Acne On The Scalp

Acne often has significant emotional and psychological impact on the individual who suffers. Some of the contributing factors to the development of the condition will include clogged pores due to skin or hair oil, small follicles, bacterial growth and poor hygiene. The causative factors for scalp acne are much the same as acne found on the face and back.

Scalp acne is common in both men and women and can affect people of all ages. The condition will cause small pustules that look like whiteheads with the yellow cast inside the hairline. Scalp acne is often triggered by periods of high stress in an individual’s life. The stress can trigger a change in hormonal balance and results in acne. These same hormonal changes can also trigger acne on the face and body.

Scalp acne can also develop when the scalp has too much oil and the hair has not been washed. Sometimes the products used to wash the hair have excess amounts of oil and can trigger acne. Triggers also include mites, bacteria and yeast infections. (1)

Scalp acne can be present in mild, moderate and severe forms. Other medical terms for this condition are scalp follicullitis or necrotia miliaris. Mild cases of scalp acne will occur mostly at the hairline. These blemishes are often small, contain a core and are crusty.

The more severe cases of scalp acne have blemishes which are larger, inflamed or papules. These are black in color and leave scars similar to ones left by chickenpox. These more severe cases are called necrotica miliaris and can result in hair loss when the bacteria kills the hair follicle. (2)

References:

(1) Mayo Clinic: Acne

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/acne/DS00169/DSECTION=causes

(2) Archives of Dermatology: Acne Nectrotica; Relation to Acne Necrotica Miliaris and Response to Penicillin and Other Antibiotics

http://archderm.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=522972