Why Does My Scalp Hurt? 7 Causes and Treatments
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Depending on the underlying cause, the level of scalp sensitivity can range from mild to severe, and may feel like a throbbing, irritated, tingling, itchy, or burning sensation. This unpleasant neuropathic pain is often a side effect of another underlying health condition such as diabetes, shingles, fibromyalgia and migraine headaches, per the Cleveland Clinic. "We experience pain when our brain interprets signals released by our nerves," says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. "There are a variety of reasons why your scalp may hurt, [like] neurologic issues [or] inflammation in the skin." Washing your hair too often can strip it of natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle.
Special Scalp Massage Considerations
If you have oily hair, you may need to wash it more often, but be sure to use a gentle shampoo and limit the amount of time you spend shampooing. If you are experiencing pain when you touch your hair, it is important to visit your doctor in order to get a proper diagnosis. There are many different causes of hair-related pain, and it is important to find out the cause in order to get the proper treatment. In some cases, it might be because the person has a condition called alopecia areata, which is a type of autoimmune disease that causes the hair to fall out. This can be a very distressing condition, and can lead to bald patches all over the head. Although men and women with significant hair loss are more prone to sun damage, having hair will not completely protect you against sunburn.
Traction alopecia
Here, Dr. Zeichner runs through the most common causes of scalp soreness to help you get to the root of the problem. Plus, he shares ways to prevent pain and soothe your sensitive scalp. If you've ever tousled your tresses only to wonder why your hair hurts when you move it, that strange sensation is not just in your head. While pain in your mane sounds peculiar, trust us, it's an actual thing. If you’re not eating a balanced diet, you might not be getting all the vitamins and minerals your body needs.
Scalp conditions
You should head to the nearest ER by car since your infection seems like it might be spreading. Surgery may be required to get rid of the whole abscess after the inflammation has died down. Due to the difficulty of diagnosing TMJ disorder, treatment begins with conservative methods that do not permanently change the jaw or teeth.
6 Reasons Why Your Hair Hurts, According to a Dermatologist - Livestrong
6 Reasons Why Your Hair Hurts, According to a Dermatologist.
Posted: Sat, 02 Oct 2021 15:12:33 GMT [source]
“It’s the result of the repeated firing of nerve cells in the brain that are involved in the process of migraine,” says Dr. Grosberg. Tight hairstyles can certainly be a first contributing step to migraines, though hair that hurts can also happen separately, as part of a migraine attack that is brought on by other triggers. Traction alopecia—a type of hair loss due to prolonged tension on the hair shaft—can result from chronic tight hairstyles, such as ponytails and braids. Likewise, frequent use of heat tools at high settings can inflict thermal trauma upon the scalp.
Headaches and Neurological Conditions
Ice packs, soft foods, gentle stretching of the jaw muscles, and reducing stress are all encouraged. Though large whiteheads can be removed by a dermatologist, most cases can be treated with proper hygiene and over-the-counter medications/treatments. Look for products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
'My entire scalp was on fire': A doctor repeatedly insisted she had a tension headache. Something more serious was ... - The Washington Post
'My entire scalp was on fire': A doctor repeatedly insisted she had a tension headache. Something more serious was ....
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The process for diagnosing scalp sensitivity may include a physical examination of the scalp to look for signs of inflammation or infection. Information about hair care products used may also be collected to identify potential allergic reactions. In certain cases, a patch test or biopsy could be performed to pinpoint specific allergens or to diagnose underlying skin conditions. Just like any other part of the body, the scalp is vulnerable to sunburn. Extended exposure to the sun without adequate protection can cause redness, tenderness, and even blistering.
Are you losing your hair? A dermatologist breaks down some FAQs.
Infections can cause inflammation and irritation, which can lead to discomfort. If you’re using harsh, sulfate-based shampoos and conditioners, you might be causing damage to your hair roots. Sulfates can be very harsh on the scalp, and over time they can cause inflammation and irritation. People with a sensitive scalp should carefully monitor their condition and hair care practices. If home remedies do not help, a doctor can identify the cause and suggest some possible treatment options. Hair loss could indicate an underlying condition, such as traction alopecia or scalp psoriasis.
Headache
Finally, you might be experiencing scalp pain because you have a condition called traction alopecia. With traction alopecia, the hair follicles can become damaged due to excessive tension, and this can cause the scalp to hurt. If you’re experiencing scalp pain, it’s important to see a doctor to determine the cause. Temporal arteritis is a condition that occurs when there is inflammation, swelling, tenderness, or damage to the blood vessels (temporal arteries) that supply blood to the head, neck, upper body, and arms.
'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. If you have thick, scaly, dry, itchy, discolored (red, brown, gray, or purple) plaques on your scalp and its surrounding skin, it may be due to a skin condition known as scalp psoriasis.
When we’re stressed, our body releases cortisol, which can lead to inflammation and hair loss. Seborrheic dermatitis is a type of eczema that tends to develop in areas of oily skin. The scalp is oily due to the hair follicles, which makes it vulnerable to seborrheic dermatitis. Scalp psoriasis causes discolored patches, scales, or flaking on the scalp. Scratching the patches can worsen them, cause bleeding, or lead to hair loss. There are many possible treatment options for a painful scalp, and they tend to depend on the cause.
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