It can be tricky to pinpoint an exact cause for scalp folliculitis. These small, acne-like spots can appear all over the scalp, and are especially likely to pop up near the hairline. The condition stems from infection and inflammation in the hair follicle, which is often from micro-organisms like bacteria, yeast or mites. While mild cases often go away without treatment, scalp folliculitis can, in extreme cases, lead to scarring and even hair loss – which is why it’s crucial to start treatment immediately. Here’s your plan for dealing with this condition.

Treatment goals are somewhat similar to dealing with acne-prone skin: cleanse thoroughly, kill the bacteria responsible for infection, unclog pores to remove dirt and debris and soothe resulting inflammation.

You’ll have to take two types of cleansing into consideration: both your face and your scalp. While the scalp is the main source of the problem, breakouts around the hairline should be addressed, too. Choose your shampoo and facial cleanser wisely – they must remove dirt and oils that can clog the pores, but also cleanse gently enough to not irritate the skin or strip its natural protective barrier.

1. Wash frequently (and gently). Just the simple act of lathering up will help to stimulate your scalp and exfoliate dead skin cells. Use a gentle shampoo each day to remove oils that can clog pores. Phyto Phytolactum Gentle Nourishing Shampoo for Frequent Use contains almond extract to hydrate the hair and scalp, and also soothes irritations.

2. Try a shampoo meant for dandruff. Some dandruff shampoos contain potent active antibacterial and antifungal agents, such as pyrithione zinc, ketoconazole or ciclopirox. Selsun Blue Dandruff Shampoo contains 1 percent pyrithione zinc and is safe for even color-treated hair. And don’t forget salicylic acid – this ingredient works just as well to clear pores on your scalp as it does to help with facial acne. Try Klorane Anti-Dandruff Treatment Shampoo with Nasturtium Extract.

   Coal tar, another ingredient in some dandruff shampoos, helps regulate how fast your skin cells are shed, which can prevent them from further clogging the pores. Try Tarsum Shampoo/Gel. Shampoos with selenium sulfide, like Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Dandruff Shampoo, provide similar benefits.

3. Look to natural dandruff products. If you prefer natural products, there are a number of product lines that create dandruff products using botanical and natural ingredients. For example, L'Occitane Aromachologie Anti-Dandruff Shampoo contains a blend of five essential oils – Cade, Tea Tree, Lemon, Pepper and Thyme – to help balance the scalp.

4. Try tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is both anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, and is a great natural option for treating acne. You’ll find plenty of options for both shampoos and treatment products. Lather up with a shampoo like Desert Essence Daily Replenishing Tea Tree Shampoo with Organic Tea Tree Oil, and follow with a soothing treatment like Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Hair and Scalp Treatment.

5. Don’t forget the hairline. Make sure that your facial cleansing method isn’t hindering the treatment process. You should be using a product formulated to cleanse skin, unclog pores and kill bacteria. Look for tea tree facial products, such as Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash with Organic Tea Tree Oil and Awapuhi, as well as those with salicylic acid, like B. Kamins Acne Wash.

6. Target the source. Many of your acne spot treatments can work double duty to treat acne on the scalp. But with the scalp, you’ll want to stick with salicylic acid – benzoyl peroxide can have a bleaching effect, which is not what you want on the scalp. You can apply with a cotton swab to individual spots, or use a product that comes in a handy pen-type applicator to apply directly. Murad Acne Spot Treatment contains 2 percent salicylic acid and will both shrink whiteheads and prevent dead skin cells from building up on the scalp and hairline.

7. Scrub and exfoliate to unclog pores. Just like your face, there are pores on your scalp, and when they become clogged, inflammation is bound to occur. While you want to take care not to irritate the scalp during this condition, a gentle exfoliating product can be helpful. Try a gentle physical scrub like Malibu Dandruff/Eczema Weekly Scalp Massage just once a week to loosen some of that trapped debris.

8. Make your conditioner count. Why skip conditioner when you can find one that both provides moisture and treats the problem? Neutrogena T-Gel Treatment Conditioner contains 2 percent salicylic acid, making it excellent for unclogging pores – without adding excess oil to your scalp.

9. Incorporate a scalp balancing remedy. Whether your scalp produces too much or toolittle sebum, an imbalance can be the source of clogged pores and an irritated scalp. Try an everyday shampoo like Phyto Phytocedrat Sebum Regulating Shampoo, or a weekly treatment product like Korres Green Silt and Corallina Oligoelements.

10. Give your scalp some soothing attention. An irritated scalp won’t get better simply by attacking it with harsh treatments, so look for a non-clogging product to help reduce inflammation. You can even try a mini-massage to get to the bottom of clogged pores, using a product like Rene Furterer Astera Soothing Fluid.

Don’t despair! Although scalp folliculitis is not as common as your basic facial acne, it’s just as treatable – with time and patience. But if your symptoms don’t subside within a few days, it may be time to see a doctor – some cases are more severe than others.

See also:

Scalp Folliculitis: The Basics

When Acne-Like Spots Strike the Scalp

Complete Acne Handbook

Inside Seborrheic Dermatitis