Pimples on the head are often painful and annoying, especially when combing hair. This condition can be caused by various things and to overcome it, there are some easy ways that you can do at home.
Pimples on the head or folliculitis occur when the pores or hair follicles become clogged and inflamed due to a bacterial, fungal, or mite infection. This condition is usually characterized by a red bump and sometimes accompanied by pus in the center.
Pimples that appear on the head will usually cause pain and itching. If left untreated, pimples that break out on the scalp can cause scabs or scars to go bald.
Factors that cause acne on the head
The following are some habits that cause clogged scalp pores, triggering acne:
- Not keeping the hair and scalp clean
- Do not wash your hair immediately after exercising or traveling outside the house
- Using hair care products that are not suitable for the scalp, for example
- A lot of sweating on the scalp, for example from wearing a hat or helmet for too long
In addition, several types of diseases, such as diabetes, leukemia, and HIV/AIDS, are also known to increase the risk of developing acne on the scalp.
Overcoming Acne on the Head Independently at Home
Pimples on the head that are small and not inflamed generally go away on their own and do not require special treatment. However, so that pimples on the head can disappear quickly, you can apply the following methods:
1. Routinely keep hair and scalp clean
Keeping your hair and scalp clean is the most effective way to get rid of pimples on your head. Wash your hair and scalp twice a day with clean water and shampoo. Make sure the shampoo product you use is suitable for your scalp type, so it doesn't cause pimples on your head.
For mild to moderate acne on the head, you can try shampoo products that contain salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and ketoconazole or ciclopirox.
Salicylic acid and glycolic acid are able to exfoliate dead skin cells and kill bacteria. Meanwhile, ketoconazole or ciclopirox can eradicate the fungus that grows on the scalp.
If your scalp is sensitive, choose a shampoo with mild chemicals that don't irritate the skin. The shampoo usually has a label hypoallergenic.
2. Avoid excessive use of hair care products
If a pimple appears on the scalp, you are advised to reduce or even avoid using hair care products, such as hair oil and hairspray. These products usually contain ingredients that can cause clogging of the pores on the scalp, thereby making acne breakouts worse.
3. Use a salt water compress
Compressing the scalp with warm salt water is known to be effective for dealing with acne on the head. Wipe the scalp with warm water that has been mixed with 1 teaspoon of salt before shampooing. In addition to warm salt water, you can also try using white vinegar or baking soda.
4. Avoid squeezing pimples
The important thing that you also need to remember is to avoid squeezing the pimple using your fingers or any tools. This can actually cause acne to become inflamed and trigger infection.
In addition, avoid shaving your hair for a while until the acne shrinks, especially if you use an electric haircut. This is done to prevent the risk of injury or infection if the pimple breaks due to exposure to the shaver.
Overcoming Acne on the Head with Doctor's Handling
If the various ways above have been done but the acne on the head does not go away, you should immediately consult a doctor. Direct treatment by a doctor should also be done if the acne on the head is severe and causes hair loss.
To treat severe acne on the head, doctors will usually prescribe medications such as antibiotics, corticosteroids, and isotretinoin. If the cause of acne on the head is a fungal infection, the doctor will prescribe antifungal medication. These drugs can be given in the form of oral medications or topical medications.
In addition, the doctor will also recommend that you undergo light therapy and acne extraction to clean the pores and eradicate acne.
Steps to Prevent Acne on the Head
The following are some ways you can do to prevent acne on the head:
- Clean your hair and scalp regularly, especially after work, sports, and wearing a hat or head covering.
- Use hair and scalp cleaning products that are mild and gentle.
- Keep your bed clean by changing pillowcases and bed linen regularly to avoid mites that can infect the scalp and trigger acne.
Apart from certain habits, acne on the head can also appear due to diseases on the scalp, such as skin cysts, abscesses on the scalp, and seborrheic dermatitis.
Therefore, immediately consult a dermatologist to find out the exact cause of the pimples on the head that appear. Thus, appropriate treatment can be carried out according to the conditions you are experiencing.