Scalp Acne

**CMan0928** · 10-03-2011, 06:32 PM

I currently use Head And Shoulders Hair Endurance, which I love. It seems to do a really good job of managing my oily scalp and it's fairly cheap. However, does anyone know of any methods for clearing up acne on the scalp? Mostly on the back of the head, behind the ears, and on the crown of the scalp? I get my hair cut like every 3 weeks, and I usually get it blended with a #1 up to a #3 guard. So you can see my skin underneath because the hair is being cut so short. This causes a problem when your head is full of acne. Any feedback? Thanks.

**Deacon Frank** · 10-04-2011, 08:58 PM

Are you sure it's acne and not a dermatitis?

I used to get "pimples" on my scalp until I stopped using shampoos containing Laureth/Lauryl Sulfates. I think they dried out my skin causing the irritation that looked like pimples.

**kzoo1** · 10-05-2011, 05:15 AM

I had the same problem. I too get my hair cut every three weeks, using a number one guard. My wife's stylist said it could be the oils used on the clippers and suggested washing my hair right after getting it cut. I haven't had much of an issue with it since.

**AABCDS** · 10-05-2011, 06:20 AM

Originally Posted by kzoo1

I had the same problem. I too get my hair cut every three weeks, using a number one guard. My wife's stylist said it could be the oils used on the clippers and suggested washing my hair right after washing. I haven't had much of an issue with it since.

That's a lot of washing!

**johnnyxxl** · 10-05-2011, 07:08 AM

Lets just live in tub. I wouldn't mind if it was warm and i could shave

**eyebright** · 10-05-2011, 08:03 AM

It sounds to me like the shampoo you're using isn't right for you.

**kzoo1** · 10-06-2011, 11:06 AM

Originally Posted by AABCDS

That's a lot of washing!

Oops...fixed it. Thanks!

**BullGoose** · 10-16-2011, 04:32 PM

It sounds like an allergy to me. Either an allergy to your shampoo/conditioner/hair tonic or a general allergy to pollen or pet dander.

**The Count of Merkur Cristo** · 10-16-2011, 08:14 PM

CMan:
If none of the members advice / suggestions seem to work...don't waste anymore of your time & money. Get a appointment / consultation with your local dermatologist about your scalp condition.

"Laughter is the best medicine". Unknown Author

**BullGoose** · 10-16-2011, 09:46 PM

Originally Posted by The Count of Merkur Cristo

Get a appointment / consultation with your local dermatologist about your scalp condition.

+1 That is the best advice.

**Arkansas** · 10-20-2011, 05:33 PM

You could try the shampoo bar and/or vinegar rinse trick.
After about 3 weeks using CV auryvedic (spelling?) shampoo bar, my scalp condition improved considerably.

**Walter Sobchak** · 10-20-2011, 05:44 PM

Folliculitis can appear to be acne on the head. Probably a visit to a Derm Doc will give you the best result. Good Luck.

**DUQ** · 10-28-2011, 05:05 PM

I used to get scalpne myself. I used to use a mild anti dandruff shampoo everyday but noticed pimples starting at the back of my head. I also noticed my sclap was much more oily than before. So I started only using the dandruff stuff twice per week and the problem went away. I use baby shampoo in between. Over stimulating the scalp causes more oil to be produced which then clogs the pores.

**Mirrorsaw** · 10-29-2011, 09:10 AM

I have then on my neck where my head hair starts to grow. And I have had them for as long as I can remember. Middle school at lest. I would buzz my hair once a month, and they were always there... I have been waiting till my current shampoo and body wash runs out then ordering hand mad soaps that don't have the SLS and see if that makes a difference... (I also use Head And Shoulders. But just cuz it makes my hair soft.)

**StillShaving** · 11-01-2011, 07:22 PM

I have posted similar statement before but don't overlook using Listerine. It works.

**Steady** · 11-01-2011, 07:25 PM

I've use distilled vinegar on the scalp and did help clear up some acme. Also worked great for foot odor / athlete foot and backme.

**CMan0928** · 03-23-2012, 10:11 PM

My apologies for reopening an old thread, but I had another question pertaining to this subject and didn't want to create a new discussion on it. What do you guys think of Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo for someone with scalp acne? It's sulfate-free and judging from the ingredient list, looks really gentle. Any thoughts or experiences with this?

**Walter Sobchak** · 03-24-2012, 06:02 AM

Have you gone to a dermatologist?

Take a look at shampoos with Tea Tree Oil.

**CMan0928** · 03-24-2012, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by Walter Sobchak

Have you gone to a dermatologist?

Take a look at shampoos with Tea Tree Oil.

No, I haven't made an appointment to see a Dermatologist yet. Mostly for two reasons. One, because my health insurance is awful and it will end up costing me an arm and a leg (literally). Two, the Dermatologist closest to my home is about 90 years old and not very good. I saw him once when I was a teenager for mild acne and he immediately tried to put me on Accutane. That was his Plan A. I haven't investigated any other MD's outside my immediate area as of yet, however. I'm gonna try a combination of Kiehl's Tea Tree Oil Shampoo and Neutrogena's T/Sal Shampoo and see what kind of results I get. If that doesn't give me the results I want, I'll see a Doctor. Good advice though, fellas. Much appreciated.

**vitalMyth** · 03-24-2012, 05:12 PM

I was getting terrible scalp acne as well until I started using an all-natural shampoo and conditioner, and I stopped washing my hair as much also. The acne cleared up steadily over the course of 7-10 days after I made the switch, and has never been back since. Here's what's possibly going on, as far as I can gather from this thread and my own research and experience:

- Allergy to shampoo
- Allergy to conditioner
- Allergy to styling product
- Excessive drying of scalp
- Something else

You can fix the first three problems by switching to different products. Try to avoid shampoos with the ingredients you read about here: http://www.savvyskin.com/shampoo-ingredients-to-avoid. I really like the shampoo and conditioner I recently bought, which are rosemary-lemon scented and doing a lovely job with my hair. I bought the shampoo, conditioner, and hair spray, all of which I'm very happy with. You can find them here: http://www.amazon.com/Aloe-80-Organi...2633964&sr=8-3

As for styling products, you may or may not use them and you may or may not have a variety of them already anyway, but try a new one, or try going a few days without using any if possible, etc. For further discussion on this sub-topic just reply and I'll be happy to delve further.

When I had scalp acne, I was definitely drying my scalp out too much. You can prevent excessive drying of your scalp by not actually washing your hair all the time. You shouldn't put cleansing products through your hair except as-needed when it's got product that needs to come out or it's dirty from sweating, being outdoors, etc. Now, I only actually use shampoo and conditioner on my hair if I have really made it gross with a molding clay, pomade, or any type of activity where it's bound to have caught a bunch of dust or sweat or something. Otherwise, I just wet it, run my fingers through it a bit, and dry it.

If all that doesn't work after 2 weeks, it might be time to see a dermatologist.