Scalp acne isn’t as exposed as facial acne, but the former is often the most painful kind of pimple – especially when you hit it with a brush. If that’s not bad, scalp acne is also harder to treat than the facial variety because they are covered by hair. The primary reason why there’s acne on the scalp is because the oils and dead skin cells get trapped in the hair follicles. When they accumulate, they are food for the bacteria that become acne.
If you’re among those who have oily scalps or you sweat a lot, you are prone to scalp acne. But if you’re already suffering from the pesky zits on your scalp, here are ways to treat them at home:
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
You’ve probably heard about this vinegar as an alternative to shampoos and ACV can also keep your scalp healthy. It can help restore the natural pH of your hair. Plus, it has antioxidants that can stop inflammation. To use the vinegar, just mix one part ACV with two parts water and massage onto your scalp.
2. Tomatoes
Like apple cider vinegar, tomatoes are renowned for their use on skin and hair. They contain salicylic acid that is actually one of the most effective treatments for acne. Just get some tomato juice and apply onto your scalp. The juice not only speeds up elimination of the pimples, but can also stimulate hair growth while making hair shinier.
3. Garlic
Aside from tomatoes, garlic is also a great source of salicylic acid. This vegetable is well-known for its healthy amounts of antioxidants as well as its antifungal and antiviral properties. You can make garlic tea and put the liquid to your scalp. Just peel four cloves of garlic in three cups of water. Don’t be worried about the smell because you will rinse it afterwards.
4. Healthy Routine
You’ve probably been told that you shouldn’t wash your hair every day. But this isn’t good for people who have zits on their scalp. Do your best to wash your hair regularly, especially if you have oily hair as this is the best strategy for preventing bacteria buildup. Don’t just rinse with just water because this will not remove the oil. Avoid using dry shampoos either as they only mask the oil. What’s worse, the product can accumulate onto your scalp and this can cause clogged pores, which is another cause of pimples.
If your scalp acne doesn’t go away despite your home and over-the-counter treatments, go to a dermatologist who will take care of it really fast. Usually, the pimple will be injected with cortisone and the skin will become clear in just a day.