Pimples on the head - causes of appearance, pain from acne and methods of getting rid of them (105 photos)

Causes of a rash on the head in adults

It is clear that the appearance of a rash on the head of an adult, even if it itches a lot, is far from the only symptom of the disease. When making a diagnosis, the doctor takes into account the entire clinical picture - the patient’s age, the appearance of the rash, test results and medical history.

A rash on the head of an adult may differ in size, color saturation, location, internal contents of papules and pimples.

Among the main reasons why a rash appears on the head of an adult and is very itchy:

• pediculosis - lice feed on human blood, for which they pierce the skin and suck it. It is the moment of puncture that causes severe itching; accordingly, the more lice there are, the more the head itches;
• hormonal imbalance leads to drying of the skin, it begins to peel off, pimples, wounds and cracks appear;
• disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to the appearance of open and closed comedones on the scalp and pustules;
• diabetic neuropathy - the cause of rash and itching is metabolic disorders caused by kidney damage;
• demodex mite (demodex of the scalp) - present in 97% of people, but actively develops only under favorable conditions, as a result of which its waste products greatly irritate the skin, cause itching, burning, and hair loss;
• incorrectly selected hair care products or low-quality medications that cause blockage of the sebaceous glands;
• non-compliance with hygiene rules - rare washing of hair, on the contrary, frequent use of dry shampoos, leading to blockage of hair follicles, etc.;
• cold - when your health worsens, itchy small acne appears, the head and back of the neck itch.

For any profuse rashes on the head, itching, burning, severe dandruff and hair loss, be sure to visit a trichologist and dermatologist.

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Along with relatively harmless manifestations, squamous cell skin cancer, for example, can manifest itself in this way, and the main thing is to diagnose it in time.

Seborrheic dermatitis

The pathology develops due to a pathological increase in sebum secretion. In addition, the composition of the secretion changes, which leads to the appearance of painful rashes on the skin. The disease is chronic. However, with proper therapy, it is possible to achieve stable remission, and the patient can lead a full life.

The cause of the pathological condition is yeast-like fungi. Normally, they can remain on the human body for a long time without making themselves felt. In the presence of some negative factors, pathogenic microflora begins to multiply rapidly. The secretion of the sebaceous glands is ideal for this process. Thus, seborrheic dermatitis develops. Pathology most often develops on the head due to the abundance of hair follicles secreted by skin secretions. Although the disease can manifest itself in other parts of the body.

A doctor can help you differentiate seborrhea from regular dandruff.

Disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system can contribute to the activation of fungal microflora. Pathology is often encountered by people who have experienced stress. In most cases, seborrheic dermatitis is diagnosed in patients with dangerous professions (rescuers, investigators, etc.). The trigger can be any infectious disease. In this case, dermatitis develops against the background of a significant decrease in immunity.

A change in the amount and composition of skin secretions can be observed due to a change in climate zone. People who travel a lot may face this problem. The risk group includes patients with a genetic predisposition.

Seborrheic dermatitis has pronounced manifestations. Well-defined foci of inflammation are red. Small scales are covered with a layer of fat. Initially we are talking about small rashes. Over time, the spots merge, forming large inflamed islands. If therapy is not started in a timely manner, the affected area increases in size and spreads to the neck, frontal part, and face.

Unfortunately, not all patients begin therapy in a timely manner due to the similarity of seborrhea in the early stages with simple dandruff. Many people prefer to use special shampoos, although it is necessary to specifically combat yeast-like fungi. Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis should be comprehensive. Treatment is carried out for the underlying disease, as well as for eliminating symptoms. Antifungal agents containing ketoconazole or miconazole must be used. Zinc-based medicated shampoos are used to wash your hair.

General clinical manifestations of rash on the scalp

The main complaint that adult patients present with a rash under their hair is itching. Moreover, as a rule, itching occurs first, and only after a new growth occurs - acne, papules, inflammation, ulcers, etc.

Also, most patients experience the following symptoms:

• pain when touching the skin;
• feeling of tightness of the skin under the hair;
• irritation and pimples not only on the hairline, but also on the temples, forehead, behind the ears and on the neck under the hair;
• hyperemia - severe redness of the skin even in uninjured areas.

In the future, depending on the disease, a rash on an adult’s head can behave differently: enlarge or disperse over the entire surface of the scalp, fill with pus and burst, peel off, become crusty, etc.

The situation is aggravated when there is intense heat outside or at home - the skin sweats, becomes even more irritated, and the itching and burning do not even stop.

Teenagers often develop acne and rashes on the scalp. This occurs at the time of the formation of hormonal levels. In women - during menopause and menopause. In men it is much less common, but it can also coincide in time with andropause.

The most important thing is time to see a doctor and prevent complications. Often large pimples, when they break out, leave scars, hair falls out in this place, and does not grow for a long time.

Skin structure

The skin of an individual consists of several layers:

• The epidermis is the uppermost one, it is constantly renewed. Some cells die and are exfoliated, while others appear again.
• Dermis – average. It contains small blood vessels, capillaries, sebaceous and sweat glands, hair follicles and nerve endings.
• Hypodermis – internal. It is responsible for thermoregulation of the skin and accumulates nutrients.

The sebaceous glands produce a secretion to lubricate the hair and form an emulsion hydrolipidic film on the surface of the skin. It has a slightly acidic environment, which prevents the proliferation of microorganisms, regulates the water-salt balance, protects the epidermis from drying out and protects the skin from ultraviolet rays. When it is damaged, harmful bacteria freely penetrate the dermis and cause acne to appear on the back of the head in men.

Types of rashes on the head

In medical practice, there are more than 100 diseases that cause a rash on the head of an adult and itching. We will name only the most typical ones.

Purulent acne

If a rash on a person’s head looks like large papules filled with pus, this is a sign of bacterial damage caused by staphylococcus. At the first stage, the rash is fragmented. Then the inflammation spreads to the entire follicle, and large painful suppurations begin.

Red rash

A deep pink or red rash in the hair on the head of women may indicate infection with the herpes virus. A complex disease, the treatment of which is complicated by the presence of hair. This, in turn, leads to a worsening of the pathology.

Similar rashes are characteristic of acne syphilide, provoked by Treponema pallidum. The purulent formations of acne syphilide are massive at the time of appearance; after a few days, the rash acquires a red, almost copper color. The acne-like pustule is localized mainly on the scalp and forehead, less often on the back of the head.

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It is strictly forbidden to squeeze out ulcers or cover them with brilliant green, iodine, or other ointments and creams. The longer the rash is on the head of an adult, the more it itches, the more the disease worsens and can lead to almost baldness. Any rash on the head is a reason to make an appointment with a dermatologist. It's better to play it safe than to look for a suitable wig later.

Herpetic rashes on the head

The causes of herpes on the head are exactly the same as on all other parts of the body. At the moment the virus invades, the immune system releases specific antibodies that can maintain its activity.

At the initial stage, a person simply experiences discomfort - the skin on the head hurts, itches, burns and tingles, but there is no rash yet. At the second stage, acute inflammation of the skin occurs, followed by the formation of papules of various sizes.

Such an infection is extremely dangerous for humans. Herpeviruses easily penetrate nerve endings and the structure of the brain, which can cause meningitis. Complications can appear on the face in the form of lack of skin sensitivity. Treatment should begin at a maximum of stage 2, otherwise irreversible changes occur.

Scalp sores - herpes, acne, fungus - causes and treatment

slight inflammation and itching on the scalp

, a person, as a rule, does not pay attention to it. But over time, if measures are not taken, head sores may become more numerous. Not only will this worsen unpleasant symptoms, but in addition your illness will become noticeable to others.

And, as you know, people with skin irritations cause a reflexive desire to move away and hostility, which leads to mental discomfort in the patient. Therefore, if irritation occurs under the hair, you should immediately determine the cause of its occurrence and take action.

We will tell you about the most common hair problems on the head (causes, treatment) in this article. All information below is for informational purposes only; to establish an accurate diagnosis and prescribe therapy, please consult a doctor.

Herpes scalp

This disease proceeds similarly to other forms of herpes, differing only in localization.

Causes

Herpes occurs due to infection with a strain of the HSV-3 virus. Interestingly, this same virus causes chickenpox. Therefore, infection with herpes can occur not only due to contact with a carrier of the virus, but also as a complication after chickenpox. The second option is most common in adults.

However, it is worth remembering that herpes is directly contagious, so you should not touch the patient’s hair, use his comb or other objects that touch the hair. For infection, just one drop of liquid from a burst herpes bladder is enough, which can enter the bloodstream through a micro-scratch on the skin.

Symptoms

Doctors distinguish 4 stages in the development of the disease:

• Discomfort on the scalp: itching, pain, tingling, redness;
• Acute inflammation of the affected area, formation of blisters with liquid;
• Spontaneous opening of blisters with leakage of fluid;
• Formation of scabs at the sites of burst blisters.

If you do not intervene during the course of the disease, symptoms disappear 2-4 weeks after their onset. For some patients, the discomfort may last much longer.

One of the complications may be loss of sensitivity in the scalp. Therefore, although herpes is considered a common disease, it is still worth seeing a doctor.

Treatment

If you consult a doctor, the treatment period is reduced to 1-2 weeks. Most often, the patient is prescribed the following drugs:

Acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir, herpevir, Zovirax are antiviral drugs in the form of an ointment;

• Paracetamol, ibuprofen - reduce inflammation, prevent the appearance of new blisters;
• Immunostimulants, multivitamins – stimulate the patient’s natural immunity;
• Zelenka, hydrogen peroxide, fucorcin - protect the affected area from pathogenic microflora;
• Erythromycin ointment - accelerates skin healing after ulcers;
• Ointments or patches with lidocaine - have an analgesic effect for 12 hours;
• Physiotherapy using irradiation with ultraviolet lamps.

Herpes on the head in the hair treatment photo:

In order to speed up skin healing, the patient is advised to limit hair washing; only baby shampoo is allowed. Washing aggravates the course of herpes, so after the hygiene procedure it is necessary to treat the affected area with ointment.

According to folk recipes, herpes goes away faster if you make lotions from the following plants:

• Plantain;
• Melissa;
• Peppermint;
• Immortelle;
• Garlic.

Treating the affected areas with almond oil also speeds up healing.

Pimples, ulcers, boils

It would seem that pimples in the hair are less uncomfortable than on the face. They are not noticeable either to others or to the person himself. However, such pimples are easily damaged by the teeth of a comb, which causes pain, and if an infection gets into the wound, it can lead to inflammation. Therefore, if you notice ulcers on your head in your hair, treatment is necessary.

Hair and scalp fungus

Fungal diseases, or mycoses, have many varieties. They differ in symptoms and pathogenesis; the exact form of the fungus can only be determined by a doctor based on test results.

Conclusion

Remember the simple truth - it is easier to prevent than to treat. How often in a group of girls and women you can hear: “give me a comb” or “who has a spare hairpin”, and guys can say “cool cap, let me try it on.” Even if your girlfriend or friend looks healthy, he or she may be a carrier of the disease scalp.

In addition, with a weakened immune system, the inflammatory process can begin simply due to foreign microflora entering the scalp. Therefore, you should not deviate even in the smallest detail from maintaining personal hygiene: do not borrow other people’s hair care items and hats, and do not give yours to anyone. And, of course, don’t forget to wash your hair and shower regularly.

How to get rid of a rash on your head?

We never tire of repeating that a doctor diagnoses a disease (and a rash on an adult’s head, which also itches, is a disease). This could be a dermatologist, virologist, trichologist and therapist.

Depending on the pathogenesis, appropriate therapy is prescribed:

1. If there is a malfunction of the thyroid or thymus gland and general hormonal imbalances, the doctor will prescribe hormonal medications.
2. In case of disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract, enterosorbents (Enterosgel, Polysorb, activated carbon) are taken in any case, aimed at ridding the body of harmful substances. Next, the doctor may prescribe hepatoprotectors, enzymes, probiotics and other supportive therapy.
3. The herpes virus can be cured with specific antiviral drugs. These include Acyclovir and Famciclovir. Taking immunomodulators at the same time is definitely recommended.
4. For bacterial infections, antibiotics are prescribed orally and for external application in the form of ointments or creams.

For a general strengthening effect, you can take vitamin and mineral complexes. This will never be superfluous, especially since the body is currently weakened.

General prevention of rashes on the head

If the papules on the head are not infectious or bacterial in nature, it will be enough to follow the general recommendations to get rid of it:

• regular and proper hygiene;
• treating any rashes, wounds and injuries with antiseptics;
• proper nutrition - less fatty, spicy, fried and salty, more cereals, seasonal fruits and vitamins and water.

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Medicinal shampoos

If a rash has already appeared on an adult’s head, it itches and hurts, a simple hypoallergenic baby shampoo will not do. It is advisable to purchase special products containing active antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal components that affect the skin and hair follicles.

The most popular in this segment are:

• Freederm PH-balance – hypoallergenic shampoo for all hair types for daily use;
• Phyto PhytoCedrat – sebum-regulating shampoo for oily hair on a plant basis;
• Librederm Tar - helps restore the function of the sebaceous glands, accelerates the processes of regeneration of the epidermis, prevents hair loss
• PhytoBioTechnologies Stop Demodex – effectively affects the subcutaneous Demodex mite, relieves irritation, regulates sebum production and prevents changes in its composition, significantly reduces pores;
• Kis KeraScalp Healing – eliminates dandruff, fights bacteria, increases blood circulation in the scalp, suitable for patients suffering from psoriasis and eczema;
• Ecoderm - activates the regenerative and healing processes of the sensitive epidermis, the feeling of itching and unpleasant allergic reaction disappears;
• Cynovit – has powerful antiseptic, antibacterial and moisturizing properties.

Preventive procedures

Often, when people see a photo of acne on their head, they are afraid of their appearance on their own. To do this, in order to avoid the occurrence of acne on the skin, preventive measures should be taken. They are as follows:

• Do not wash your hair more often than average, that is, once every 3-4 days;
• The shampoo should not cause allergic reactions. Before use, you should study the composition of the product; its contents should exclude oils;
• the comb should be washed regularly and treated with antiseptic agents or alcohol;
• regularly change bed linen and wash the pillow itself;
• Even with severe itching, it is forbidden to scratch the pimples. Thus, an infection can occur and treatment may be delayed.

An important factor in preventing the appearance of acne on the head is proper nutrition, or rather, do not abuse products that provoke the appearance of rashes, such as alcohol, fried foods, sweets, smoked foods, salt, dyes contained in foods, tea, coffee.

It is worth introducing a lot of fruits, juices, fruit drinks, fresh vegetables, cereals, fermented milk products, and green tea into your meals. And it is very important to drink water properly. Or rather, in the right amount, this is at least 2 liters per day for an adult.

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Treatment with folk remedies

Along with the use of medications, grandmother’s recipes will not be superfluous. Such measures do not so much treat as they alleviate the patient’s condition, relieve itching and burning:

• From time to time, instead of shampoo, you can use tar soap - the smell, of course, is specific, but the effect is noticeable immediately;
• add a few drops of tea tree oil, liquid vitamins E, A and PP to the shampoo bottle;
• after washing, rinse your hair with a decoction of chamomile, string, oak bark or apple cider vinegar (3 tablespoons per liter of water).

Once a week you can make a mask to get rid of the rash:

• white or blue clay - 2 tbsp;
• burdock oil – 1 tbsp;
• honey – 1 tbsp;
• aloe juice – 1 tbsp;
• water – 2 tbsp.

Mixed, applied to the head and wrapped. Ideally, leave the mask on your head overnight, but if this is not possible, leave it on for at least an hour.

Preventing acne in hair

It is quite possible to prevent acne rashes on the back of the head in men by adhering to the following recommendations:

• wash your hair no more than once every three days;
• in sunny, windy and cold weather, be sure to wear a hat;
• choose a high-quality cosmetic product that suits your hair type and does not contain oils;
• treat the comb with antiseptic agents;
• wear hats and sleep on bed linen made of pure cotton or linen;
• wash towels and pillowcases more often;
• Do not scratch any pimples that appear.

Pay attention to food products, they should contain more proteins, vitamins E, A and B. You should eat less or completely avoid:

• alcoholic drinks;
• sweet confectionery;
• fried, smoked and salty foods;
• fatty meat;
• carbonated drinks;
• coffee.

More use:

• fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits;
• various cereals;
• lean meat and fish;
• hard cheeses;
• natural juices and fruit drinks;
• fermented milk products.

In addition, play sports, take daily walks, ride a bike, swim, avoid stress.