Pimples on Scalp: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention Tips
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Mayanka Lodha Seth
Written By Sheena Mehta
on Feb 12, 2026
Last Edit Made By Sheena Mehta
on Feb 12, 2026
You're getting ready for work, but when you brush your hair, you feel small bumps or tenderness on your scalp. Sound familiar? You're not alone; scalp pimples can affect anyone.
Introduction
Pimples on the scalp are common, but people often overlook them. They may cause itching, discomfort, or even hair thinning. Because they are similar to facial acne but hidden by hair, they can be harder to notice and treat. Learning about their causes, symptoms, and treatments can help you keep your scalp healthy.
What are Scalp Pimples?
Pimples on the scalp, also known as scalp acne, are small bumps that show up when hair follicles on your scalp get clogged. They might be filled with pus or look red and swollen.
Unlike acne on your face or back, scalp pimples are often hidden by hair, which can make them more uncomfortable and harder to treat if you ignore them.
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Causes of Pimples on the Scalp
Common causes of scalp acne include:
1. Excess Oil Production
If your sebaceous glands make too much oil, it can mix with dead skin and dirt, blocking your hair follicles. This lets bacteria grow, which can cause pimples, redness, and scalp swelling.
People with oily scalps are more prone to breakouts if they do not use the right shampoos.
2. Poor Hair Hygiene
Not washing your hair often enough lets sweat, dirt, and leftover products build up and block your scalp's pores. This buildup can promote the growth of bacteria and fungus, leading to scalp acne.
Washing your hair regularly with a gentle shampoo removes excess oil and dirt, helping prevent blocked follicles and painful pimples.
3. Fungal or Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections, such as Staphylococcus aureus (bacteria) or Malassezia (yeast), can inflame hair follicles, leading to pus-filled, itchy, or sore bumps. This condition, called folliculitis, can worsen if left untreated and may spread across the scalp, causing persistent pimples or small groups of infected spots.
4. Allergic Reactions to Hair Products
Some shampoos, conditioners, and styling products contain ingredients such as sulfates, parabens, fragrances, or heavy oils that can irritate sensitive skin. This irritation may cause swelling and block pores, leading to bumps or acne-like spots on the scalp.
Using non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic hair products can help reduce the risk of these reactions.
5. Hormonal Imbalances
Changes in hormone levels during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or times of stress can increase oil production and inflammation, making the scalp more prone to breakouts. These changes often make scalp pimples worse, especially in areas with thick hair, and may require special treatment in addition to good scalp care.
6. Stress and Lifestyle Factors
High stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, or dehydration can impair skin repair and increase oil secretion. This environment promotes inflammation and triggers pimples on the scalp. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, balanced nutrition, and stress management can help minimize outbreaks and improve overall scalp health.
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Symptoms of Scalp Pimples
Common Symptoms of Pimples on the Scalp
- Physical bumps, such as small red spots, whiteheads, or blackheads, can appear along your hairline, neck, or scalp. These are usually the most noticeable signs of scalp pimples.
- Pain and tenderness are common. The spots may feel sore or sensitive when you touch them, especially if the pimples or cysts are inflamed.
- Scalp pimples often make your skin itch, burn, or feel irritated. Scratching can make these feelings worse.
- Pus-filled pustules, inflamed bumps can leak pus or form crusts if irritated. This can be a sign of infection.
- Deep cysts or nodules: Rarely, larger, painful lumps may form beneath the scalp surface, causing persistent discomfort and slow healing.
- If scalp pimples are not treated, ongoing inflammation can weaken hair follicles. This may cause hair to thin or fall out temporarily.
- Scabbing and crusting pimples can be severe or get scratched, leaving behind scabs or crusts. This can slow down healing and raise the risk of infection.
How to Treat Pimples on the Scalp?
Key scalp pimples treatment options include:
Medicated Shampoos:
Shampoos with ingredients such as salicylic acid, ketoconazole, benzoyl peroxide, or zinc pyrithione can help clear clogged hair follicles, control oil, reduce inflammation, and limit bacterial or fungal growth. Using these shampoos regularly often improves mild to moderate scalp acne.
Topical Treatments:
You can apply over-the-counter creams or gels with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide directly to the affected areas. These products help reduce bacteria, soothe inflammation, and speed up healing when used regularly.
Prescription Medications:
If scalp acne is severe or does not respond to treatment, a dermatologist might prescribe topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics, or steroid injections for painful bumps. For chronic cases that do not respond to other treatments, oral isotretinoin may be an option.
Natural Remedies:
Tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. When mixed with a carrier oil such as coconut oil, it may help calm irritation and reduce mild scalp pimples. Always do a patch test before using it.
Preventive Measures for Scalp Pimples
Key Prevention Tips for Scalp Acne:
1. Consistent Hygiene:
Wash your hair regularly, especially after sweating, to remove oil, dirt, and bacteria that can clog hair follicles and cause breakouts.
2. Product Selection:
Choose gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and try to avoid heavy styling products, oils, or waxes that can clog pores and worsen scalp pimples.
3. Clean Accessories:
Wash hats, scarves, hair tools, and pillowcases regularly to prevent bacteria and oil from recontaminating your scalp.
4. Dietary Adjustments:
Limiting high-glycemic foods and reducing dairy intake may reduce inflammation and sebum production, minimizing the risk of scalp acne returning.
When Is Medical Advice Needed?
If scalp pimples are severe, painful, persistent, or associated with hair loss, consult a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.
Things to Use and Avoid: When Affected by Scalp Pimples
Ingredients to look for in a shampoo to help control oil, reduce microbes, and keep hair follicles from getting clogged.
- Salicylic acid
- Tea tree oil
- Ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione
- Selenium sulfide
Try not to over-wash your scalp, use heavy oils or pomades, or pick at pimples, since these habits can worsen inflammation and slow healing.
When to See a Doctor for Scalp Pimples?
You should see a dermatologist if your scalp pimples are painful, last more than 6 weeks, or are accompanied by hair loss.
Doctors look for more than just visible symptoms. They also consider internal factors, like nutritional deficiencies. Lacking certain vitamins and minerals can worsen scalp inflammation, slow healing, and lead to recurring pimples on the scalp.
Can Vitamin or Nutrient Deficiency Cause Scalp Pimples?
Yes, a lack of certain vitamins and minerals can contribute to scalp pimples. These deficiencies can increase inflammation, weaken the skin's barrier, or alter oil production. While they aren't always the only cause, they can make scalp acne worse and slow healing.
Common Deficiencies Linked to Scalp Pimples
Key nutritional deficiencies include:
- Vitamin B12 & B-Complex Deficiency: Not getting enough B vitamins can affect how your skin renews itself and can cause more inflammation. This sometimes leads to acne-like breakouts on the scalp and hairline.
- Vitamin D Deficiency: Vitamin D supports your immune system and helps keep inflammation in check. Vitamin D deficiency may increase your susceptibility to scalp bacterial or fungal infections, which can make scalp pimples worse.
- Zinc Deficiency: Zinc plays a key role in oil regulation, wound healing, and immune defense. Low zinc levels are associated with more severe acne, including persistent scalp breakouts.
- Iron Deficiency Iron deficiency doesn't directly cause pimples, but it can slow down skin repair and weaken your immune system. This means scalp inflammation may take longer to heal, and hair follicles can become more easily irritated.
Why Testing Matters
Recurring scalp pimples, itching, inflammation, or hair thinning can sometimes be linked to nutritional deficiencies. Knowing if you have low vitamin or mineral levels can help you treat the root cause, not just the symptoms.
How Redcliffe Labs Can Help
We provide blood tests with accurate and medically verified reports by experts to check important nutrients that affect scalp and skin health, including:
- Vitamin B12 Test
- Vitamin D Test
- Iron Studies Test
- Zinc Test
- Complete Health Checkups covering nutritional markers
With expert diagnostics, you can monitor your deficiencies and improve your health. If the problems are due to infection rather than underlying deficiencies, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist for medical guidance.
FAQs
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What causes pimples on the scalp?
Scalp pimples often form when hair follicles get blocked by oil, sweat, dead skin, or leftover hair products. Other causes include bacteria, fungus, hormone changes, stress, poor hygiene, or allergies to hair products. Usually, several factors combine to cause the problem.
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Are scalp pimples the same as scalp acne?
Scalp pimples and scalp acne are similar, but not always the same. Scalp acne means breakouts caused by clogged follicles and inflammation. Some scalp pimples are caused by infections like folliculitis, not regular acne, so getting the right diagnosis is important for proper treatment.
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Can pimples on the scalp cause hair loss?
In most cases, scalp pimples do not cause permanent hair loss. However, severe or untreated inflammation can weaken hair follicles, leading to temporary hair thinning. Conditions like folliculitis or dissecting cellulitis, if left untreated, may increase the risk of scarring and long-term hair loss.
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How can I treat pimples on the scalp at home?
You can often treat mild scalp pimples with medicated shampoos that have salicylic acid, zinc pyrithione, or ketoconazole. Keep your scalp clean, avoid heavy hair products, and try not to scratch the area to help it heal. Some people find diluted tea tree oil helpful, but always do a patch test first.
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How often should I wash my hair if I have scalp pimples?
If your scalp is oily or you sweat a lot, you may need to wash more frequently. Dry scalps need a gentler routine. Try to remove excess oil and sweat, but avoid overwashing, as this can irritate your scalp and make it produce more oil.
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Can vitamin or mineral deficiencies cause scalp pimples?
Yes. Certain deficiencies, such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, zinc, or iron, may worsen scalp inflammation and slow healing. While deficiencies alone may not directly cause scalp pimples, they can make breakouts more persistent.
Blood tests help identify imbalances, allowing treatment to address both internal and external contributing factors.
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When should I see a doctor for scalp pimples?
Consult a dermatologist if scalp pimples are painful, last more than six weeks, spread quickly, or occur with hair loss or fever. A medical evaluation can identify underlying issues and ensure timely treatment.
