Have you ever felt like you have pimples on your head? Just as they are generated on the face, back or neck, annoying pimples can develop that encompass the entire scalp and yes, they can be another sign of acne that has occurred on this peculiar part of the body, but it can also be due to other more serious medical causes, which require a specific procedure to be treated.
Although it may be hard to believe, pimples or acne can actually grow and spread to almost any area of the body, as they are infections of the skin, so don’t panic if you get some of these on your head.
However, be cautious if you notice other types of symptoms that do not seem to be consistent with acne. In this article, we’ll explain why this problem arises and help you recognize when you should or should not be concerned about these pimples on your head, what causes them and what you can do about them.what causes them and what you can do to treat them.
What are pimples on the head?
Known as tinea capitis or tinea capitis, it is a fungal infection caused by moldy fungi called ‘dermatophytes’ that proliferate on the scalp or hair fiber, affecting the outer layer of the skin and hair shafts. Bringing serious consequences to it, such as baldness, scaling of the skin, irritation, redness, pain and constant itching.
These consequences differentiate them to a great extent from common acne that appears in other parts of the body, in addition to the fact that they require a more severe treatment to be eliminated. This type of fungal infections is related to those that occur in male beards, pubic hair (female and male) and athlete’s foot.
Those most likely to suffer from these infections are children (because they are more exposed) and adolescents (due to their hormonal changes). Not all ringworms on the scalp are the same, there are some that present with very low levels of involvement, easily treated with the use of natural recipes, changing hair products or diet.
However, when the symptoms already manifested are presented with a high level of regularity and discomfort, it is time to go to a dermatologist for appropriate treatment. for proper treatment.
Causes of pimples on the head
As we have already mentioned, these ringworms are different and have different origins, which you can learn about below.
1. Small lesions on the skin
This type of moldy fungi live in dead tissues all over our body, such as nails, skin and hair itself. But by themselves, they do not cause infections unless they come in direct contact with a skin lesion.
Sensitivity to hair products
There are hair care products that are ideal to maintain its strength and vitality, but among its ingredients there may be some elements that cause allergic reactions to the skin of the scalp and generate the proliferation of these moldy fungi, instead of cleaning and eliminating them from the head.
3. Poor care of the scalp
On the other hand, these fungi can proliferate if the environment is kept dirty for a long time, that is, when there is no good hair cleaning and hygiene routine. In this case it is recommended to wash the hair more frequently and with detox products that help keep the area clean and fresh.
4. Moisture accumulation
This happens when the hair is kept wet for a long time after bathing or with constant sweat accumulation due to physical activity. A wet scalp is the most ideal environment for fungus to grow and spread.
5. Hormonal changes
A hormonal imbalance can also be a valid reason for the appearance of these moldy fungi on the scalp, as they weaken the capillary fiber and cause a lot of sensitivity to the skin. This problem is very common during puberty and adolescence, requiring dermatological treatment to counteract it.
6. Fatty foods
The continuous intake of high-fat and fried foods can unbalance the natural Ph of the scalp, keeping it greasy and heavy, where ringworm can make its way. That is why it is important to watch your diet and focus on “anti-acne” foods.
7. Climate maladaptation
The climate can also be a factor to take into account for this infection to get through. This happens when a person is exposed to different climates in a sudden and drastic way.
8. Genetic or hereditary problems
Another very common reason is that this is a problem that has been inherited by close family members. That is, it is a very frequent disease in the family. For this it is necessary to make medical evaluations and follow a specific treatment.
9. Stress
High levels of stress, worries and anxiety can also be the cause of this problem, just as they are with acne vulgaris in other areas of the body. In this case, not only dermatological treatment is needed, but also a change in the rhythm of life.
10. Allergic reactions
This type of acne is not only caused by allergies to hair care products, but can also be reactions caused by other elements. Such as different hair chemicals, consumption of certain foods, beverages or medications.
Treatments to eliminate ringworm of the scalp
Depending on the type of ringworm that each person has, he/she can resort to different treatments such as the ones you will learn about here. However, it is always a good idea to consult a doctor or dermatologist before resorting to any type of remedy.
1. Use of retinoids
This is a drug that is made from vitamin A and its main function is to prevent the obstruction of hair follicles on the scalp. In this way it is possible to have a better cleaning of the head and therefore, to end the environment for the proliferation of fungi.
Oral antifungal therapy
It is very common to need to apply antibacterial creams on the scalp to eliminate fungi (especially in areas where baldness appears) but this is not enough to eliminate them from the system and that is why it is necessary to take oral medications to treat the infection.
3. Selenium sulfide shampoo
This treatment is more recommended for children, since it helps to recover the natural Ph of the scalp, clean it, prevent it from spreading and prevent it from spreading again from another person who suffers from it.
4. Sulfur soaps
This is perhaps one of the most aggressive but efficient treatments to deal with pimples on the head. Its function is that it acts against the accumulation of fats and oils on the scalp, but it can generate dryness on the scalp.
5. Benzoyl peroxide
This is the main active ingredient present in all specialized products for the treatment of acne and is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the pores in the skin, thus preventing the accumulation of grease and dirt that lead to skin infections.
6. Salicylic acid
This is another element widely used to treat acne as it reduces the appearance of blackheads and pimples on the skin, cleans pores and eliminates oil accumulation.
Other recommendations to prevent and treat ringworm of the hair
Apart from the dermatological treatments recommended by experts, it is necessary to make some changes or modifications to avoid a new appearance or infecting others.
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Look for information about this diseaseThis will help you to know what you are dealing with and if it is something minor or a more serious problem that requires specialized attention.
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Remember that tinea capitis is highly contagious, which is why it is so common.That is why it is so common in childhood, where children interacting with other children can bring the problem home and spread it to others or relapse even when the problem has been treated.
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It is important to be alert to the possible cause of this infection.. For example, if it happened after the use of a certain product, stop using it. In the case of excessive sweating, then wash your hair more regularly.
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Maintain a balanced and fat-free dietThis will help to prevent oil and dirt deposits from accumulating on the skin, but will help to maintain its natural Ph.
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Continuous cleanliness in your home should be paramount.It is not enough just to have a better hair washing routine, it is necessary to keep your hands clean, as well as the spaces of greater use. This will prevent dirt from sticking to the scalp and clogging the hair follicles.
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Make sure everyone has their own personal toiletries, both hair products and hair care products.Try not to share hair products or hairbrushes. This will help to avoid spreading and contagion. We must also keep in mind that each person has their own body Ph and hair type, so not everyone will benefit from using the same shampoo, as they may have particular allergic reactions that others do not.