What are Scalp Pimples?

Pimples on the head are caused by microorganisms such as yeasts (malassezia), a form of skin fungus, mites, or bacteria. These microorganisms thrive on the dead cells of the outer layers of the scalp resulting in the outbreak of pimples. Yeasts, such as malassezia (Pityosporum ovale) often live on the scalp of healthy individuals causing no harm to the host but due to aggravating factors, like a hair dye allergy or seborrheic dermatitis, the yeast tends to grow out of control as it feeds on the dead skin cells. The hair follicle becomes inflamed and irritated. The irritation results in the skin shedding further. The dead skin cells clump up with the oil in the scalp and eventually fall off. Fatty acids are also produced in the hair follicle causing an inflammation which results in a further concentration of bacteria. This causes a break out of pimples that eventually forms a crust or a scab and may falls off spontaneously.

Causes of Itchy Scalp Pimples

Pimples on the scalp are also caused by other factors that aggravate the scalp :

• Excessive build-up of dust and plaques composed of hair product residue, oils and bacteria which accumulates in the hair root follicle.
• Sweating excessively may also lead to an increase in oil production.
• Allergic skin reactions (contact dermatitis) to hair products (hair dye allergy)
• A viral infection such chicken pox or shingles
• Skin conditions such as acne with the occurrence of cyst like formations due to blocked ducts at the site of the hair shaft.
• A deficiency in zinc intake.
• Stress can aggravate the condition as it may increase oil production.
• An irritated scalp (seborrhoeric dermatitis) can contribute to scalp pimples.
• Environmental factors such as dry and cold weather or the exposure to dust can aggravate the condition.
• A lack of hygiene where the hair is not washed frequently can cause a build up of oil resulting in pimples on the head.
• Psoriasis can cause a build up of dead skin cells which may be prone to infection.
• Eczema can aggravate the pimples on the head as it increases the shedding of normal skin cells.

Management & Treatment of Head Pimples

The condition usually subsides spontaneously if it not infected however severe cases, especially where a bacterial or fungal infection is present,  requires medical intervention.

• Improve scalp hygiene with frequent washing of the head and hair.
• Use natural or hypoallergenic shampoos as these products will reduce allergic reactions.
• It is advisable to alternate the use of two types of shampoo to prevent an oil accumulation.
• Tar shampoo and benzoyl peroxide are effective products in the management of pimples on the head but it can have a dehydrating effect if used excessively.
• If an infection occurs antibiotics is usually prescribed. Fungal infections may require antifungal hair shampoos and tablets.

It is advisable to avoid  the following :

• Scratching the scalp as it causes breaks in the skin and increasing the chance of infection
• Using hair products such such as styling gels or hair sprays.
• Hair conditioners may increase oily residue on the hair.

What causes oily skin?

At puberty, or during hormonal fluctuations that cause oily skin, the action of these androgens increases the size of the oil glands in the skin (sebaceous glands) as well as causing enlarged pores. This enlarged glands and pores result in more oil being produced as well as more oil being secreted onto the skin. It is often believed that oily skin is a result of external factors but long term oily skin is very much an internal process regulated by the body’s hormones.

What is a whitehead and blackhead?

Sebum or skin oil is a thick, fatty secretion which can easily block the pores, cause whiteheads or blackheads and result in a pimple or pustule due to secondary bacterial infection. The sebaceous gland has deep ducts with short hair-like filaments facilitating the flow of sebum to the external surface of the skin. Any obstruction to the flow of sebum will cause a build up of skin oil resulting in a white, waxy plug that is commonly referred to as a whitehead (closed comedone). Due to the action of oxidation caused by air, the oil plug becomes a blackhead (open comedone).

What is a pimple?

Inflammation due to a blocked pore will cause a slight raised conical elevation known as a papule or commonly referred to as a pimple. Bacteria on the skin, either naturally occurring skin bacteria or germs from other sources, can infect the inflamed skin and result in a pustule (pustular or ‘pus’ pimple).

Skin Care for Oily Skin

• A daily skin care regime is essential in reducing the oil build up on the skin. Cleansing should be regular and thorough and done at least twice a day, morning and night.
• Cleanse the skin with a gel cleanser to remove any surface dirt or grit.
• Exfoliate with a granular exfoliating application which is best suited for oily skin. The scrubbing action helps dislodge and oil build up, and deeper lying grit or dead skin cells that may be obstructing the pores.
• Toning with an antibacterial agent will disinfectant the skin. A toner has an astringent effect on the skin thereby causing a temporary reduction in pore size. Alcohol based toners should be avoided as they may cause excessive drying of the skin.
• A light moisturizer with a high water and low oil content is advisable to hydrate the skin rather than ‘oiling’ the skin with a cream.
• Spot creams can be applied on the problem area or directly on pimples to reduce inflammation and prevent any infection. The spot or blemish applications allows drying out of the pimple so that the area can heal faster.
• A sunscreen (non-greasy formula) should be applied daily to reduce blemishing, especially where there is sun sensitivity of the skin.
• Avoid pinching or squeezing a pimple. This may seem like a ‘quick fix’ solution but often causes scarring as well as causing new pimples to erupt in the area.
• If you have long hair, it is important to wear it in a manner that prevents the hair from touching the face. Hair is usually oily and traps dust and bacteria in the air.
• Smokers and nail biters should be cautious about touching their face with unwashed hands. The remnants of tobacco and bacteria from the mouth is easily transferred to the skin where it can aggravate inflammation and cause an infection.

USA

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
National Institutes of Health
1 AMS Circle Bethesda
MD 20892-3675
Phone: 301-495-4484 or 877-22-NIAMS (226-4267) (free of charge)
TTY: 301-565-2966
Fax: 301-718-6366
E-mail: niamsInfo@mail.nih.gov
URL: www.niams.nih.gov

American Academy of Dermatology

PO Box 4014
Schaumburg, IL 60618-4014
Contact information for our Washington, DC office:
1350 I Street, NW, Suite 870
Washington, DC 20005-4355
Phone: 202-842-3555
Fax: 202-842-4355
E-mail: mrc@aad.org
URL: www.aad.org

UK

British Association of Dermatologists
020 7383 0266
www.bad.org.uk

Acne Support Group
0870 870 2263
www.stopspots.org.

1) Poor hygiene can cause acne

Acne is not caused by dirt or oily skin. You can actually make your acne worse by washing infected areas regularly and or scrubbing hard. Wash your skin gently twice daily as normal, using mild soap and patting dry the infected areas with soft clean towels.

2) Squeezing acne spots

Squeezing your acne spots, blackheads or pimples will not reduce or clear up your acne any quicker. Doing so could leave permanent scarring and cause further inflammation.

3) Stress & acne

Every day stress does not cause or inflame acne, however if you’re suffering from severe stress or depression and taking medication for that, the side effects of this medication can lead to acne or worsen your acne. Consult your physician for professional advice.

4) Acne will just go away

In many individuals mild cases of acne will fade or disappear with the passing of time however most forms of acne will not clear up without leaving blemishes or scarring naturally. Given the number of acne products available today and the various forms of treatment available to acne sufferers, different methods have proved effective in combating acne. Consult your physician or a qualified beautician for professional advice.

5) Acne & your diet

Scientific research has concluded that your diet does not cause or effect acne whatsoever so myths of eating chocolate, pizza and other fatty foods worsening acne are exactly that – myths. That said, it is always advisable to have a healthy, balanced diet.

6) Acne & depression

There is no scientific research that links acne to depression, however sufferers of acne can suffer with depression due to their condition. Consult your physician for professional advice.

7) Acne can be cured

There is no real cure for acne or prevention methods. However acne can be successfully combated or treated with various treatment products or methods. Don’t give up hope as different methods work for different people and scientists and medical research are trying to find a cure. Always consult your physician or a qualified beautician for professional advice. More on Acne Treatment…

8) Acne & makeup

There is no direct link that suggests wearing makeup can worsen your acne, indeed some cosmetics include anti-acne fighting agents such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid that can actually help your acne treatment.

9) The sun & acne

Sun bathing will not help to clear up your acne or make things better. Yes a suntanned face will help to camouflage the redness around spots for a short period but in time this can cause cracks in the spots and worsen the acne.

10) Acne is a skin infection

Acne is not a skin infection but a skin disorder caused by hormones, genetics and is also believed to be caused in part to hereditary factors.

There are several factors that can cause acne such as hormonal changes in adolescence or pregnancy, birth control pills, bacteria in the skin pores and use of anabolic steroids among other things.

One important factor behind acne experts believe is an increase in the male sex hormones androgens which increase in both boys and girls during adolescence that cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge, creating more sebum (oily secretion).

Experts also believe acne to be in part, hereditary.

Types Of Acne

There are two types of acne, non-inflammatory acne and inflammatory acne.

Non-Inflammatory Acne

Whitehead (closed comedo) – Whiteheads, pimples that don’t break the surface, are called closed comedo’s and appear as small, white bumps.

Blackhead (open comedo) – Blackheads, pimples that break the surface, are open comedo’s and appear as small, black pins. Note: This isn’t dirt but a buildup of dark skin pigment called melanin.

Inflammatory Acne

Papule – Papule is the mildest and most common form of early development acne and appear as small, but firm pink bumps that are usually tender to the touch.

Pustule – Pustule is a similar lesion to Papule, however this form of acne contains pus as the name suggests, appearing as small, bumpy reddish and yellowish spots.

Nodule or Cyst – This form of acne comes in a large form and is often painful. Nodules are puss-filled lesions lodged deep into the skin and is the severest form of acne, often leaving scarring with most forming into cysts once hardened.

Acne Conglobata – This is the rarest form of acne and the most serious stage. Appearing on the buttocks, chest and back, Conglobata usually contains bacteria.

Acne Treatment

Treatment can vary from topical treatment such as benzoyl peroxide – a cream, lotion or gel consisting of antiseptic, antibiotic and oxidizing agents – or oral treatment in the form of standard antibiotics or retinoids.

Acne scar treatment can vary from lazer treatment that penetrates the affected area burning away the scar, to skin peels that peel away bad skin to reveal healthy unaffected skin.

In this day and age acne suffering is treatable and if you are considering treatment It is highly advisable that you seek professional advice from a dermatologist or your physician regarding your acne problems.