Scalp acne or Scalp Folliculitis is the inflammation of the hair follicles in the scalp. Small, itchy, pustules push up though the scalp and are most irritating when they occur around the visible hairline. The usual reaction of people who get it would probably to use the same acne product as they do for acne on other parts of the body.

However, some of the best acne products for the face can have harsh stripping properties that will dry out the hair. Moreover, if benzoyl peroxide is used on colored hair, it will most probably have a bleaching effect. (More of the best scalp acne treatments are discussed below.)

Painful Scalp Acne

In its severe form, scalp acne is characterized by large cystic-like bumps along with smaller pustules and papules, which are filled with pus, and can be quite painful.

The number of lesions varies, but even a few lesions can become worse and numerous because they tend to be very itchy and are difficult not to scratch. When they are subjected to even the slightest contact, they become sore and encrusted.

This can lead to permanent scarring and hair loss over the affected areas, creating unsightly bald patches. Severe scalp acne can be very resistant to treatment and it is recommended that the sufferer seek medical help immediately. A doctor usually prescribes oral medication (antibiotics or isotretinoin) or systemic steroidal treatments.

Causes of Acne On Scalp

Experts vary on the causes of scalp acne, although it is generally agreed to be the inflammatory reaction of the scalp to components found in the hair follicle—sometimes hair products that become trapped but mostly microorganisms, such as: yeast, bacteria, and mites.

Cures and Treatments for Acne On The Scalp

Needless to say, since severe scalp acne can have very traumatizing results, it is best to arrest the condition in its early stages. Following are some of the best acne products for treating scalp acne that can be purchased without a prescription:

 
·         Vitamin B5. Also known as Pantothenic Acid or D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B5 can be used to get rid of scalp acne. Large amounts are taken daily. One popular and effective brand is Vilantae. Click here to learn more about using Vilantae brand Vitamin B5 (D-Calcium Pantothenate) to treat your acne. 

·         Mild shampoo – wash as often as desired, then just condition near the hair ends

·         Antidandruff shampoo – could be helpful since it contains anti-fungal agents (e.g., Ketoconazole or Ciclopirox)

·         Shampoo for oily hair/scalps – only for oily scalps, then follow up with astringent

·         Salicylic acid astringent – use a lightly soaked cotton ball only over the affected area

·         Topical niacinamide – to reduce inflammation and oil production (e.g., Acnessential)

Of the non-prescription Scalp Acne treatments listed above, Vitamin B5 is probably the best for treating acne on the scalp because of sheer convenience. Taking a pill is easy and entails no mess at all.

 
Prescription medications for severe acne at scalp include:
·         Topical antibiotics (e.g., Clindamycin solution, Erythromycin solution)

·         Topical steroids

·         Oral antihistamines

·         Oral antibiotics (e.g., Tetracycline)

·         Oral IsotretinoinOf the prescription cures for acne affecting the scalp, the oral route is probably the best for this form of acne, because topical treatments can be quite messy because of the hair on your head.
 

Experts say that there is no such thing as genital acne. What is often called genital acne really is Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Although it resembles acne, it does not involve the sebaceous glands (as acne does), but instead has to do with the apocrine glands. However, certain conditions can be treated with the same acne products recommended for regular acne.
 
This medical condition can actually appear wherever there are apocrine glands—not just the genital or groin area—such as the nipples or beneath the arms where apocrine glands can become clogged.

Causes For Genital Acne

Hidradenitis Suppurativa, or genital acne, can be caused by perspiration, but its primary cause is when apocrine glands do not fully develop, trapping material inside.
 
The body’s defense mechanism forcibly pushes the material out into the tissues around the clogged glands. This is what causes the inflammation and painful infection around the area, which sometimes leads to lesions on the skin that resemble acne.

Other triggers of this medical condition include tight clothing that chafes against the skin, laundry detergents that contain harsh chemicals or irritants, and even the soap you use on the area.

Genital Acne Cures and Treatment

A mild case of genital acne is easy to treat. Sometimes switching to loose clothing or changing your soap or detergent can solve the problem. In very extreme cases, the bumps may have to be sliced open and drained.

So as not to let the condition reach this extreme, make a few changes to your daily hygiene the minute you suspect you have genital acne.

To keep the area free of bacteria that can make the situation worse, wash with an antiseptic or benzoyl peroxide solution. If the lesion shows a painful discharge, it is already infected and may require the application of a topical antibiotic.

If you are doubtful about using harsh medicines, try topical niacinamide (e.g., Acnessential) instead. Derived from Vitamin B3, this is, perhaps, the best acne medication to reduce inflammation around the sensitive genital area. It can also work against bacteria and sebum buildup in the affected area.

Once you have the situation under control, perform regular, gentle exfoliation of the affected area to remove dead skin and to minimize the possibility of it happening again.

Seeking Professional Help in Treating Genital Acne

The main reason to seek a doctor’s help would be a persistent case of Hidradenitis Suppurativa. But if lesions are already present on the genital organ, a physician should be called in immediately. The reason for this is that genital acne could be a symptom of a more serious disease, such as warts, or genital herpes, which have little to do with clogged apocrine glands.

Acne Treatment Creams   

 Whether you should resort to prescription or over the counter acne cream preparations to cure your acne usually depends on how far your acne has progressed.   Over the counter acne cream products are, more often than not, suited to the treatment of mild acne or, at most, moderately severe inflammatory acne.   If, on the other hand, your condition has progressed to severe acne to severe cystic acne, your choices will probably narrow down to prescriptions for really effective acne treatment cream preparations.   
Over the Counter Acne Cream Products for Mild Acne   

If you want to go for over the counter solutions, you can purchase products that contain the following ingredients without a doctor’s prescription.   

·         Benzoyl peroxide in low percentages - kills acne, but lacks anti-inflammatory abilities

·         Salicylic acid in small percentages – for exfoliating and unclogging follicles, but may cause irritation 

·         Azelaic acid - an alternative to benzoyl peroxide that will not make skin as sore, but may irritate sensitive skin   

 Prescription Acne Cream Products for Mild Acne  

 Although directed at mild cases, products that contain the following generally require a prescription.   

·         Antibiotics in low doses – for controlling acne-causing bacteria, but using over extended period develops bacterial resistance 

·         Retinoid in low percentages – unclogs pores while diminishing fine lines and wrinkles, but causes redness, burning sensation, itchiness, etc. 

 Prescription Products for Moderately Severe Inflammatory to Severe Acne   

Acne cream products that contain the following require a prescription.   

·         Tazarotene – synthetic retinoid, keeps pores clear, but should not be used by pregnant women (requires effective contraception since it has produced birth defects in lab animals) 

·         Clindamycin – Semi-synthetic antibiotic, reduces acne, lessens inflammation, but decreases bacterial resistance 

·         Erythromycin – antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, but decreases bacterial resistance.

  To the acne sufferer, it may seem like any kind of acne cream, whether over the counter or prescription, while effective in treating acne has far too many side effects. However, an over the counter preparation that works on most kinds of acne DOES exist.  

 Nicotinamide Acne Treatment Cream (Nicotinamide is also known as Niacinamide)   

ACNESSENTIAL, a 4% Niacinamide cream, was developed based on research done at the State University of New York College of Medicine where 76 patients were treated for moderately inflammatory acne. One group was given niacinamide gel, while the other was given the antibiotic clindamycin gel. Both groups were tested through twice-daily treatments over eight weeks.  

 The study showed that, while only 68% of the clindamycin group showed improvement, a whopping 82% of the niacinamide group improved. 

  ACNESSENTIAL (a 4% Niacinamide cream) is NOT an antibiotic and will NOT produce resistant microorganisms in the patient, unlike clindamycin or erythromycin. Furthermore, even while it reduces the amount of sebum in the skin of a patient, it will not severely irritate the skin, unlike acids and peroxides.   What’s more, this topical Niacinamide may not only be used in conjunction with prescription treatments for severe to cystic acne; it can also work to minimize the irritating effects of these other medications as well.      

Consult a doctor. See a dermatologist for severe cases of back acne. Treatment may require prescriptions for drugs or antibiotics.

·         Use aloe vera juice and gels for diminishing acne scars. Aloe vera has healing qualities that help reduce the growth of scar tissue.
 
·         Use products that contain hydrolyzed collagen. This ingredient restores healthy tissue, resulting in softer and smoother skin.
 
·         Lavender oils can help reduce acne scars. Massage it on the scarred area regularly.
 
·         Lemon juice is the best home remedy for scars. It lightens scars as it is a natural bleach.
 
·         Rosehip oil has been found to reduce acne scars. It should be massaged on the scarred area twice a day.
 
·         Use sandalwood paste on the scars. You can also mix sandalwood paste with black gram paste.
 
·         Rub ice cubes on the scarred area to tighten the skin, making it look young.
 
·         Unless it dries out your skin, rose water with sandalwood paste mixed in and kept overnight can help remove acne scar.
 
·         Apply cucumber juice to tighten the acne pores.
 
·         Rub tomato slices on the skin to close open pores and to keep from having oily skin.
 
Sometimes though, we experience acne scars because we did not take care of ourselves while we were experiencing a bout of acne. The use of the wrong anti-acne products can also lead to skin scarring. So why now go for the tested yet safe choice when looking for acne products?
 
ACNESSENTIAL is a 4% Niacinamide cream and university studies show that it is extremely effective at treating acne. Not only that; since it’s active ingredient is a vitamin B3 derivative, you get an effective product that can still be classified as ‘natural’.