Posts Tagged ‘healthy scalp’

Scalp Breakouts and Acne

Friday, June 4th, 2010

Scalp Breakouts and How to Stop Them

Sometimes the scalp can break out with bumps and acne just like your face or other parts of the body.  Most people are surprised by scalp breakouts.  They can be itchy and uncomfortable. 

Scalp breakouts can vary from a small patch of bumps to pimples that cover the entire scalp.  Some people even experience boils and open scalp sores.  This severe form of acne can be painful.  Because it is often itchy, most people find it impossible not to scratch.  Scratching will make the problem worse.  Some scalps may even become infected.   Scratching can also lead to scaring and damage to the hair follicle.  This sometimes can cause the hair to fall out.

So what causes the scalp to break out?  If the scalp is too dry or too oily it will become susceptible to acne.  If the scalp is too dry the follicle will often be left open and will allow bacteria or fungus to be trapped inside and bumps will form.  Small amounts of fungus are typical on the scalp, but if the scalp has an abundance of oil the fungus can multiply.  This excess of fungus and oil can cause scalp buildup around the hair follicle and start a breakout. 

Scalp acne and bumps are complicated by the fact that they are covered with hair.  The hair makes it hard to reach and treat scalp problems.  The best treatment and prevention is a balanced and clean scalp.  Too many of the shampoos and conditioners have a ph level that is too high.  The scalp needs a balanced ph and a balance of oil in order to be healthy.    

Acne on the face is often treated with benzoyl peroxide, but this is not a good product for the scalp.  Benzoyl peroxide and other chemicals will make the scalp too dry and cause more problems.  Benzoyl peroxide has also been shown to take the color out of hair.  It is especially harsh on damaged or chemically treated hair.

Zinc pca is a natural ingredient that can work to get the scalp truly balanced.  It is capable of getting deep into the hair follicle to gently cleanse and remove bacteria.  It is also good for normalizing the scalp because it regulates the sebum gland.  Zinc helps stop the sebum gland from over producing or under producing oil.  A well balanced scalp is a healthy one.  It is a great start to shiny healthy hair and scalp.