How to treat acne on the scalp

Acne on the scalp may be caused by hormonal changes during puberty, excessive stress, unhealthy lifestyle habits, proliferation of Propionibacterium acnes, or seborrheic dermatitis, and improvements can be made according to different situations. It is recommended to visit a hospital promptly and receive treatment under the guidance of a doctor.

1. Hormonal changes during puberty: During puberty, elevated levels of androgens in the body stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, which can block hair follicles and lead to acne formation. Maintain good personal hygiene, regularly clean the scalp, and avoid using excessively oily hair waxes or styling products.

2. Excessive stress: Stress can affect hormonal balance in the body, particularly increasing cortisol levels, which stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, thus promoting acne formation. It is recommended to adopt effective stress management strategies, such as engaging in moderate exercise, ensuring adequate sleep, and practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing.

3. Unhealthy lifestyle habits: Long-term late nights, fatigue, and neglecting scalp hygiene are unhealthy habits that can easily lead to endocrine disorders in the body, triggering skin lesions and resulting in scalp acne. It is recommended to improve lifestyle habits, maintain a regular schedule, avoid staying up late and overexertion, and pay attention to scalp cleanliness by using mild shampoo and facial cleansers.

4. Proliferation of Propionibacterium acnes: If excessive Propionibacterium acnes bacteria multiply on the scalp skin, these bacteria can break down sebum and produce inflammatory factors, causing inflammatory reactions on the scalp and leading to acne. It is recommended to use medications such as clindamycin gel, ofloxacin gel, or compound vitamin B tablets under the guidance of a doctor to improve the condition.

5. Seborrheic dermatitis: Seborrheic dermatitis is associated with factors like sebum overproduction, microbial infections, and nutritional deficiencies, which can damage the scalp's barrier function and trigger inflammatory responses, affecting the normal function of hair follicles and sebaceous glands, leading to sebum accumulation and acne formation. Symptoms may include an oily scalp, itching, flaking, and red patches. It is recommended to follow medical advice to use medications such as clobetasol propionate cream, dexamethasone acetate cream, or halometasone cream to alleviate discomfort.

Prior to undergoing treatment, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to ensure safety and effectiveness. Additionally, maintaining good lifestyle and dietary habits is also important for the prevention and treatment of scalp acne.