Although many people place scalp acne under one umbrella category, there are actually a few different types of skin conditions that can be confused for acne on the scalp and they range in severity from mildly irritating to a variety that is painful and can lead to scarring. Scalp acne can appear at any place on the scalp and each type has its own telltale signs and treatment methods. As with facial and back acne, there is no clear cut reason why some people have it and others don't, but genetics, hormones, stress, and skin care all play a role in the development of any type of acne. However, though facial and back acne both occur in the same manner and from the same bacteria infection, there are several forms of scalp acne that do not follow suit. Each different type of scalp acne has unique symptoms and causes, but share several treatments with each other as well as with facial and back acne.

Although many different skin conditions occur on the scalp, sometimes it is just plain old acne. Acne on your scalp can be difficult to treat, but washing your hair enough to keep it from getting greasy is one of the best things you can do. Many times an oral medication is needed to get scalp acne under control since the scalp is tough to treat directly. If you do attempt any topical treatments, make sure to avoid benzoyl peroxide since it can bleach your hair.

Other than normal acne, the most common form of scalp acne is called folliculitis. Although folliculitis commonly occurs on the scalp, any hair follicle can develop folliculitis. Like other types of acne, the affected pore or hair follicle becomes infected by bacteria, but folliculitis is caused by the Staphylococcus or staph bacteria while facial acne is caused by different bacteria called p. acnes. However, folliculitis can also be caused by yeast or mites in the hair. Folliculitis can develop because the hair follicle is damaged by shaving, wearing a hat, or exposure to makeup or chemicals that affect the follicle. Once a follicle is damaged, it is very susceptible to infection and, consequently, folliculitis. Folliculitis usually develops along the front hairline and itches a great deal, making folliculitis difficult to bear on a cosmetic and comfort level. Folliculitis treatment varies depending on the cause of infection. Doctors often prescribe an antibacterial or antifungal medicine to get rid of the severe cases of folliculitis, although some shampoos will eliminate folliculitis. If you wish to treat folliculitis on your scalp, look for a shampoo that contains one of these ingredients: 2.5% selenium sulfide, 1% selenium, or 50% propylene glycol. Mild folliculitis may go away without treatment, but if it reoccurs, you should consult a doctor. Severe cases that continue to reoccur may need to be treated by performing laser removal on the infected follicle or follicles.

Although it is sometimes classified as a separate condition, necrotica milaris is a severe type of folliculitis that affects the scalp. It is considered a chronic form of folliculitis, but is treated in the same way. Unlike normal folliculitis, nocrotica milaris has the potential to scar and stop hair from growing in the scarred area. In some cases, Accutane may be prescribed to eliminate necrotica milaris.

Varioliformis is another type of scalp acne that many physicians consider to be a type of folliculitis, and is treated in the same manner. Varioliformis is characterized by brown pimple-like formations around the front hairline.

The most severe form of scalp acne is called Dissecting Cellulite. It most commonly occurs in black males between the ages of 20 and 40, but it occurs in men and women of other races. Dissecting cellulite often begins with a case of folliculitis that will not respond to normal treatments. Dissecting cellulite will typically occur in large patches that have raised nodules and no hair growth. In severe cases, these nodules can be drained surgically, and X-rays were the preferred treatment for decades. However, many physicians will first try Accutane, which has been shown to have mixed results. It has also been found that ablative lasers are effective in curing dissecting cellulite.

Although scalp acne occurs in a few different forms, it is typically regular acne or a form of folliculitis. Because of the seriousness of some forms of folliculitis, if you notice acne on your scalp, you should treat it as quickly as possible. If you do not want to see a physician at first, at least try to treat it with the above mentioned shampoos to see if this home remedy will clear it up. However, if home treatments do not cure your scalp acne, you should see a physician so that baldness does not result.