Angry, annoying pimples aren’t just limited to your face and body: Scalp acne is a very real struggle, too—and can be a major headache to deal with. These breakouts aren’t as common as the ones on your chin, forehead, or back, but “they’re not exactly rare either,” Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Premier Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, tells SELF. Think about it: You have tons of hair follicles and oil-producing sebaceous glands on your scalp. And if they get clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and/or product buildup, it’s not unusual for a few pimples to pop up, Dr. Zubritsky explains.
Keep in mind, though, that not all scalp blemishes are necessarily acne. So before you start self-diagnosing, scroll below for everything you need to know about zits on top of your head—including how to treat them, how to prevent them, and how your styling products might be contributing to the problem.
First, what is scalp acne?
Just like the breakouts on your face, acne on your scalp can take the form of whiteheads, papules (tiny flesh-colored bumps), and cysts around your hairline, roots, or the back of your neck, Howard Sobel, MD, clinical dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, tells SELF.
However, if you’re experiencing more tender-to-touch or super itchy bumps, you may actually have scalp folliculitis, not acne. This skin condition looks pretty similar, and some of the treatment recommendations are the same—like avoiding pore-blocking ingredients and regularly washing your hair. The main difference? Folliculitis shows up when hair follicles become inflamed (not just clogged) from a bacterial or fungal infection. As a result, these spots tend to be monomorphic (all the same size), smaller, itchier, and more painful than the average zit, Dr. Sobel explains.
What causes scalp acne?
“Scalp pimples can be caused by numerous factors, including but not limited to bacteria, hormones, and excess oil production,” Dr. Zubritsky says. And while head zits don’t necessarily favor a certain hair type or texture, Tiffany Clay-Ramsey, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Epiphany Dermatology in Atlanta, tells SELF that they’re more common in folks with thin, straight strands—since that hair type tends to be oilier (which in turn can lead to congested pores). Similarly, people with greasier roots in general are more likely to get pimples on their scalp.
Other possible culprits include heavy hair care products such as gels, pomades, waxes, and hairsprays—all of which can trigger acne cosmetica (breakouts stemming from things applied directly to the skin), per the American Academy of Dermatology. Frequently wearing a hat may contribute to breakouts, too—the friction can irritate your scalp and the material can trap oil and bacteria, Dr. Zubritsky says.
In more severe cases, annoying spots hiding in your hair can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition like lichen planopilaris (a form of alopecia), scalp psoriasis (itchy, scaly patches or plaques), and seborrheic dermatitis (scalp eczema). “This is especially true if you’re experiencing more concerning things like bleeding, flaking, or pain,” Dr. Zubritsky adds—in which case, it’s best to see a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.
How to treat scalp acne at home
Whatever you do, “absolutely do not squeeze or pop the pimples,” Dr. Sobel says. You run the risk of creating open wounds, which are entry points for bacteria. So, touching them with your fingers can increase your risk of infection.
