What Is The Cause And Treatment For Whiteheads And Acne On Scalp?

Posted on Tue, 1 Jul 2014

Question: I have acne on my hair scalp. They are mostly whiteheads. The majority of them are near my hairline or an inch or 2 behind. Unfortunately, I pick at these whiteheads. This issue has been going on for a little over a year now. Is there anything I can do to prevent these whiteheads? Are there any special shampoo or conditioners I could use?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Acne necrotica varioliformis

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic

I am Dr. Kakkar. I have gone through your query and I have understood it.

I would keep a possibility of 'Acne necrotica varioliformis' which is characterised by by crops of itchy, painful, erythematous, umblicated papulo-pustules that undergo central necrosis with resultant scar formation.

The sites involved can be anterior scalp (hair line), eyebrows, nose, neck, and chest.

Treatment is with oral antibiotics:

Oral Doxycycline 100 mg capsules/tablets, twice daily for a few weeks. Since you are already taking Doxycycline, I would suggest that you continue with it.

-How long have you been on Doxycycline?How is the response on Doxycycline? Is it getting better on Doxycycline?
-Can you upload a picture of the affected area?

A ketoconazole based shampoo e.g Nizral 2% solution can be used every alternate to keep the scalp clean
Avoid using hair oil

Severe cases may need to be treated with Oral Retinoids (Isotretinoin)

Regards

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar