Scalp zits are easily one of the most annoying skin conditions related to the scalp. They seem to appear out of nowhere and stay for quite a while if untreated. Unless a proper skincare regimen is used, they can end up being a constant bother to those who care about the health of their hair and skin.

They resemble face and back acne in terms of their nature of origin and the time it takes for them to appear and disappear with or without the help of medication. Several experts have explained why they appear and the best ways to prevent and treat them.

Causes

Acne can appear due to a wide range of reasons. The reason for it appearing on scalps is directly related to the deposits of oil, hair products and dead skin cells around hair follicles. This often results from not washing out hair products such as hair gel, conditioners and shampoo. This product clogs up and causes inflammation, becoming what is known as a zit.

Moreover, according to dermatology experts, constant excessive sweating, especially during summers, can help propagate the issue. Wearing headgear while doing a strenuous activity such as exercise can increase the chances of clogging up the scalp, giving rise to scalp zits.

Treatment

Various dermatologists say that these zits disappear on their own if there are one or only a few of them. They advise not to pick them because it causes damage to the skin. It can be tempting, but it is best to refrain from doing so. Instead, use a good anti-inflammatory shampoo to help treat the zits. If the problem persists and they reappear in higher numbers, it is best to use a proper medication like spot treatment and special shampoos.

Using a shampoo is the easiest and cheapest solution. Choose shampoos with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, ketoconazole, ciclopirox or other anti-fungal agents. Gently applying such a shampoo will make sure the protective layer of the scalp isn’t harmed while cleansing the affected areas.

In general, any anti-dandruff shampoo that contains any anti-fungal agent will be effective. The prime causes (which are the excessive oil deposits from clogged pores, bacteria, hair product and other gunk) are removed by these shampoos after applying them only a few times over a week.

If this does not help your condition, it is best to visit your dermatologist. Further measures include using antibiotics and spot treatments. In this case, it is best to act according to your doctor’s recommendation.

Product Recommendations

Fekkai Apple Cider Shampoo — $14

It is a silicon-free clarifying shampoo. Packed with apple cider which is anti-microbial and kills bacteria while balancing the pH value of the skin. This product plays its part in dissolving dead skin cells around the clogged pores on the scalp. The great thing is it does not dry out the hair, so it can be used several times a week. It can also be used as a weekend purifier to help get rid of the whole week’s hair stress.

Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo — $15

One of the most popular options, it is advised not to use it more than twice a week because the ingredients are rather strong. It contains ketoconazole, an anti-fungal agent that targets yeast which is the cause of scalp pimples and zits. It prevents itching, flaking, scaling and several similar conditions. One major plus point here is that it can be used on color-treated, chemically processed hair as well.

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo — $34

This option has tea tree oil (derived from the leaves of tea tree) as its major ingredient, which acts as a powerful anti-microbial and anti-fungal agent. It is vegan, paraben-free and color-safe. It helps soothe irritated, red skin and removes oil, excess hair product and bacteria that cause zits on the scalp. The formula contains peppermint and lavender, which refresh the hair and increase the blood circulation in the head.

Aveda Pramasana Purifying Scalp Cleanser — $35

This is a cleanser which is made to rejuvenate your scalp. It uses a mixture of salicylic acid in its natural form and several other natural botanical ingredients, which make it feel refreshing and stress relieving. It contains seaweed extract, lactobacillus (which helps preserve the scalp’s natural protective barrier) and tamanu oil, which is an antioxidant that guards the scalp against harmful materials. The ingredient babassu oil primarily helps cleanse scalp zits.

Final Thoughts

Scalp zits can be removed with special shampoos. It is possible to reduce the chances of them appearing by thoroughly washing your hair after applying any product to ensure that it does not st