Why Do I Get Pimples On My Head?

Pimples on the head originate from different causes. They are usually a simple manifestation of acne. However, sometimes they also turn out to be the symptom of another more complicated health condition and require specialized treatment.

Pimples on the head are usually a manifestation of acne. Although it is more common for them to appear in other areas of the body, such as the face or back, it is not a cause for alarm that they appear in other areas of the skin. The scalp is no exception.

Although, from an aesthetic point of view, acne on the face causes more affectation, from a medical perspective, pimples on the head can be more problematic. This is because they usually come out as a pustule that is very annoying and sometimes leads to hair loss.

Sometimes pimples on the head are painful, stinging, or itchy. In those cases, it is best to go to the dermatologist to have the problem evaluated in more detail. However, in general, this type of acne can be managed and treated with home remedies.

Causes of pimples on the head

Pimples on the head usually have the same causes as any other type of acne. In most cases, they are due to four main factors:

• Hormonal changes. These can be caused by the transformations that occur during puberty, by pregnancy, menstruation or some medical condition that gives rise to them.
• Heredity and genetics. It is very common for these types of pimples to appear when they are present in other people in the family.
• Climate adaptation problems. It is also very common that changes in weather, especially when they are extreme, lead to pimples on the head.
• Allergic reactions. These are produced by the consumption of certain medicines or foods, or in response to some types of chemicals.

Another common cause is poor hygiene practices, such as insufficient or excessive hair washing. It can also be due to the use of inappropriate accessories on the head. Likewise, weakness or immune-type diseases sometimes manifest themselves through these eruptions.

Types of pimples on the head

Not all pimples on the head are the same and therefore should not be treated the same. These are the main types :

• Red pimples. It is one of the types of pimples on the head that requires medical consultation. Usually, they speak of an allergic response to the use of certain shampoos or chemicals on the scalp.
• Pimples with pus. They are a sign of infection due to the presence of parasites, fungi or viruses on the scalp. Normally, they are itchy and originate because the hair follicles are blocked due to the presence of excess sebum.
• Sebaceous grains. They correspond to grains that have the presence of fat. They have the appearance of a yellowish lump and are sometimes painful. If they are not treated properly, they may lead to an infection. They are caused, almost always, by poor hygiene.

• Dried grains. To the touch, they are similar to a scab. They are caused by seborrheic dermatitis and are treated using extra hydration.
• Water grains. They are the result of diseases such as dermatitis or chickenpox. They can also be the manifestation of an allergic reaction.

Other data of interest

Many times, pimples on the head are born because there is an itchy dandruff problem. Constant scratching causes pimples to form. At other times, ringworm is present, a very aggressive infectious fungus that causes blemishes and eventually leads to hair loss.

Sometimes the pimples on the head have a yellowish discharge and an unpleasant odor. These usually appear in people who are allergic to gluten. At other times, the pimples bleed as a result of overly vigorous scratching, but this is usually not a cause for alarm.

Although, in principle, pimples on the head are not a serious problem, it is a condition that can be complicated. It is best to try to solve it as soon as possible. If the appearance or the discomfort it causes are striking, do not hesitate to consult your doctor.