Garret

Scalp pimples often are actually small inflammatory areas around hair follicles and are pimples on the scalp that are different to pimples / acne of the face which is associated with the oil glands that open directly on the surface of the skin.

On the scalp, the oil glands open into the hair follicles and often you will get a little inflammation around the hair follicle. Generally the use one of the ordinary medicated tar shampoos will control it nicely. They are not true pimples such as acne on the face but simply folliculitis or inflammation of the hair follicle.

The disorder can vary in nature and basically all variations result in small, itchy pustules that are generally first noticed while combing / brushing the hair. Such pimples can get infected quickly and become a problem.

The cause of scalp pimples is not clear but generally it is micro-organisms such as yeast, mites and staph bacterium that thrive on the scalp and can lead to scalp pimples.

Sometimes yeast may infect the crown and result in a small, red rash that stubbornly hangs on when treated with a variety of lotions and shampoos. Treatment with topical antibiotics may be necessary and in more severe infestations steroids may be needed, but usually simple and unrelenting scalp hygiene will solve the problem. Sometimes the doctor may prescribe an oral as well as a topical medication to eradicate scalp pimples caused by yeast infection.

The mild forms of scalp pimples are a nuisance but nothing to worry about. The affected area usually responds to the application of a salicylic acid solution (tar shampoo) but care in use of such preparation should be taken due to the extreme dehydrating and stripping action of compounds like benzoyl peroxide that can have an adverse and permanent effect on the actual hair.

Scalp hygiene should be improved if scalp pimples become evident and persist. Any hypoallergenic shampoo calibrated for oily skin types will definitely be of benefit as they will limit the production of sebum which is the naturally produced oil on the skin.

Note that the above information refers to to adults and not the scalp pimples that can be found on babies. Scalp pimples are sometimes the result of exposure to their mother's hormones during the birthing process and simply keeping the area dry over a period of days will allow the area to generally clear up on its own.

Cradle cap may be part of an overall skin issue that can be addressed readily by rubbing baby oil onto the head and then combing through it with a small comb; this will loosen the yellowish-brown 'cap' that is somewhat attached to the skin. Sometimes small red bumps are part of the cradle cap, but it is nothing to be too concerned with as long as they are disappearing within a few days after birth.

Complete and continued cleanliness of the hair and the skin is necessary to fully eliminate serious pimples on the scalp. Many people deal with milder conditions that are merely irritating and inconvenient, but do not pose a health threat. In these cases, there are numerous over-the-counter shampoos and scalp treatments that treat scalp pimples.

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