{"id":1247885,"date":"2025-12-26T17:43:27","date_gmt":"2025-12-26T14:43:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1247885"},"modified":"2025-12-26T17:43:27","modified_gmt":"2025-12-26T14:43:27","slug":"7-treatments-for-acne-on-the-scalp-that-work-according-to-derms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1247885","title":{"rendered":"7 Treatments for Acne on the Scalp That Work, According to Derms"},"content":{"rendered":"
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7 Treatments for Acne on the Scalp That Work, According to Derms<\/h1>\n

Apparently acne shows up wherever it pleases.<\/p>\n

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By<\/span><\/p>\n
Jennifer Fauci<\/p>\n
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\"jennifer\"jennifer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nJennifer Fauci\n<\/div>\n
\nJennifer is a Quality Team editor for Byrdie, Real Simple, and The Spruce. She is also a freelance lifestyle and human interest writer, and has been featured in publications including Newsday, AAA Northeast, and The Gourmet Insider.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nByrdie’s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Updated on January 23, 2025 11:53PM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Reviewed by<\/span><\/p>\n
Julia A. Siegel, MD<\/p>\n
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\"Julia\"Julia<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Reviewed by<\/span>
\nJulia A. Siegel, MD\n<\/div>\n
\nJulia A. Siegel, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in Boston, Massachusetts. She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and has authored several peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters.\u00a0\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nAbout Byrdie’s Beauty & Wellness Board\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Board-Certified Dermatologist<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Fact checked by<\/span><\/p>\n
Anna Harris<\/p>\n
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Fact checked by<\/span>
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\nAnna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor.\u00a0\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nLEARN ABOUT BYRDIE’S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Stocksy<\/p>\n

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When it comes to scalp irritation, flakes, and dandruff tend to get the spotlight, but pimples and breakouts along the hairline can be just as frustrating. Much like any other pimple, scalp acne can be caused by a mixture of oil and dead skin cells that get stuck in hair follicles. However, lifestyle changes such as travel, stress, and lack of sleep can also contribute to scalp acne because when your cortisol levels rise, your body is more likely to produce oil, which in turn can lead to breakouts.<\/p>\n

Luckily, the treatments for these types of scalp blemishes are quite simple, so you shouldn’t be dealing with acne on your scalp for long. We talked to dermatologists, Nava Greenfield, MD, and Neal Schultz, MD, about how to treat existing breakouts and prevent future ones from forming. Read on for dermatologist-recommended tips for treating scalp pimples.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Meet the Experts<\/p>\n

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  • Nava Greenfield, MD, is a medical dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC. Her work has led to contributions in publications such as the Journal of Dermatological Treatment<\/em>.<\/li>\n
  • Neal Schultz, MD, is a New York City dermatologist with over 30 years of experience. He’s also the developer of Beauty Rx, a skincare line created to give dermatologist-office-level results at home.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    What Causes Acne on the Scalp? <\/span><\/h2>\n

    Product build-up, excess oils, and dead skin cells that clog hair follicles can all lead to scalp acne.<\/strong> Dr. Greenfield explains, “Blemishes on the scalp can be caused by a wide range of skin diseases, some of which are very benign and others that are more serious. The most common blemishes on the scalp that I see are cysts on the scalp, scalp acne, seborrheic dermatitis, or dandruff. These conditions are easily treatable with either a simple excision (for a cyst) or anti-dandruff and anti-acne medications.”<\/p>\n

    How Do You Get Rid of Acne on Your Scalp? <\/span><\/h2>\n

    Topical treatments and properly cleaning the scalp can help get rid of acne when you’re dealing with it in this specific area. <\/strong>Overall, treating acne on your scalp isn’t too different than treating the acne on your face. The same rules apply like avoiding picking at it, staying away from oils, and consulting with your dermatologist if it gets worse.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    01<\/span>of 07<\/span><\/div>\n
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    Rinse Regularly <\/span><\/h2>\n

    If you are prone to oily hair, scalp acne could be caused by an excess amount of oil. You’ll want to be sure you’re washing with water every other day, even if you skip the shampoo\u2014especially after workouts. Consider this your PSA to put away the dry shampoo (which is likely causing extra buildup and congestion anyway), and hit the showers sans suds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    02<\/span>of 07<\/span><\/div>\n
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    Lather Intentionally <\/span><\/h2>\n

    When you are ready for a thorough wash, look for shampoos to treat scalp acne with ingredients like salicylic acid, coal tar, or cortisone. We like Sachajuan’s Scalp Shampoo, which contains the former. Salicylic acid and coal tar are meant to help reduce dandruff and oil production on your scalp, while cortisone helps treat inflammation and dryness. A shampoo with cortisone is normally only available in the doctor’s office, so be sure to check with your dermatologist.<\/p>\n

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    Byrdie Tip<\/p>\n

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    If you prefer your regular shampoo because it’s volumizing or makes your hair silky soft, feel free to go in for a second wash after using an acne-formulated shampoo.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    03<\/span>of 07<\/span><\/div>\n
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    Don’t Pick <\/span><\/h2>\n

    If you must touch a pimple on your scalp, avoid picking and scratching at it as much as possible. Popping or scratching the spot can allow bacteria to enter, delaying healing time and further irritating it.\n<\/p>\n

    Even with dandruff, you can get a rash that looks like pimples. They might not technically <\/em>beacne, but they can still itch like crazy. “They get even crustier when you pick at them, which everybody does,” Dr. Schultz says. The same rule for pimples goes for this rash: Hands off.<\/p>\n

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    Byrdie Tip<\/p>\n

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    If the pimple is super itchy, try gently pressing on it instead. Adding some pressure can help take away the itch without opening up the pimple.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    04<\/span>of 07<\/span><\/div>\n
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    Remember to Exfoliate <\/span><\/h2>\n

    Using an exfoliating scalp treatment once a week can help clear your scalp of any excess dry skin.\u00a0Tea-tree oil, as an antibacterial ingredient, is an exception to other oils and can also be used to treat acne by adding a drop to your shampoo\u2014but a little goes a long way here. Too much oil may make your acne worse (more on that later).\n<\/p>\n

    Although exfoliating helps remove excess oil and dry skin, it’s better to stick to chemical exfoliants like Act+Acre’s Cold-Pressed Salicylic Acid Scalp Exfoliator, rather than physical exfoliants.\n<\/p>\n

    “The problem on the scalp is already irritation, and I’m afraid that a physical exfoliator is going to cause too much irritation,” Dr. Schultz says. If you feel you must use a physical exfoliant, stick to something gentle and only use it when your scalp isn’t seriously irritated.\n<\/p>\n

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    Key Ingredients<\/p>\n

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    Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that loosens bonds between dead skin cells. It helps stimulate collagen production and acts as a humectant, attracting moisture to the skin.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    05<\/span>of 07<\/span><\/div>\n
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    Avoid Adding Oils <\/span><\/h2>\n

    Many people with acne or severe dandruff suffer from an excess of oil on the scalp. Even though oils are great for moisturizing your hair, they can cause buildup on your scalp: “You don’t want to feed fuel to the fire; you don’t want to put oil on acne,” Dr. Schultz says.\n<\/p>\n

    Avoid using thick or greasy hair products, including hair oils, that will leave a film behind, too. Keep hair repair treatments and deep conditioning masks away from the scalp. Instead, use them to treat damaged ends as these can lend excess oil to the roots\u2014the same goes for your everyday conditioner. You can also try a treatment to control excess oils like Act+Acre’s 4% Niacinamide Scalp Serum For Oily Scalp + Hair.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    06<\/span>of 07<\/span><\/div>\n
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    Use Acne Products <\/span><\/h2>\n

    You can treat mild scalp acne with most over-the-counter acne products on the market, although you may want to avoid formulas containing benzoyl peroxide because they can lead to bleaching or discoloration of hair. A light moisturizer containing salicylic acid is a good option for small spots on your scalp, and it won’t bleach your hair either. But if your acne continues or gets really severe, consider talking to a dermatologist about an oral or topical medication that might work better for you.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    07<\/span>of 07<\/span><\/div>\n
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    Check With Your Derm <\/span><\/h2>\n

    If you’re finding frequent breakouts on your scalp, there’s a singular wise method of treatment. As Dr. Greenfield puts it:\u00a0“Bottom line: Check with your dermatologist. A dermatologist can help you categorize the types of breakouts you’re seeing and figure out the best treatment. It’s important to have a dermatologist evaluate any blemishes because other more serious diseases, like cutaneous lupus and lichen planopilaris, can also result in spots on the scalp. These can be treated as well but require closer attention by your dermatologist.”\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    FAQ<\/div>\n
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    • \n
      Can you pop scalp pimples?<\/span><\/div>\n
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      When it comes to preventing pimples on your scalp, the same rules apply as on your face, namely keeping your hands off. Picking and prodding at blemishes will only make them more numerous. Additionally, as with any other area of acne, scalp breakouts can potentially be hormonal. In that case, a visit to the dermatologist is best.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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      Can scalp pimples cause hair loss?<\/span><\/div>\n
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      The buildup that clogs hair follicles and leads to scalp acne can, in turn, potentially lead to hair loss. When the hair follicle is congested from infrequent shampooing or too-heavy products, it will become inactive which may cause hair to either thin or fall out.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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      Will my hair grow back after scalp pimples?<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Yes your hair will grow back after scalp pimples\u2014as long as the follicle is cleared and still intact. Make an appointment with your dermatologist if you’re concerned about your hair regrowth post-pimple.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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      Can stress cause scalp acne?<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Studies show there is a strong correlation between stress levels and acne severity. So yes, stress may be the (partial) cause of your scalp acne.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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      Can scalp acne be hormonal?<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Yes, scalp acne can be hormonal. Pay attention to when it pops up in correlation to your menstrual cycle\u2014and talk to your doctor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      Article Sources<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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      Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.<\/div>\n
      \n
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      1. \n

        Zari S, Alrahmani D. The association between stress and acne among female medical students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.\u00a0Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol<\/em>. 2017;10:503-506. doi:10.2147\/CCID.S148499<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      2. \n

        Leyden JJ, McGinley KJ, Mills OH, Kyriakopoulos AA, Kligman AM. Effects of sulfur and salicylic acid in a shampoo base in the treatment of dandruff: a double-blind study using corneocyte counts and clinical grading.\u00a0Cutis<\/em>. 1987;39(6):557-561.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      3. \n

        Enshaieh S, Jooya A, Siadat AH, Iraji F. The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study.\u00a0Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol<\/em>. 2007;73(1):22-25.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      4. \n

        Matin T, Goodman MB. Benzoyl peroxide. In:\u00a0StatPearls<\/em>. StatPearls Publishing; 2021.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      5. \n

        Hair loss: Who gets and causes.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      6. \n

        Jusuf NK, Putra IB, Puteri Rangkuti AD. Assessing acne severity: teledermatology versus face to face consultations during the covid-19 pandemic.\u00a0J Clin Aesthet Dermatol<\/em>. 2023;16(1):30-34.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        Read more:<\/div>\n
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        • Hair<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Scalp Care<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

          Source URL: https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/how-to-get-rid-of-pimples-on-your-scalp-4693421<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

          7 Treatments for Acne on the Scalp That Work, According to Derms Apparently acne shows up wherever it pleases. By Jennifer Fauci Jennifer Fauci Jennifer is a Quality Team editor for Byrdie, Real Simple, and The Spruce. She is also a freelance lifestyle and human interest writer, and has been featured in publications including Newsday, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[83],"class_list":["post-1247885","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-byrdie-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1247885","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1247885"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1247885\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1247885"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1247885"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1247885"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}