mild acne into hairline

Is it normal to have acne past the hairline? I have always had mild acne but noticed I sometimes get a few small red spots at the back of my neck that go past the hairline sometimes up to a an inch. I do get them at the hairline where it is shaved but I don't understand why they go into the hairline where I  don't shave. There are only a few but I wonder what this is. Is this called folliculitis?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Thomas:

Technically, pimples within the scalp hair aren't acne.  They are most likely folliculitis, as you suggested.

Exactly what blocks follicles, on or off the scalp, isn't clear.  Skin and hair products usually are not at fault.  

Oral or topical antibiotics may help, possibly supplemented by topical cortsione scalp lotions.  You probably should consult a dermatologist about this, but you can expect to get useful advice.

Good luck.

Dr. R