become inflamed and are more of a cosmetic defect. On the scalp they are invisible. Closed comedones form more deeply. They also do not cause significant discomfort.

Inflamed pimples are a red area with a purulent tip. They are often caused by infection, disruption of internal organs, etc.

Treatment methods

Treating acne on the head is quite difficult and the process can be lengthy. To start you need to consult a dermatologist, carry out appropriate diagnostics. After making a diagnosis and finding out the causes of the rash, you can begin therapy. Sometimes you may need help from other doctors: an endocrinologist, an allergist-immunologist, a neurologist.

Treatment of this problem should be carried out comprehensively. The main measures to be taken:

Go on a diet - exclude smoked, canned, fatty, sweet foods from your diet. Enrich your food with fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grain cereals, and dairy products.
Cure the underlying diseases that resulted in acne on the head.
To refuse from bad habits.
Eliminate exposure to all allergens (cosmetics, household chemicals, etc.).

Drug therapy

How to get rid of acne on your head? If the clinical picture is progressive, antibiotics are prescribed:

Amoxicillin;
Zatrin;
Erythromycin;
Tetracycline;
Azithromycin.

To prevent a fungal infection from developing while taking antibiotics, taking antifungal agents is indicated:

Nystatin;
Levorin;
Pimafucin;
Fluconalol.

Agents that normalize intestinal microflora:

Lactobacterin;
Linux;
Colibacterin;
Acylact;
Biosporin.

Sorbents for removing toxins from the body:

Activated carbon;
Sorbex;
Atoxyl;
Polysorb;
Enterosgel.

If the appearance of acne on the head is associated with allergies, a course of antihistamines is indicated:

Telfast;
Zodak;
Cetrin;
Loratidine;
Erius.

To normalize the functioning of the nervous system:

Tinctures of motherwort, mint, peony;
Glycine;
Phytosed;
Novo-passit;
Dormiplant;
Persen.

If a blood test reveals a deficiency of estradiol in a woman of reproductive age, she is prescribed medications of this hormone.

To generally strengthen the body and saturate it with essential microelements, take medications containing:

Vitamins A, E, B;
Calcium;
Selenium;
Zinc.

For external use:

Ointments and gels with antibiotics (clindamycin, erythromycin);
Local retinoids (, Adapalene);
Ichthyol ointment;
Boro-plus;
Bactroban;
Fukortsin;
Salicylic paste;
Camphor alcohol;
Synthomycin emulsion;
Special shampoos (Nizoral, Tar, Algopix).

In addition to drug therapy, physiotherapy can be used:

vacuum disincrustation;
ultraviolet irradiation;
galvanization.

Folk remedies and recipes

How to cure acne on the head? If uncomplicated rashes appear, after consulting a doctor, you can resort to treatment with traditional methods.

To cleanse the scalp, wipe it with strawberry juice.
Add 2 tablespoons of calendula tincture to a glass of water. Soak a cotton pad with the product and wipe the affected areas.
Make a hair mask from 2 tablespoons of olive oil and lemon juice. Apply to the head and keep, wrapped in polyethylene, for 1 hour. Rinse off with warm water using shampoo.
Pour 100 g of anise seed with water overnight. Grind the seeds and apply the resulting paste to your hair. Cover with film and leave for an hour. Rinse off with warm water. It is recommended to make this mask every other day for 2 weeks.
Apply lotions from dandelion decoction to the affected areas.
After each hair wash, rinse your hair with infusions of yarrow, chamomile, string, and sage herbs.
You can prepare shampoo at home. Make a paste of 2 tablespoons of colorless henna and water. Beat 1 egg into it and mix thoroughly. Apply to hair, massaging skin. Rinse well with warm water.

Attention! Before using traditional methods of treatment, consultation with a dermatologist is required.

You can also find out everything about acne on other parts of the body and methods of treating it on our website. For example, acne on the back is written as chicken pox.

We must not forget that the child’s immune system is not yet fully formed; his body reacts more sharply to pathogens of various diseases. Therefore, if there is any rash on the child’s body, it is better to show it to a doctor.

To prevent rashes on the head, you should follow certain safety measures:

monitor the hygiene of the skin and hair on the head;
select cosmetics based on skin type, taking into account its sensitivity;
eat more healthy and wholesome foods, limit the intake of dishes with animal fats, sugar, preservatives;
exercise, do not drink alcohol, do not smoke;
walk in the fresh air more often;
Take a course of multivitamins 2 times a year.

Pimples are unpleasant formations on the skin that can cause discomfort and pain. Often rashes are a signal of serious disorders in the body. You should not try to treat acne on your own. An examination and consultation with a doctor will help you avoid complications that may arise as a result of self-medication.

Video. An excerpt from the program “Live Healthy” in which Elena Malysheva will tell you all about acne:

Pimples in the hair are common in both men and women. This problem causes pain when scratching. With not very voluminous hair or short hair (which is especially important for men), purulent pimples are visible, especially on the back of the head and forehead. When acne appears, the epidermis begins to itch. Deep pimples not only cause discomfort, but can also cause scarring and hair loss. To cope with the problem, find out the reasons why they appear.

Why do pimples appear in hair?

The presence of acne is indicated by itching, which begins 1–2 days before the appearance of the pustule.

In the area where acne appears, redness and a feeling of skin tightness appear within a few days.

The reasons for the appearance of pustules in the hair are different:

Lack of estradiol due to:
decrease/increase in the functions of organs that produce hormones (testosterone, dihydrotestosterone);
period of puberty;
a certain phase of a woman’s menstrual cycle;
Disturbed (overactive) functioning of the sebaceous glands. This problem may occur due to:
Insufficient patency of the follicular canals, which causes overactive sebaceous glands.
Diseases of the nervous system.
Polycystic ovary syndrome.
Improper functioning of the adrenal glands (a common cause of failure is stress).
Infection (bacterial). It is caused by disruptions in the immune system, which coincide with damage to the skin.

In addition to the listed factors, the appearance of acne is provoked by external causes:

Poor nutrition. Due to the consumption of insufficient amounts of nutrients (especially vitamins E, A), the functioning of organs and systems is disrupted. An excess of sweets, fresh cow's milk, and baked goods in the diet causes pustules to appear on the skin. In order for the diet to have a positive effect on the epidermis, it is necessary to have a proper, balanced diet and consume enough clean water to maintain water balance in the body.
Taking hormonal drugs (anabolic steroids, steroids, etc.), potent drugs.
High chlorine content in water. If the appearance of acne is associated with visiting the pool, you must use a swimming cap. After visiting the pool, you need to shower using high-quality detergents.
Rarely/frequently wash your hair.
Allergy to hair products (shampoo, dye, hairspray, etc.). To reduce the negative impact, use high-quality hair care products.
Using bedding made from low-quality (synthetic) materials.
Temperature changes. During the cold/hot season, do not neglect the use of a hat.

Fighting emerging pimples

Depending on why subcutaneous pimples appeared, you choose how to treat them.

You can treat purulent acne with medications prescribed by your doctor.

Having ordered tests and learned the reasons for the appearance of pustules, the doctor prescribes:

Antibiotics. They are prescribed in particularly difficult situations when they cannot be replaced with other drugs. The most commonly prescribed drugs are amoxicillin and tetracycline. After a course of antibiotics, medications are taken that restore the intestinal microflora.
Ultraviolet treatment. They take it in beauty salons. Using artificially created sunlight, damaged areas of the skin are treated. The procedure has a drying effect and can relieve inflammation of the epidermis.
Ichthyol ointment. This is an effective remedy in the fight against pustules. Apply a thin layer of ointment to pimples. The effect of use is noticeable after a few days.
Salicylic/camphor alcohol. Camphor has a milder effect and is used more often because it does not cause burns. To eliminate acne, wipe small areas of skin around the pustules with a cotton swab and alcohol.
Tar soap. Thanks to the antiseptic effect of the drug, it quickly gets rid of pustules. used instead of shampoo. Instead of soap, you can buy shampoo that is made from the same substance.
Salt baths with sulfur. To prepare, buy a mixture of salt and sulfur (at the pharmacy) and add it to warm water. The procedure is carried out 2 times a week for 1 month.

Using folk remedies for acne

Traditional medicine preparations are good for relieving itching and eliminating pustules on the forehead, near the back of the head, on the crown and temples.

To cure pustules on the forehead and skin on the back of the head in men and women, use:

Products . The oil is used as an antiseptic. It has a strong concentration, if used in its pure form, it can leave a burn. Therefore, a small amount of the drug is added to shampoo or conditioner. The product eliminates purulent pimples on the forehead and pimples on the head in the hair.
If acne appears on the back of the head or forehead, cinnamon mixed with honey will help. A mask is prepared from these ingredients, which is applied to the skin along the growth line of the strands. To prepare, take 2 tablespoons of liquid natural honey and a teaspoon of cinnamon and mix together. The action time of the product is 15–25 minutes. Use the mask 2 times a week. Stop use after acne on the forehead, back of the head and other areas of the epidermis disappears.
. You can treat pimples on the skin using a mixture of vinegar and water (each component is taken in an amount of 100 grams). Use the composition after each wash of your hair. Rinse the strands with water and vinegar, and after 5 minutes, rinse the curls with running water.
If pimples appear on the forehead and other places on the epidermis, cleanse the skin with the juice of fresh strawberries. Grind the ripe berries in a blender and wipe the epidermis, applying the product along the growth line of the strands after washing the hair. You can use strawberry juice 2-3 times a week until the pustules disappear.
It will help if pustules appear on the forehead. To prepare it, pour a few tablespoons of colorless henna with hot water and leave the substance for 2-3 hours. Add a chicken egg to the mixture and stir until smooth. Apply the drug to the epidermis along the hair growth line, trying to massage. Keep the product on your scalp for 30 minutes. Wash your strands with a mild shampoo. Apply henna once a week.
You can treat skin pimples with anise seeds. To prepare the medicinal composition, soak 2 tablespoons of seeds in warm water and leave to infuse from evening until morning. In the morning, grind the swollen seeds in a blender. Apply the seed paste only to problem areas. The duration of the procedure is from 1 hour. Rinse off the drug with warm water. Use the product 1-2 times a week.
Aloe juice. The effect of use is ensured due to the fact that the juice has anti-inflammatory properties. It disinfects the skin and has a calming effect. For the drug to work, apply the juice to the skin, cover your head with plastic and wrap it in a warm towel. Keep the mixture on the skin for 20 minutes, then rinse it off with running water. Use 2-3 times a week.
. It is prepared independently or purchased at the pharmacy. The cost of the drug is low, and its beneficial properties help to quickly eliminate acne. To use, mix a few tablespoons of calendula alcohol solution with 250 grams of water. The resulting solution is used to wipe problem areas of the skin several times a week.

The appearance of acne can be prevented by following simple rules:

Choosing the right diet.
Avoiding stressful situations.
Following the rules of personal hygiene.
Avoiding fatty foods and sweets.
Eating less salt.
Without drinking alcohol.

If pustules appear in the hair, they should not be squeezed out: this contributes to the spread of infection.

Pimples on the scalp appear as often in women as in men. When combing or creating hairstyles, touching the inflamed areas causes pain and irritation.

An unpleasant phenomenon should not be ignored. Pimples in women are a signal of problems within the body. Find out how to get rid of comedones and ulcers on the head, study preventive measures.

Causes

The scalp is a favorable environment for inflammatory processes. Why do acne appear on the head? A cocktail of sebaceous secretions, sweat, dust, and dandruff provokes irritation and itching of the skin.

But if women regularly wash their hair, use conditioners, make masks, and actively care for their hair, there should be no accumulation of fat or dirt. Where does acne come from then?

The reasons for the appearance of ulcers on the head in women are somewhat different than in men. The stronger sex suffers from the following factors:

hormonal imbalances;
poor skin and hair hygiene, buying cheap shampoos;
harmful working conditions associated with oils, dust, high temperatures;
alcohol abuse, smoking;
addiction to spicy, fried, fatty foods.

The occurrence of pimples on the head of women is more often caused by internal problems than by external factors.

Ladies carefully take care of their hair, meticulously choosing a new shampoo or conditioner according to their hair type. Many representatives of the fair sex monitor their weight and eat right.

There are several factors that provoke ulcers on the head:
hormonal imbalances during pregnancy, after childbirth, during menopause;
a surge of hormones before menstruation leads to unsightly pimples on the face and scalp;
polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disease that requires serious treatment;
frequent stress, lack of sleep, disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
bacterial, fungal infections;

increased greasiness of hair with excess weight.

Types of pimples on the head

Depending on the degree of inflammation, two types of rashes are distinguished: comedones (blackheads).
The pores are clogged with dirt, an accumulation of sebaceous secretions, there is no inflammation. When blackheads are squeezed out, dirt gets inside open comedones and the follicle becomes inflamed; ulcers.

Redness appears, pus accumulates in the comedonal cavity, and an inflammatory process develops. The abscess becomes painful and is injured when scratched. Important!

With regular hair care and constant use of not only shampoos, but also cleansing masks, it is possible to prevent the transformation of comedones into ulcers. Even increased skin greasiness is not an obstacle to maintaining the beauty and health of your hair. Hormonal imbalances and improper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract are serious problems that cannot be solved with hygiene procedures alone.

Methods and rules of treatment

What to do if lotions, decoctions, cleansing masks do not help, ulcers appear with enviable regularity? There is only one way out - Make an appointment with a trichologist without delay.

Treatment begins with interviewing the patient and taking tests. Often women need consultation with a gynecologist or endocrinologist. Depending on the cause that caused the unpleasant manifestations on the skin, therapy is prescribed.

Treatment is always complex. If you have problems with hormonal levels or gynecological diseases, pay more attention to the treatment of identified pathologies. A lack or excess of certain hormones provokes inflammation of the epidermis, itching, profuse rashes or painful single pimples.

Combine taking pills and drops that restore women's health with traditional methods. External treatment will reduce inflammation, reduce discomfort and pain of ulcers.

Medications

take drops or tablets prescribed by an endocrinologist or gynecologist for hormonal disorders. In some pathologies, taking medications lasts for years;
wipe the skin around the rash with salicylic or camphor alcohol. Do not lubricate the head of the inflamed comedone: the irritation will become stronger. Act without pressure so as not to accidentally break the skin: pus will spread to neighboring areas, inflammation will intensify;
treat pustules with anti-inflammatory ointments. Erythromycin, Zinc ointment, Levomikol, Synthomycin liniment are effective. Self-prescribing medications for external use is prohibited. The doctor will prescribe an ointment or emulsion taking into account individual characteristics;
for large, painful ulcers, use inexpensive formulations that have been proven over the years - Vishnevsky ointment or Ichthyol ointment. The drugs have an unpleasant odor, but are effective. If there are few pustules, lubricate each formation with ointment, cover with a bandage, and secure the structure with a band-aid;
Severe forms of rash cannot be cured without taking antibiotics. Take the full course prescribed by your doctor. Strictly observe the intervals between taking tablets: violation of the intervals reduces the effectiveness of antibacterial compounds. Tetracycline, Erythromycin, Amoxicillin are effective.

Redness appears, pus accumulates in the comedonal cavity, and an inflammatory process develops. The abscess becomes painful and is injured when scratched. Attend UV therapy sessions. During the procedure, the activity of pathogenic microorganisms decreases, the surface of the inflamed areas dries out. The procedure is carried out in a physiotherapy room of a medical institution or a cosmetology clinic.

Skin care during therapy

Rules:

buy sulfate-free shampoo;
wash your hair as it gets dirty, but not too often so as not to irritate the inflamed epidermis;
avoid the constant use of drying compounds;
use foam, mousse, and hairspray less often;
refuse heat styling;
make hair masks from natural ingredients, avoid irritating ingredients.

Traditional medicine recipes

Procedures with medicinal herbs and natural ingredients will speed up recovery and complement the care of inflamed skin. Always test a new product on your wrist or behind your ear to avoid worsening irritation.

Best recipes:

herbal decoction Take a tablespoon of chamomile, string, calendula, sage, add a liter of hot water, boil the composition. After 5 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat, let it brew for 40 minutes, filter. After each wash, moisten the epidermis with a herbal decoction;
aloe juice for acne. Enrich aloe with biologically active substances: cut off the fleshy leaves, pack in white paper, and keep in the refrigerator (on the bottom shelf) for a week. Extract the juice from the prepared leaves and lubricate the inflamed areas. Carry out the procedure daily;
tea tree oil for acne. Add ether with anti-inflammatory properties to decoctions for rinsing, masks, balms, shampoos. Do not lubricate the epidermis with a clean product to avoid burns;
mask of honey and cinnamon for profuse rashes. Combine warm honey (4 tbsp) in a porcelain or glass bowl, add 2 tsp. cinnamon powder. Gently apply the mixture to problem areas. Do not wear an insulating cap. The procedure takes a third of an hour, rinse clean hair with chamomile decoction.

Diet and proper nutrition

A healthy diet is a prerequisite for curing ulcers in the hair. Improper functioning of the stomach and intestines is a common cause of rashes.

Rules:

eat small portions, 5-6 times during the day;
give up fatty, too salty, spicy foods, baked goods, and a lot of sweets;
eat more vegetables, fruits, leafy greens, berries. Eat 1 tsp daily. bran, drink a glass of kefir for normal intestinal activity;
useful porridges, soups with vegetable broth, boiled chicken, hard cheese, 1 egg every two days;
Reduce the number of cups of coffee to one per day or give up the invigorating drink. Replace coffee with green tea.

Treatment of the inflammatory process on the scalp in women is a long, complex process. The interaction of internal and external factors explains frequent relapses and not always successful fight against inflamed comedones.

The most difficult to treat are rashes caused by hormonal imbalances and improper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. The more carefully the patient follows the doctor’s recommendations, the higher the chances of the disappearance of side effects in the form of ulcers.

Take care of your health, visit a gynecologist twice a year, and be examined by an endocrinologist annually. The initial stages of pathologies are easier to treat;
Take hormonal medications prescribed by your doctor for the prescribed period. Stopping some pills immediately worsens hormonal levels, causing pimples to return;
use high-quality hair cosmetics, buy shampoos without sulfates and parabens;
If rashes appear after a strong perm or dyeing with inexpensive compounds, stop using these products. Treat the skin, then dye your hair with gentle ammonia-free compounds, do a bio-perm based on natural ingredients;
Wash your hair on time, do not regularly try to disguise the staleness of your strands with the “correct” hairstyle, attributing the problem to a lack of time. Use dry shampoos no more than once a week;
adhere to the principles of a healthy diet, consume less coffee, alcohol, fast food, concentrates. Chemical components and harmful food additives cause an imbalance in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
protect your hair from the scorching sun, frosty air, while relaxing at a seaside resort, protect your curls with a bathing cap;
use styling products less often, air dry your strands, set the hair dryer to medium temperature;
Regularly nourish the epidermis and strands with vitamins and minerals, take fish oil and dietary supplements for healthy hair. For external use, use homemade masks, perform aromatic combing, and rinse your hair with a decoction of medicinal herbs.

Remember: The appearance of pimples and comedones on the head is often provoked by women themselves. Think about what to change in your life, listen to the recommendations of trichologists and herbalists. Paying attention to yourself will prevent problems with internal organs and keep your scalp healthy.

Video. TV show “Live Healthy” about acne on the head:

hormonal disorders;
excessive sebum production;
problems with the nervous system;
adrenal gland diseases;
bacterial infection with decreased immunity;
seborrhea.

Hormonal disorders

Hormonal swing - one hormone will increase, another will decrease. Such fluctuations are natural for the body, but cause quite unpleasant symptoms. Inflammatory elements that appear in adolescents during puberty are attributed to hormonal problems. In women, hormones fluctuate and cause acne during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

Excessive sebum production

Scalp acne, which occurs as a result of overactive sebaceous glands, is painful. The skin under the purulent element becomes inflamed and painful. The sebaceous glands cannot cope with the amount of fat secreted, they become clogged and become inflamed. Even a small pimple becomes painful. The hair follicle blocks the pores and becomes an aggravating factor. Hair prevents the skin from receiving oxygen.

Nervous system

Stress leads to problems with the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are connected to systems that produce hormones. Hormonal imbalances lead to metabolic failure in the subcutaneous layer.

Infections

Bacterial infections lead to decreased body functions and active proliferation of microbes. Bacterial infection can be internal or external. A small microbe on the skin getting into the sebaceous gland causes the development of acne on the surface of the head.

Seborrhea is the main cause of acne on the head

Pimples on the head appear in patients with oily seborrhea. The form of the disease depends on the nature of the secretion. More common among teenagers. In adulthood, the cause is considered to be a weakened immune system or hormonal imbalance. Characterized by acne with increased oiliness of the skin. At the initial stage, dermatitis of the scalp looks like dry dandruff. Next, redness and severe itching occurs. Bacteria enter the wounds from scratching and infect the skin. Before treating seborrhea, inflamed pimples on the head are removed, after which the underlying disease is treated.

Treatment is carried out under the supervision of a specialist.

To stop the infection and get rid of acne - 2 times a day, 5 days:

treat pimples and crusts with Fukortsin solution;
apply antibacterial ointment with an antibiotic;
use a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide spot on acne.

The following are taken as therapy:

antihistamine at night - 2 weeks;
sedative - a month, according to the instructions.

Limit the consumption of fatty, smoked, salty, and rich foods.

Secondary infection with seborrhea of the head is accompanied by severe itching.

7 days after the first stage of therapy, pimples dry out and itching decreases.

After 7 days, the inflammatory elements dry out, the itching decreases. If the doctor does not notice signs of a secondary infection, he will begin treatment for seborrheic dermatitis.

Retasol solution is applied 2 times a day for a month; the product acts on the sebaceous glands and reduces oily secretions.
Once a day (1.5 months), at night, take Retinol Palmitate - 150 thousand IU;
2 times a week (1.5 months) wash your hair with Naftaderm shampoo - reduces itching, eliminates oiliness.

As a result of this treatment, after three weeks the rashes disappear, itching and oily skin disappear. For prevention, repeat the course after 6 months. Use Naftaderm anti-inflammatory shampoo once a week.

External reasons

Taking a group of steroid-type drugs causes changes in the body. The amount of hormones increases from normal to increased or is adjusted to the required level. Against this background, inflamed acne appears on the head.

Poor hygiene leads to the appearance of acne on the head. Infrequent washing, excessive oiliness of hair, inappropriate shampoo. The skin does not get enough cleansing or suffers from incorrectly selected detergents. During frequent washing, the protective film is washed off from the skin.

Using poor quality water to wash your hair can cause acne. Chlorinated water dries out the skin and the sebaceous glands work actively.

Alcoholic drinks and smoking have a negative effect on the body, which finds a way out in the form of acne on the head.

Synthetic sleepwear leads to acne. If you sleep on a synthetic pillow, the scalp stops breathing, sweats, and the sebaceous glands become clogged.

Pimples on the head in men

The appearance of acne and pimples in boys is associated with increased activity of the gonads, this is the main difference from girls. Acne appears during adolescence. At the initial stage of growing up, about 40% of male adolescents suffer from acne, and by the age of 20-25 no more than 5%. In case of hormonal imbalance, acne does not disappear or appears again after 30 years.

The androgens are a group of steroidal sex hormones produced in the testes and adrenal glands of men. These include testosterone, which affects the development of the genital organs, the muscular system, secondary hair growth, temperament and behavior. An excess of the hormone makes a man masculine and sexy, but at the same time contributes to the appearance of acne.

Such surprises rarely appear with dry and normal type of epidermis. A favorable environment for the formation of acne is created on oily skin. This type is considered the most disadvantaged. Increased production of the sebaceous glands leads to blockage of the tubules, but also promotes the proliferation of bacteria.

To make a diagnosis and correct treatment, you need to undergo tests; based on the results of the study, the doctor prescribes treatment.

Classification

Doctors do not divide acne on the head into types and types, but for convenience they classify into:

comedones;
inflammatory acne.

A comedon is a contaminated pore with a black or white dot. Appear in response to blockage of the sebaceous gland. The rashes do not become inflamed.

Blackheads do not hurt or itch. If the head is covered with hair, open comedones are difficult to notice.

Whiteheads are closed comedones. They form in the deep layers of the skin and can be felt by palpation, but do not cause much discomfort.

Inflamed pimples on the head - acne with purulent contents. Acne looks like red patches of skin with a protruding white head in the middle.

In addition to regular acne, bumps appear on the head -

Pimples on the head in women

Acne in teenage girls is associated with irregular menstrual cycles.

Ulcers on the head are caused by hormonal imbalances during pregnancy and after childbirth.

In adult women, menstruation and menopause lead to a surge of hormones and the appearance of inflammatory elements.

Polycystic ovary syndrome, a common cause of acne on the head in women, during the period of the disease there is active internal work. The ovaries produce more, the body works harder, the amount of sebum on the skin increases.

To properly treat hormonal acne, you need to consult a doctor.

How to get rid

For complete treatment, visit a professional dermatologist, take the necessary tests and find out the exact diagnosis. Removing purulent elements under the hair will require intervention - a therapist, neurologist, endocrinologist, allergist.

The need for specialized specialists appears after a preliminary diagnosis, when the cause of acne development is known. Without an accurate diagnosis it is difficult to achieve results.

Proper hygiene, selection of shampoo, scalp care products, restorative capsules and medicinal oils will ensure quick results.

Medicinal shampoos

You will need a special medicated shampoo that relieves inflammation and has an antiseptic effect.

Shampoo	Active substances in the composition	Purpose	Price, rub.
Algopix	0.5 g juniper tar; 3 grams of green algae extract; 1 g salicylic acid.	Oily seborrhea; dermatitis; pityriasis versicolor.	300
Nizoral	for 1 gram of shampoo: ketoconazole 20 mg.	An antifungal agent reduces itching and burning with seborrhea, lichen, and dandruff.	600
Naftaderm	for 100 grams of shampoo: Naftlan oil refined 10 g	Anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, disinfectant and healing.	800
Degtyarny - 911	Birch tar; glycerol; Coconut oil.	Recommended for flaking skin, dandruff, seborrhea. Removes excess sebum, eliminates fungal activity, soothes itching.	200

To remove acne, wash your hair with tar soap and antifungal shampoos. Additionally, physical procedures are included - treatment of the head with ultraviolet rays, cryotherapy.

In severe cases, antibiotics are used

local application, applied to affected areas of the skin;
internal - for bacterial infection.

Antibiotics are sold by prescription, prescribed by a doctor. He controls the treatment process, changing medications to others if necessary. contains the antibiotic erythromycin. Sold without a prescription. Use the drug according to the instructions.

For prevention

antiallergic drugs;
sedatives to normalize the functioning of the nervous system;
hormonal pills.

To maintain immunity, additional vitamins are prescribed. Among the popular ones are A and E. If necessary, complexes with microelements are added.

Ointments and solutions for acne

drying ointments - , ;
alcohol solutions - , ;
antibacterial - fucorcin, hydrogen peroxide, .

The drugs disinfect and help reduce rashes. Alcohol solutions have contraindications. Before use, read the instructions.

Ointments

Active substances

What do they help with?

Price, rub

Wilkinson

tar;

green soap;

Naftalan oil;

sulfur

A drug of combined action with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects. Resolves inflamed elements, softens, disinfects, relieves pain. They will be prepared in pharmacies to order according to a doctor’s prescription. Ready to buy is problematic.

300

Gentamicin

gentamicin sulfate 25 mg

Antibacterial drug, fights a large number of microorganisms.

Crotamiton

For complete treatment, switch to proper nutrition. The diet restores metabolism and helps acne disappear on its own.

Traditional medicine for acne

Traditional methods include alternative medicine. The ingredients for treatment are found in every home and have been proven effective. Apple cider vinegar has miraculous powers. Mix vinegar and water in equal proportions and rinse your hair with the solution after washing. At the end of the procedure, rinse your head with cool water.

Masks are widely used. For example, a composition made from honey and cinnamon. You will need cinnamon and honey in equal proportions. Mix and apply to hair. Leave the mask on your hair for 20 minutes. Apply twice a week. The mask completely gets rid of acne under the hair in two to three weeks.

Homemade kvass is used to treat the scalp. The heated drink is applied to the hair and washed off after 20 minutes with cool water. Kvass is useful to take internally for problem skin.

Folk remedy	How to cook	Why does it help?
Tomato ointment	Mix tomato juice and vegetable oil in equal parts. The composition is heated, warm, and applied to problem areas of the head.	Used for dandruff, scabs, and inflammatory elements.
Lard ointment	Mix lard with salt and crushed sulfur. Apply to affected areas.	Used to treat the scalp.
Soda solution	Dilute 4-5 tablespoons of baking soda with water. Apply to head, rinse after 20 minutes with cold water.	Dries out inflammation, reduces itching.
Shampoo with aspirin	Prepare before use. Two crushed aspirin tablets mixed with two tablespoons of shampoo for daily use. After application, keep on head for 20 minutes.	Kills bacteria on the surface of the skin, reduces itching.

The degree of discomfort when acne appears is largely related to its location. For example, pimples in the hair are not as noticeable to others as rashes on the face, but they cause a lot of unpleasant, painful sensations. After all, they are constantly touched when combing and washing your hair. And treating acne on the head is quite difficult - the hair makes it difficult to access the skin, quickly becomes greasy and dirty when using ointments and talkers. Before starting treatment, you need to figure out why acne appears on your head.

Causes of acne on the scalp

Even a dermatologist or trichologist will not immediately say why acne appeared; he needs to interview the patient and prescribe a series of tests. The most likely causes of this misfortune:

disorders of the hormonal and endocrine systems, in particular adrenal dysfunction;
Excessive sebum production due to hormonal imbalance, poor diet or hair and scalp care;
infectious processes in the body, usually against the background of weakened immunity;
frequent stress, nervous system disorders (failure of the adrenal glands is also possible due to nervous system);
poor choice of hair care products;
excessive sweating of the scalp, for example, due to the use of a pillow with synthetic filler or synthetic bedding;
taking certain medications;
inflammatory process with the formation of boils due to hypothermia.

The causes of acne under the hair on the head vary depending on the gender and age of the patient. In newborns and infants, rashes on the head usually refer to allergies to detergents, cosmetics, the material of a cap or pillowcase, foods in the diet of a nursing mother, formula milk, or complementary foods. In adolescence, the main reason is a hormonal surge. Pimples on the scalp and hair in men often appear if testosterone production is impaired. In women, this problem can signal polycystic ovary syndrome and accompany menstrual irregularities.

If you find acne on your scalp, try to remember if you have recently changed your shampoo and other hair cosmetics, or if you have used new dye. The appearance of acne on the scalp in the hair can be caused by infrequent or excessively frequent hair washing. Exposure to chlorinated water is also a provoking factor.

Types of acne on the head

Judging by the appearance and localization of acne, one can also guess what caused it. Small white pimples (closed comedones, millet) occur due to blockage of the sebaceous glands. This creates favorable conditions for the activation of pathogenic bacteria, and the inflammatory process develops. This problem is most typical for adolescents during the period of hormonal changes with hyperfunction of the sebaceous and sweat glands. In adults, white nodular rashes are the result of abuse of fatty foods and poor hygiene.

Blackheads, like millet, are comedones, but open ones. Contaminants accumulate in the upper part of the pores, oxidize upon contact with atmospheric oxygen, acquiring a black color. Black comedones look unpleasant, but are painless until the pores become infected. Pink and red pimples often appear against the background of metabolic disorders and digestive disorders. Their appearance is preceded by itching, followed by a feeling of tightness and pain. The pain intensifies with the maturation of rashes and the development of pustules.

Infection of the rash leads to the development of a purulent process, which can also be triggered by hormonal imbalance or steroid use. Painful pimples with a purulent head usually break out within 4-5 days, and there is a threat of infection spreading throughout the entire scalp. In addition to comedones and purulent pimples on the head, wen and dense nodules in the subcutaneous layer (dermis) may appear in the hair. They also become inflamed and painful. Most often, pimples form on the back of the head, on the forehead and neck near the border of hair growth, in places where they part.

An integrated approach to treatment

To cure any acne, you need to eliminate the cause of its appearance. It is recommended to begin treatment by giving up bad habits (smoking, alcohol abuse) and adjusting the diet. Skin problems are often associated with a deficiency of vitamins and minerals, addiction to fast food, fatty foods, sweets, and smoked meats. If a person leads a healthy lifestyle, eats rationally, but is bothered by acne on the scalp, it is necessary to exclude all external factors that could provoke them:

use high-quality hypoallergenic hair cosmetics and styling products;
refuse bed linen and hats made of synthetic fabrics;
choose the optimal frequency of washing your hair;
soften hard water for washing by boiling, freezing, adding soda or lemon juice.

If the reasons are deep-seated, you need to treat the underlying disease, undergo an examination by an endocrinologist, gastroenterologist and follow their instructions, and adjust your hormonal levels. Pimples on the head in the hair of women are a reason to visit a gynecologist. It is necessary to avoid stress, not to subject the nervous system to excessive stress, taking sedatives may be indicated.

It is worth strengthening your immune system and taking a course of vitamin therapy if indicated. Brewer's yeast helps improve skin health; many manufacturers enrich it with microelements. For digestive problems, preparations with lactobacilli and other probiotics have a good effect. If acne on the back of the head, forehead, temples appears due to intoxication of the body, the doctor may prescribe Polysorb, Enterosgel and other adsorbents. For rashes of an allergic nature, desensitizing therapy is carried out and antihistamines are prescribed.

If purulent inflammation of the scalp has spread widely and deeply, a course of antibiotic therapy may be required to prevent sepsis (blood poisoning).

In parallel with lifestyle correction and systemic treatment, a course of local therapy is required. Topical ointments, gels, and lozenges not only relieve symptoms, but often target the cause of acne. There are many remedies for drying out acne, relieving itching, and inflammation. It is better to select them on the recommendation of the attending dermatologist, who takes into account the type of skin, the nature of the rash, and the complex of symptoms.

Local treatment

The composition of drugs used to treat skin with acne may include:

antiseptics;
for purulent processes - antibiotics;
retinoids – derivatives of vitamin A;
anti-inflammatory drugs.

Usually, drugs with a complex effect are used that disinfect the skin, reduce the activity of the sebaceous glands and cleanse the pores, dry it, and relieve itching. Pharmacy medications include:

ointments - ichthyol, sulfur, zinc, Vishnevsky ointment, Levomikol;
suspensions – Tsindol and mash, prepared according to a dermatologist’s prescription;
salicylic, boric alcohol, alcohol tincture of calendula, hydrogen peroxide;
tar soap and medicated shampoos.

Most acne medications dry out the skin very much, so they should not be used too often and you should simultaneously use moisturizing cosmetics and make nourishing masks.

Folk recipes

Here are some tips on how to treat acne using traditional methods:

rinse your hair and scalp with infusions of medicinal antiseptic herbs (prepared at the rate of 5 tablespoons per liter of water). Yarrow, sage, string, and herbal preparations are suitable for these purposes;
make masks from aloe juice, crushed anise seeds, pre-soaked in warm water, a mixture of olive oil with lemon juice, honey with cinnamon, grated pumpkin;
use homemade shampoos from eggs and colorless henna, infusion of soap nuts. It is useful to enrich homemade and ready-made shampoos with tea tree oil;
moisten pimples with a concentrated solution of sea salt, infusion or fresh juice of celandine, or a decoction of hop cones.

Traditional medicine recipes are quite effective, but only for uncomplicated disease. If such treatment does not have an effect, a visit to a dermatologist and drug therapy cannot be avoided.

Physiotherapeutic procedures

Treatment will be more effective if drug therapy is supplemented with physical therapy. For acne on the head the following are indicated:

ultraviolet irradiation – disinfects and relieves inflammation;
ultrasound vibration therapy – stimulates local metabolic processes, destroys infection;
darsonvalization - effective for hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands, enlarged pores, stimulates blood circulation and regeneration processes;
laser therapy – destroys pathogenic microorganisms and helps cleanse pores;
cryotherapy (cold treatment) – stimulates local immunity, blood supply to the skin, effectively disinfects and relieves inflammation.
Vacuum disincrustation – destroys the pimple core.

Preventing acne on the head

If acne appears on the head under the hair, it will take a long time to treat it; the procedures will require a lot of time and effort. So it’s better to try to prevent the problem. Preventive measures include:

rational nutrition, limiting the consumption of fats, harmful carbohydrates, a minimum of preservatives in the diet;
healthy lifestyle without bad habits;
compliance with personal hygiene rules, proper care of hair and scalp;
using suitable hair cosmetics;
prevention of stress, proper rest;
regular examination by doctors;
strengthening the immune system.

Often, a single pimple begins a large-scale inflammatory process that covers the entire scalp. So pimples and the skin around them must be promptly treated with disinfectant compounds, and under no circumstances should they be squeezed out, so as not to spread the infection.