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Is Scalp Acne Causing My Hairline to Recede? - Saturday, February 27, 2010

Question:

I've recently noticed that Acne has been surfacing along my receding hairline. Do you think this why I'm losing hair? Is there any link at all?

Answer:

Acne along the hairline can appear due to fatty acids and sebum that are naturally produced in the scalp; there is no evidence to suggest any correlation between this and hairline recession. The condition is not uncommon in non-balding men/women, and regular use of shampoos designed to treat oily hair can reduce blemishes or prevent the recurrence of outbreaks.

The other connection might simply be that you've been over-inspecting the hairline with your fingers: touching it, pushing it back to measure the recession, etc. I'd imagine this becomes a fairly common habit among guys with frontal hair loss. Dirt and oils can quickly accumulate inside a hat if you've been regularly wearing one, too. Neither of these behaviors will cause Male Pattern Baldness, but they often accompany it.

This is all speculation on my part, so speaking with a dermatologist is probably the way to go.