Pimples and spots are pretty common, but getting them on your scalp can be a real drag! They can be really itchy and uncomfortable and can bleed if you catch them with a brush or comb. If your head is shaven or you don’t have hair on your head, these pimples are not only a nuisance, they can cause embarrassment and self-esteem issues.
These pimples turn up out of nowhere sometimes but almost always they are caused because of the blockage of pores leading to infection which in turn causes the inflammation and itching that can be so uncomfortable and embarrassing.
Luckily, they are often pretty easy to treat and respond well to over the counter acne medications. If you have hair, do not use benzoyl peroxide though as this can bleach your hair. Salicylic acid is pretty effective and you can get shampoos containing this medication that you just use regularly and they will almost certainly clear the problem up for you.
Improve Your Diet
It is a good idea to check out your diet if you get a sudden crop of this type of pimple and you have not previously had a problem. Try to cut down on the fast-food favourites and oily, greasy foods which may make the problem worse. Add into your diet foods rich in antioxidants and try to add in at least three servings of fruits such as pineapple, banana, apple, orange, etc. every day.
Keep your face clean and be especially careful to ensure that you remember to keep your hair free of gels and hair products before taking exercise that is going to make you perspire as these mix with sweat and clog your pores – it can also lead to having problem pimples on the forehead. Sweat alone will also clog pores, so it is important to shower as soon as possible after exercise or playing sport. When you do use hair products, always check the labelling and make sure that it states non-comedogenic (meaning it will not block pores).
If you are suffering from scalp pimples, it is best to protect your head from the sun by using a hat which is made of a soft, breathable, natural fabric. If you do use sunscreen on your head instead of wearing a hat, look for one that stays on the surface of the skin, rather than soaking in as this type could also block pores and cause further pimple problems.
Try Some Home Remedies
Home remedies such as tea tree oil are brilliant if you just have the occasional spot on your scalp – just dab it onto the affected area with a cotton bud. You could also make a hair rinse using cooled peppermint tea or rosewater, apply all over your head and wrap your hair in a towel for ten minutes or so before rinsing off in the normal way.
Severe scalp problems may require professional help. Your doctor may need to prescribe antibiotics or topical steroids to get rid of an outbreak. However once you have got those pimples under control and taken steps to avoid any product or food item that might be causing the breakouts, you should be able to manage the problem effectively at home.
Author Alison Graham is publisher of the website pimpletreatmenttips.com which has a wealth of useful information, for example if you have a pimple on the lip and are worried it might be a cold sore, a pimple in your nose and you don’t know how to get rid of it or a pimple almost anywhere else, you will probably find a home remedy, over the counter product or dermatologist treatment that will solve your problem in the pages of the site!