We Ask a Derm: What Can I Do About These Pimples On My Scalp?

If you, like many of us, are washing your hair a little less frequently than before, you may have noticed some breakouts have popped up along your scalp. Or perhaps it’s something you have always dealt with and haven’t found a way to treat. Fret not, we spoke with Dr. Shari Sperling, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Sperling Dermatology in New Jersey, to figure out what’s going on and what we can do to clear thing up.

There are a few different things it could be. The first, and most obvious, is a pimple, pustule or bigger cyst—like the ones that form on your face and body—which, if you think about it, makes total sense since your scalp is also made up of skin. (It sounds obvious, but for some reason we tend to forget this and neglect caring for it.)

“Natural oils from your scalp and bacteria can clog your hair follicles, which causes breakouts,” explains Sperling. “Other reasons for bumps on your scalp include fungal infections, ingrown hairs, or skin conditions like alopecia, which can also cause a bumpy scalp.”

Typically, pimples on your scalp form when there's an excess of oils and bacteria that build up and clog your hair follicles, resulting in a bump.

In the case of ingrown hairs, “it’s usually common with short, dark, and curly hair types because the hair curls upon itself and goes back into the skin causing inflammation around the hair follicles,” says Sperling. (Don't worry, we'll get into some preventative measures ahead.)

“If something looks suspicious, or rather it feels different since it is hard to see your scalp, it is always best to get it checked out by a board-certified dermatologist for further evaluation to make sure it’s nothing else,” advises Sperling. (Note: Your dermatologist will examine your scalp and screen for skin cancer during your regular skin checkups.) “Usually, folliculitis or scalp acne occurs in several areas of your scalp so if it’s just one solitary lesion, I’d have it looked at to be extra careful,” says Sperling.

Generally, most pimples should clear up within a week or so. If the bump doesn’t flatten after a couple weeks, it may be time to have a dermatologist check on it.

“The best ways to prevent future breakouts are to wash your hair more regularly and to avoid products that have excessive oils or may cause irritation to your scalp,” warns Sperling.

Certain products contain comedogenic ingredients, meaning they can clog your pores. Some common ingredients that are used in shampoos and conditioners to avoid are sulfates and laureth-4. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should also avoid any “hairstyling product that contains a lot of oil, such as a pomade” and instead look for the words “won’t clog pores, oil-free, non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic” on the label.

If you have an ingrown hair on your scalp, try gently washing your hair with a tea tree shampoo (making sure to really massage it in). Tea tree has salicylic acid and antibacterial properties that will gently exfoliate your scalp and prevent the ingrown from getting infected. And avoid brushing the area or wearing any hair accessories or hats that might further irritate it.

Other best practices include:

• Washing your hair immediately after sweating or working out
• Being gentler when you shampoo (always use the pads of your fingertips and not your fingernails, which can cause further irritation)
• Taking extra care to remove makeup (especially along the hairline)
• Changing your sheets and pillowcases more often

As first options, Dr. Sperling recommends trying over-the-counter shampoos with salicylic acid in them. “Sometimes an antifungal shampoo can also help,” she says. “But if you try an OTC product for a few weeks without much relief, that’s when you should see a board-certified dermatologist for a closer look and stronger treatment options.”

Shop some of our go-to clarifying shampoos and treatments below.