Scalp Acne

What is Scalp Acne?

Scalp acne's real name is "scalp folliculitis". A condition in which the hair follicles become clogged and result in inflammation.  Scalp acne is a relatively common condition that is referred to by a variety of names, including scalp acne, Tinea Barbae, Barber's Itch, and others. 

Who gets Scalp Acne? 

Scalp acne can affect just about anyone.  Both men and women appear to be equally prone to this condition, and it affects people of all ages.  Despite its name, scalp acne can actually occur on any part of your body where hair follicles are present  including your face, arms, armpits, and legs. 

What does Scalp Acne look like? 

Most people are not aware of the appearance of scalp acne, since it most commonly appears on the scalp.  Scalp acne manifests itself as small pustules that are white-yellowish in color.  This condition usually looks ringed by narrow red circle-like blisters.  Even though scalp acne typically clogs the hair follicle, hair can still grow through pustules.  Many times, hair also grows right next to the area where the pustule resides on the hair follicle.  When picked at, pustules may ooze sebum or bloodstained pus.  In rare cases, scalp acne may develop into boils or other skin infections.  In even rarer cases, bacteria may enter through the infected hair follicle and travel into the blood stream, thereby invading the body. 

Scalp Acne Symptoms 

If you find the area surrounding your hairline consistently itchy, this may be a sign of scalp acne.  Even if you only feel a small amount of lesions, this may still be a sign of acne.  Scalp acne often infects only a small portionof the scalp, or in more severe cases, it may spread to many areas of the scalp.  Many sufferers may find that the infected areas are itchy and hard to keep from touching.  Once the infected areas have been scratched at or continually touched, they quickly become hard or crusted.  This, in turn, may cause you to want to scratch at them even more!

Scalp Acne Causes 

It appears that scalp acne begins in much the same way that acne is formed.  Like acne, scalp acne involves bacteria (and sometimes fungi) that become trapped in a pore.  In the case of scalp acne, the bacteria propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) are the main culprits.  Another main contributor is the Staphylococcus bacterium, which is responsible for a variety of eye and nose infections, as well. Other contributing factors are yeasts and mites.  When bacteria invade a hair follicle and mixes with sebum, scalp acne results. 

People often develop scalp acne when they enter a hot tub or other warm moist location that is not well chlorinated.  The temperature causes the scalp to moisten and allows hair follicles to become more susceptible to infection.  Another potential cause of scalp acne is the presence of ingrown hairs.  An ingrown hair can easily become a hotbed of bacterial activity.  Other contributing factors to the development of scalp acne include diabetes, excessive sweating, tight clothing, unsanitary conditions, exposure to heat and humidity, and other skin conditions like dermatitis and eczema. 

Flu and lingering colds may also contribute to infection.  Scalp acne is contagious, and may be easily passed from one person to another.  It is recommended that infected persons always use clean dry towels and avoid from sharing towels, combs, brushes, or other hair accessories. 

Scalp Acne Treatment

If you have a persistent case of scalp acne that bothers you, visit your doctor.  Your doctor will take your medical history and try to determine if the infection is related to a bacteria or fungus.  Once this has been determined, an appropriate treatment plan will be created.  Most of the time, treatment consists of treating the infection with an over the counter topical cream that is applied to the affected area daily.  The cream your doctor recommends will most likely be antibiotic.  If the cream does not do the job, your doctor may also prescribe a broad-spectrum oral antibiotic.  Many common topical antibiotics that are used to treat scalp acne include Bacitracin, Neomycin, and Mycitracin.  These are usually applied to the scalp acne affected areas three to four times a day. 

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