Pimples on the head: why they appear and what to do

The appearance of small bumps or pimples on the skin of the head (scalp) is quite common and can be annoying and unsightly. The causes can be diverse, from clogged hair to the use of certain products. Change hair care routines is one of the keys to make them disappear.

Why pimples appear on the head

In the same way that it happens with the acne that affects other parts of the body, pimples on the scalp can appear due to several factors. They can be something punctual that appears, for example, by rubbing a headband or a hat, or lengthen in time. Among the most common causes are:

A excessive production of oil (sebum) that clogs the hair follicles and causes the formation of pimples.A poor or inadequate hygiene of the scalp, which favors the accumulation of dirt, excess fat and dead cells.

He use of hair care products (shampoos, softeners, lacquers, gels…) that leave residues that accumulate on the scalp and can clog the pores. folliculitisan infection of the hair follicles caused by bacteria or fungus that can cause small red bumps or pimples to appear on the scalp. allergic reaction to certain products or ingredients in hair care products. changes in hormone levels They can also favor the appearance of pimples.

Pimples on the head due to stress

Stress can trigger acne breakouts or worsen existing skin problems. It can cause increased fat production, promote inflammation, and affect hormone balance.

Anxiety and stress can also that we touch our faces morewe scratch or we burst the pimples, which favors that they become infected.

Spend some time a day practice relaxation techniquesas the meditation waves deep breaths, can help you manage stress. In addition,sleep enough hours it is crucial to reduce stress and maintain healthy skin.

Hard pimples on the head (cysts)

A special case are cystssome bumps or hard and large grains that appear on the scalp. They form under the skin and contain fluid, sebum or keratin inside, depending on the type of cyst:

The sebaceous cysts They form when the sebaceous glands become clogged, leading to sebum buildup under the skin. pilar cysts (or trichilemmal cysts) are painless and slowly increase in size over time. They form in clogged hair follicles and contain keratin. epidermoid cysts They form when skin cells become trapped below the skin’s surface.

Although they are usually benignthey can become inflamed and if they are annoying can be drained or surgically removed. Do not try to pop them yourself, because the only thing you will achieve is that they get infected.

Treatment and prevention of pimples on the head

In order for the pimples to disappear from the head, it is important be constant in hygiene and hair care measures:

wash your hair regularly with a Gentle shampoo without perfumes or toxic to remove dirt and oil.Avoid hair products that contain chemicals aggressive or that leave residues on the scalp.

Don’t wear hats or headbands for the hair for a long time to avoid rubbing and irritation.Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to help regulate your hormone levels. Applying a warm compress to the affected area can help reduce inflammation.Do not scratch or pop the pimplesbecause you could infect them.

If the cause of the pimples is folliculitis, it is likely that you need a specific antifungal or antibacterial treatment prescribed by a dermatologist. In the same way, you should consult a specialist if the pimples persist or become painful.