Just because scalp acne isn't talked about as much as, say, breakouts on your face, that doesn't mean it's any less prevalent — or less annoying to deal with.
According to New York City-based dermatologist, Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, the condition is very common and can also be pretty hard to treat. That's why we spoke to experts about how to identify it and the best ways to deal with it at home.
Keep reading for everything you need to know.
What is scalp acne?
"Scalp acne is often different from the acne we typically see on the face," shares Kazlouskaya. While the condition is not actually very well-defined in medical literature, the term scalp acne typically refers to inflammation of the hair follicles, known as folliculitis.
What does scalp acne look like?
“It can take the form of small red bumps on the hair follicles, larger, cystic pimples, whiteheads, itchy bumps or scabs where acneiform bumps have been scratched off,” explains Dr. Papri Sarkar, a cosmetic dermatologist in Newton, Massachusetts. She notes that while acne on your scalp can occasionally look similar to standard face pimples, that's not always the case.
And even when just a few bumps are present, some people still experience significant discomfort, Kazlouskaya says.
What causes scalp acne?
There are a number of reasons why someone may experience scalp acne, the most common being clogged pores, according to the experts. And when you're sweating a lot, wearing a hat often, using a lot of product or not washing your hair enough, those are all things that can contribute to those pores being clogged.
Can scalp acne lead to hair loss?
In most cases, no. But in more severe or chronic cases, it can, Sarkar says. “Luckily, this tends to be reversible,” she adds.
Kazlouskaya shares that the scratching and inflammation that the condition causes can also potentially lead to loss. “If inflammation significantly affects the hair follicle, there is a potential risk of hair loss.”
How do you treat scalp acne?
How you treat it depends on how widespread and severe it is, Sarkar says. "I generally recommend washing regularly, especially after sweating. Use a medicated shampoo at least a few times per week." When you use a shampoo to treat the acne, she says that you should leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing, "so it can penetrate and treat the affected skin."
Using products with anti-dandruff ingredients is often beneficial for the condition, Kazlouskaya says. "These include zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, ketoconazole and occasionally coal tar."
Both experts say that if the condition persists, you should see a board-certified dermatologist who can help you properly diagnose and treat the condition.
Here, the dermatologists share their recommendations for the best ways to treat scalp acne.
The best shampoos for scalp acne, according to dermatologists
CeraVe's Hydrating Shampoo is a good option to help support your skin's barrier, Kazlouskaya says. The 1% Pyrithione Zinc helps target itch and irritation, while the ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid help boost hydration, the brand says.
This is one of the “reliable” dandruff shampoos that Kazlouskaya recommends for those suffering from scalp acne.
The formula features three percent salicylic acid, which Sarkar says “helps to slough off dead skin, penetrates oil and starts to improve clogging here.”
While this shampoo comes in a 2% Ketoconazole prescription formula, you can get the 1% version over the counter. According to Sarkar, the shampoo can help decrease inflammation in the scalp as well as decrease the number of fungus-like organisms that like to live on oily scalps, she says.
Kazlouskaya recommends this shampoo from Seen, which she says was developed by a dermatologist and has been shown to improve acne in some people. It features ingredients like bisabolol and hemisqualane, which the brand says help to soothe skin and reduce frizz.
"This product has sodium hypochlorite in it, which is antifungal and antibacterial," Sarkar says. "In addition, it helps to calm down inflammation."
How we chose
We asked the dermatologists we spoke with about their top tips for treating scalp acne. All of the above products were recommended by the experts for this purpose.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also ensure that all expert guidance and recommendations are provided independently and without any undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, is the owner of Dermatology Circle in New York City. While she treats patients for a wide range of skin issues, she specializes in hair loss and skin cancer treatments.
- Dr. Papri Sarkar, MD, is a cosmetic dermatologist in Newton, Massachusetts. She was previously the president of the New England Dermatologic Society.
