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scalp acne?
  • mcc
    Hi, I've just joined and have enjoyed reading the discussions for a few months now. I would like some feedback on this odd problem I've had for a few years now -- it feels as though I have zits on my scalp that sometimes stay for a while, and sometimes even hurt when they're touched (same as if they're on the face and are really inflamed). Am I not brushing enough? Am I washing my hair too much? I just switched to Pantene after listening to the last podcast (not having used it in many years) and am finding my hair is looking so much better, and the scalp is feeling better, but the spots are still there. BTW, I can't quite see them under my hair, as it is very fine but there's lots of it. My previous hairstylist was encouraging me not to wash my hair everyday, but I hadn't mentioned these little problems. I have combination skin on my face, with the oily spots continuing to give me trouble (I'm 43 this year!). It doesn't help that I'm starting to see a few grey hairs, which I know can't be connected to these scalp zits. Still, I would love to implicate them. Any help would be much appreciated and sorry for being so wordy.
  • lindygirl1960
    Just a forum member here. Your scalp is skin too. And it sounds as though it is simply breaking out. I have had similar problems in the past.

    I don't use shampoo every day. I conditioner wash with a cheap, no silicone conditioner every day and only use shampoo every third day. It could be that washing less frequently would help your scalp to become more normal. I have wavy/curly hair, but even if your hair is straight, washing with shampoo only every third day or so is not going to hurt anything.

    Also I don't ever brush my hair unless I am drying it straight and it is rare for me to do that now. Brushing makes wavy/curly hair FRIZZ.

    Hope experimenting with shampooing less works for you. If it doesn't and you continue to have this painful problem it might be a good idea to check in with a dermatologist.
  • sarahf
    In light of a blog post I saw not too long ago, I wonder if it's folliculitis.  http://thebeautybrains.com/2010/11/21/how-to-get-rid-of-razor-bumps-and-ingrown-hairs/  I know you're not shaving your head lol.  But I think it can occur on intact hairs too.  See http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/folliculitis/DS00512
    Sarah
  • mcc
    Hi Lindygirl and Sarah,

    Thanks for the feedback. I used EO conditioner yesterday instead of shampooing and my hair seemed to like it. But then I noticed skin flakes -- dandruff? It happens when I haven't washed the hair, and it's actually why I brush it at times. I'm contemplating either Head and Shoulders or visiting a dermatologist now... The Mayo clinic info helped me decide that a doctor's advice would be welcome at some level, perhaps!
  • sarahf
    Yeah, didn't mean to scare you w/ the mayo clinic thing. But whether it's dandruff or folliculitis, my lay person research seemed to suggest that cleansing well (removing scalp oil) is actually a good thing. People who have scalp irritations often go the other direction and try shampooing less often, but in some cases, it's better to keep things clean and clear. But if it doesn't clear up in a week or two, I'd see a doc.
  • lindygirl1960
    I agree with Sarah. If it doesn't clear up soon see a doc!

    Also, and yes this sounds crazy but oddly enough it works, when I get build-up on my scalp (which rarely happens) I have found that making a scrub to use actually helps it a lot. I mix 2 tablespoons or so of plain white sugar with my daily co-wash conditioner in a small bowl. Then I wet my hair down in the shower and use the mixture as a scrub. It works for me.

    I don't know if I would try it with my scalp broken out though. That would hurt.
  • BeautyBear
    ONE: If you have scalp pimples, it could be caused or exacerbated by using products that leave residue on the scalp. (I get them when I use Anything containing Silicones)

    TWO: Not getting your scalp clean enough by using shampoos that are too gentle or too conditioning or using conditioner instead of shampoo.

    THREE: Over-cleaning your hair, resulting in a scalp condition that creates excess scalp oil production. If you strip the scalp until its protective oil barrier is gone the scalp becomes dry, tight and irritated and the only way the scalp can correct this is by producing more oil. Many people who used 'OILY HAIR' shampoos or 'EVERY NIGHT' or 'SUPER CLEANING' shampoos in the 1960's, 1970's and 1980's experienced this same problem.

    Try using a scalp shampoo like Neutrogena T-Sal or T-Gel or Selsun Naturals and washing only every three or four days for a couple of weeks and see if it clears up. You could dilute the shampoo in water in a long tipped squeeze bottle and apply Only to your scalp and Gently massage and rinse with cool or tepid water.
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