If a universal skin woe haunts most teens and young adults, it’s the dreaded “pimple.” Few escape its unwelcome visitation. They appear on your scalp when you think they are limited to your face, chest, or back! Yes, acne and pimples can strike various body parts, including the scalp. Don’t fret; let’s delve into the realm of scalp pimples and explore some natural remedies to bid them a swift and effective farewell.
About Scalp Pimples Or Scalp Acne
Our skin is the largest organ in our body, exposed to all kinds of good and bad situations. The effects of every unhealthy condition are mirrored by it directly. Being an extended version of the skin, the scalp is also prone to different issues, including breakouts.
If you have an oily scalp or a tendency to sweat often, you might have already experienced ‘scalp folliculitis’ (commonly known as ‘scalp pimples’ or ‘scalp acne’). (1) the scalp breaks out in this condition as one or more hair follicles are inflamed. It is equally painful as any other acne or breakout and highly annoying. However, scalp pimples pop out beneath the skin of the scalp. Hence, they are slightly difficult to deal with.
Reasons That Cause Scalp Pimples
As mentioned earlier, pimples develop on the scalp due to the blocking of the hair follicles. Several factors can elevate the issue of follicle inflammation and trigger pimples on the scalp. These include: (2)
- Excessive sweating of the scalp
- Dust and pollution
- Lack of hygiene
- Unhealthy lifestyle
- Poor diet
- Addiction to caffeine
- An increase in stress level
- Side effects of medicines
- Heredity
How To Treat Scalp Pimples
The good news is that scalp pimples can be treated easily and prevented by making minor tweaks in your everyday life. Here are the tips you need to follow to get rid of them:
- Treat your scalp with the utmost love and care, just like the rest of your body. Always keep it dry, clean, and free from excess oil.
- Bring healthy changes to your daily diet and maintain a healthy lifestyle for preventing and managing scalp pimples in the long run.
- Many anti-acne medications intended for the scalp are available on the market. However, it is better to consult with an expert before taking these.
Home Remedies For Scalp Pimples
There are quite a lot of simple and effective home remedies that can help you cure pesky scalp pimples naturally. Check them out below: (3)
1. Neem Leaves
Neem leaves have medicinal properties (anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and so on). Hence, washing the scalp and hair in water boiled with fresh neem leaves proves highly effective in removing pimples from the scalp.
2. Lemon Juice
Squeeze out the fresh juice of half a lemon and apply it directly to the pimples on your scalp. The oil-controlling capacity of lemon juice will reduce the excess oil production on your scalp and keep it flake-free, thereby eliminating pimples.
2. Garlic
Being a potent anti-inflammatory ingredient, garlic can keep scalp pimples away. Applying crushed garlic or its juice directly to the scalp also dries up pimples quickly and eliminates the pain caused by them.
4. Ripe Papaya
Not only is papaya a rich source of antioxidants, but it also helps soothe inflammation. Grind a few pieces of ripe papaya (with its seeds) into a smooth paste and apply it all over your scalp by covering the follicles. This gives instant relief from scalp pimples.
5. Wheatgrass Juice
Wheatgrass is rich in antioxidants, which help detoxify the body and keep the scalp clean. Therefore, consuming wheatgrass juice daily is beneficial for curing scalp pimples.
6. Yogurt And Oatmeal
Both yogurt and oatmeal have excellent anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, oatmeal helps cleanse the scalp, while yogurt soothes it beautifully. So, mix two tablespoons of fine oatmeal powder with three tablespoons of fresh yogurt and apply it all over your scalp, covering the roots and follicles nicely. Once it dries, rinse it off with lukewarm water.
7. Groundnut Oil And Lime Juice
Cold-pressed groundnut oil has excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities, while the lime juice frees the scalp from excess oil and dandruff. So, apply a concoction of groundnut oil and freshly squeezed lime juice to your scalp, focusing on the troubled areas.
8. Nutmeg And Raw Milk
Grate one nutmeg, mix it with raw milk, and apply the mixture to the pimples on your scalp. Leave it for a few hours and wash it off with plain water. Nutmeg is full of medicinal value, and combining it with milk eliminates the pimples and their marks.
9. Olive Oil And Tea Tree Oil
The medicinal properties of tea tree oil eliminate pimples, while the nourishing qualities of olive oil help heal the affected area of the scalp thoroughly. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a tablespoon of olive oil and massage it on your scalp. Rinse it off after an hour or two to see great results.
10. Lavender Oil Blend
Lavender oil can control excess oil secretion on the scalp and dry up pimples like magic. Mix 1 part of lavender oil with 1 part olive oil and four parts of tea tree oil, and apply the oil blend to the affected areas of your scalp. Leave it on the scalp for 30 minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water.
Bonus Tips:
- Stop using greasy hair products if you have scalp pimples.
- Try a gentle exfoliating scalp treatment once a week.
- Never try to pop a pimple on your scalp. It will worsen the situation further!
Summary
Scalp pimples, or folliculitis, result from inflamed hair follicles due to sweating, pollution, and stress. Causes include poor hygiene, an unhealthy lifestyle, and heredity. Treat scalp pimples carefully, maintaining a clean, dry, and oil-free scalp. Effective home remedies include neem leaves, lemon juice, garlic, ripe papaya, wheatgrass juice, yogurt and oatmeal, groundnut and lime juice, nutmeg, raw milk, olive and tea tree oil, and a lavender oil blend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes scalp pimples?
Scalp pimples, or folliculitis, can be caused by excessive sweating, dust, pollution, lack of hygiene, an unhealthy lifestyle, poor diet, increased stress levels, side effects of medications, and heredity.
How can I prevent scalp pimples?
To prevent scalp pimples, maintain good hygiene by keeping it dry, clean, and free from excess oil. Adopt a healthy lifestyle, make dietary improvements, and consider anti-acne medications recommended by experts.
Are there natural remedies for scalp pimples?
Yes, several natural remedies can help treat scalp pimples. These include neem leaves, lemon juice, garlic, ripe papaya, wheatgrass juice, yogurt, oatmeal, groundnut oil, lime juice, nutmeg, raw milk, olive, tea tree oil, and a lavender blend.
Can I use makeup or hair products if I have scalp pimples?
It is advisable to avoid greasy hair products if you have scalp pimples. Opt for non-comedogenic and gentle products to maintain optimal scalp health.
Is it safe to pop a pimple on the scalp?
No, popping a pimple on the scalp is not recommended, as it can worsen the situation and lead to further inflammation. It is best to let the pimples heal naturally.
References –
- “Scalp folliculitis” -dermnetnz.org
- “How to treat and prevent scalp acne” -medicalnewstoday.com
- “Scalp Acne: Medical Treatment, Home Remedies, and Self-Care” – emedihealth.com
