The appearance of small bumps or pimples on the skin of the head (scalp) is quite common and can be annoying and unsightly. The causes can be diverse, from clogged hair to the use of certain products. Change hair care routines It is one of the keys to making them disappear.
Why do pimples appear on the head?
In the same way that happens with the acne that affects other parts of the body, pimples on the scalp can appear due to several factors. They can be something specific which appears, for example, from rubbing against a hair band or a hat, or lengthen over time. Among the most common causes are:
- A excessive oil (sebum) production which clogs hair follicles and causes pimples to form.
- A poor or inadequate hygiene of the scalp, which favors the accumulation of dirt, excess oil and dead cells.
- He use of hair care products (shampoos, conditioners, hairsprays, hair gels…) that leave residue that accumulates on the scalp and can clog the pores.
- The folliculitisan infection of the hair follicles caused by bacteria or fungi that can cause small red bumps or pimples to appear on the scalp.
- A allergic reaction to certain products or ingredients in hair care products.
- The changes in hormonal levels They can also promote the appearance of pimples.
Pimples on the head due to stress
Stress can trigger acne breakouts or worsen existing skin problems. It can cause increased fat production, promote inflammation and affect hormonal balance.
Anxiety and stress can also cause that we touch our faces morewe scratch or pop our pimples, which encourages them to become infected.
Dedicate time a day to practice relaxation techniqueslike the meditation or the deep breathscan help you manage stress. In addition,sleep enough hours It is crucial to reduce stress and maintain healthy skin.
Hard pimples on the head (cysts)
A special case are the cystssome protuberances or hard and large grains that appear on the scalp. They form under the skin and contain fluid, sebum or keratin inside, depending on the type of cyst:
- The sebaceous cysts They form when sebaceous glands become clogged, leading to a buildup of sebum under the skin.
- The pilar cysts (or trichilemmal cysts) are painless and slowly increase in size over time. They form in clogged hair follicles and contain keratin.
- The epidermoid cysts They form when skin cells become trapped beneath the skin’s surface.
Although They are usually benignthey can become inflamed and if they are annoying can be drained or surgically removed. Don’t try to pop them yourself, as all you will do is cause them to become infected.
Treatment and prevention of pimples on the head
For the pimples on your head to disappear, it is important Be consistent in hygiene and hair care measures:
- Wash your hair regularly with a Gentle shampoo without perfumes or toxins to remove dirt and oil.
- Avoid hair products that contain chemicals aggressive or that leave residue on the scalp.
- Don’t wear hats or ribbons for hair for a long time to avoid friction and irritation.
- Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to help regulate your hormonal levels.
- Applying a warm compress to the affected area can help reduce swelling.
- Don’t scratch or pop pimplesbecause you could infect them.
If the cause of your pimples is folliculitis, you will likely need a specific antifungal or antibacterial treatment prescribed by a dermatologist. Likewise, it is advisable that you consult a specialist if pimples persist or become painful.