Scalp Acne

Scalp acne or scalp folliculitis is an inflammatory skin disease that involves the hair follicles in the scalp. It manifests itself in the form of tiny pustules scattered throughout the scalp.

These pustules cause itchiness on the head and are often very irritating. In severe forms of scalp acne, these pustules turn sore. Scalp acne is considered as the mildest type of acne that is present in many people without their knowledge.

Scalp acne: Its causes: -

The exact cause of scalp acne has not yet been successfully traced out. It seems to have resulted from an inflammatory reaction towards microorganisms present in the hair follicles of the scalp such as mites, bacteria and yeasts.

This form of acne is often induced during the time of tension and stress. There is excess secretion of sebum in the scalp during stressed condition which clogs the pores of the hair follicles thereby resulting in scalp acne.

Oily scalp also develops due to use of certain cosmetic products in the hair. In the preliminary stage, these pustules appear on the forehead and are generally small and a bit painful. However, over the time, it attains a severe condition commonly referred to as necrotica miliaris.

During this condition, papules develop and get surrounded by a black colored crust. These type of scalp acne form spots and lesions that are similar to that of chicken pox.

A rare form of scalp acne has been observed among a few African- American people that are characterized by smaller pustules, very large papules and large cysts.

Preventive measures against scalp acne: -

Here are a few preventive measures that you can follow in order to stay away from this disease: -

1. If you have scalp acne then please be careful while buying hair products for yourself.
Wrong hair products can deteriorate the condition even more so before buying such products do consult the pharmacist about it.