Table Of Content
While each person might experience this sensation differently, it usually involves tightness, itchiness, tingling, a sharp pain or dull ache or a burning sensation on your scalp. Signs of this kind of hair loss, Yates says, include heavier than normal hair fall and less density—think a wider part line with the scalp obviously visible in the hairline. If you notice these developments in conjunction with hair or scalp pain, it might be time to see a doctor. So here, you’ll get the scoop on all things hair and scalp pain with the hopes that you’ll never have to wonder 'why does my hair hurt? It may last a few hours if it’s a minor issue that can be resolved on its own or with the help of NSAIDs.
Address stress
People who have tension headaches often describe the sensation as feeling like a tight band is wrapped around their heads. Pain that occurs during a tension headache can be a cause of scalp tenderness. Scalp psoriasis affects roughly 80% of people diagnosed with psoriasis, a condition that causes red, itchy, and scaly patches on the skin. The scalp is usually one of the first areas to be affected by these dry skin symptoms, which can become painful.
When to see a doctor
Lice is highly contagious and can live up to 30 days on your scalp or body. Sometimes sunburns and hair extensions that are too tight or heavy can irritate the scalp as well. The provider will ask questions about your medical history and symptoms, and examine the scalp area to assess for any visible clues. From there, they may perform a skin biopsy to check for the presence of any rash-causing pathogens. They may also order a blood test or imaging to rule out any underlying health conditions or neurological disorders. Antifungal medications and antibiotics are usually needed to clear one of these infections, so if pain and irritation aren't going away it's best to see a healthcare provider for prescription treatment.
Does anyone else get scalp pain when you move your hair?
Finally, if you have a lot of hair and you’re not taking care of it properly, you may have a scalp infection. If you’re experiencing pain when you move your hair, be sure to talk to your doctor to find out the cause. The most common reason is dandruff, which occurs when your body undergoes an inflammatory response due to an overgrowth of yeast on the scalp, causing itching and flaking. On the whole, it’s important that you speak with your doctor about any symptoms you’re experiencing.
Skin disorders
There is a fungal infection of the scalp, tinea capitis, that can cause scalp itching and sensitivity or pain. Any time you are concerned about a hair and scalp problem, it is best to book a consultation with a trichologist and get an accurate diagnosis. While in many cases, scalp tenderness is benign and will resolve itself with minimal intervention, if it is caused by an underlying scalp problem, it can lead to complications if left untreated. These can range from infection to scarring and permanent hair loss. Scalp tenderness can occur all over your scalp or may be more intense in certain areas. Another common cause of scalp tenderness is a condition called seborrheic dermatitis.
Scalp infection
It’s important to understand the cause of your scalp tenderness so that you can get the appropriate treatment. There are many reasons why people might feel pain when they touch their hair. For some people, it might be because their hair is very dry and brittle. This can be a common problem for people with curly hair, as the natural oils that are produced by the scalp can’t travel down the hair shaft as easily. If you have a scalp infection, such as ringworm or seborrheic dermatitis, that might be causing your hair roots to hurt.
While not a sign of poor hygiene or disease, many people seek treatment out of irritation or embarrassment. Rarely, dandruff can also be caused by fungal infection or ringworm. Yeast is a fungus, but dermatologists do not consider dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis) to be a fungal infection. The yeast that plays a role in dandruff formation is naturally occurring. Some people are more sensitive to it or have a larger amount of growth.
The exact cause is unknown, but contributing factors may include abnormal processing of pain messages within the central nervous system, chemical imbalances, and genetics. If the burn is particularly severe, you may also experience weakness, confusion, faintness, dehydration, and shock. Infections usually require oral or topical antibiotics or antifungal medication, along with topical corticosteroids to help relieve inflammation and related symptoms.
Are you concerned about your scalp tenderness in one spot?
Medicated washes, shampoos, rinses, and conditioners may also help treat scalp tenderness. To get to the root cause of your hair loss and scalp discomfort, ask a healthcare provider for targeted treatments that can help with both issues. Severe pain on the scalp may also develop with occipital neuralgia, where nerves that run across the scalp become injured and inflamed. If you have a painful, irritated, or inflamed scalp that seems to be caused by dermatitis, you should visit a healthcare provider to determine the trigger and treatment options. If you are experiencing scalp tenderness, it’s important to see a doctor to determine the cause.
Products that contain benzocaine or similar ingredients ending in "caine," such as topical pain relievers, should be avoided since they can cause irritation. An infection of the hair follicles can lead to symptoms of pain, itching, and irritation. For a skin condition like scalp psoriasis, a combination of topical and oral prescription medications, injections, and light therapy are treatment possibilities.
Is It Bad to Air-Dry Your Hair Instead of Using Heat? - InStyle
Is It Bad to Air-Dry Your Hair Instead of Using Heat?.
Posted: Sun, 31 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
This can lead to hair roots that are weak and vulnerable to damage. AD cannot be cured, but can be controlled through prescribed medications, skin care, stress management, and treatment of food allergies. Those with AD often have allergies to milk, nuts, and shellfish. Without treatment, a child may have trouble sleeping due to the intense itching.
Constant scratching may cause skin infections and the skin may turn thickened and leathery. A skin abscess is an infection of the deeper skin that's typically due to bacteria seen on the skin. If the infection begins to spread, urgent treatment is required. The key to reducing scalp discomfort is identifying what is causing it. Folliculitis is usually the result of bacteria, yeast, or dust mites. When a person has folliculitis, their hair follicles become inflamed.
It’s totally possible for your hair to hurt, and your scalp can feel tender to the touch, too. There’s even an official name for certain instances of this phenomenon. A dermatologist can treat skin conditions that cause scalp sensitivity. It depends on the cause, so check with your primary care physician about your symptoms first.
“Yes, tight hair styles can cause your scalp to hurt and should be avoided,” says Dr. LoGerfo. “That constant pulling action can cause scalp pain in those who are sensitive to it.” To avoid or reverse this kind of hair pain, she suggests wearing looser hairstyles when you can, especially overnight. Consider investing in softer ties or clips for when you do want to put your hair up or back, which won’t tug or pull on the hair as much as other accessories. If your hair or scalp hurt and you tend to wear tight hairstyles, “pay attention to this kind of hair pain — it can be a warning about coming hair loss,” cautions Skjoth. Dr. Jaliman agrees and says there’s an official term for it, “traction alopecia,” which is gradual hair loss that can be caused by damage to hair follicles from tight hairstyles. Excessive pulling or tension on the hair follicles, commonly due to tight hairstyles, can lead to a condition known as traction alopecia, causing scalp pain.
An uncomplicated closed head injury is a diagnosis of exclusion. If someone has been seen by a physician and more serious types of injury are deemed unlikely, this is a common variation of closed head injury. Giant cell arteritis is a disorder that causes inflammation of arteries of the scalp, neck, and arms.
However, serious scalp pain that lasts longer than a few hours and is accompanied by fever or pus—signs of infection— may demand proper medical care. Scalp pain is an issue that affects many individuals at various points in their lives. It can range from mild irritation to severe discomfort, impacting daily activities and overall quality of life.
No comments:
Post a Comment