Pain in the scalp (trichodynia), according to specialists, is quite often psychological, but there are also other causes. Scalp pain can also occur with improper hair care or as a result of scalp diseases. Find out why you experience an unpleasant headache and how to deal with it.
Contents:
- Scalp pain - causes
- Scalp pain - symptoms
- Scalp pain treatment
The pain in the scalp (trichodynia) and hair loss that often accompanies this condition is caused by pain stimuli sent to the brain by nerve endings entwining an empty hair follicle. This is due to the increased production of the pain transmitter known as substance P. It is this substance that causes scalp oversensitivity, inflammation and hair loss.
Scalp pain - causes
There are many causes of scalp pain, and it can occur at different times in your life. It can affect both women and men. It often occurs in people suffering from various types of alopecia. In these cases, although it may be hard to imagine, you experience pain in the root of your hair.
Some professionals refer to this type of pain as phantom pain that people experience after losing a limb. In trichodynia, it is pain after hair loss. The scalp also hurts with increased activity of the sebaceous glands. Seborrhea contributes to seborrheic dermatitis.
The causes of hypersensitivity and pain in the scalp also include injuries and parasitic diseases (lice that most often nest in the occipital and temporal parts of the head) and fungal diseases.
Ailments may also be caused by:
- decreased immunity,
- diabetes,
- excessive skin cooling,
- taking immunosuppressive drugs,
- neglecting hygiene.
Quite often, headache and hair loss are the result of a thermal injury caused by prolonged exposure to the sun without a hat.
Pain occurs in the parting area because this part is most exposed to sunlight. People with fair skin and sunburn are more prone to sunburnthin hair.
Severe stress is believed to be another cause of headache when touching it. The ailment may also accompany depression and panic attacks.
In addition, headache will occur in people suffering from trichotillomania, which is a mental disorder characterized by uncontrollable hair pulling.
Pain in the scalp when touched may be related to improper care of the hair and scalp. It may result from wearing tight hairpins, too strong elastic bands, tying them in the so-called a pony tail. Such ailments are called pony syndrome.
Scalp hyperesthesia also occurs in people who scratch unconsciously, e.g. during concentration. The cause of hyperesthesia may also be an allergic reaction to a new shampoo, hair conditioner or dye, or to the use of brushes or combs that are not suitable for your hair.
Scalp pain - symptoms
Pain is felt most strongly at the top of the head and at the back, in the occipital part. But there are also people who cannot locate a place of intense pain. They complain of sore skin all over their head.
Such pain usually occurs during hair care - washing the hair, combing the hair, styling and drying. Even a blast of air will cause unpleasant sensations.
Sometimes, for this reason, it is not possible to wear a hat on cold days. This puts oversensitive people into a vicious circle, because the hat is bothering you, but low temperatures and gusts of wind work similarly.
The symptoms associated with sore scalp include excessive greasy hair and hair loss. They become dull, brittle and weakened.
Patients complain of itching, burning and tingling. The skin is red and flaky, which promotes fungal and bacterial infections. After parting the hair, telangiectasia, i.e. dilated blood vessels, are visible.
Scalp pain treatment
People suffering from scalp pain must take care of proper care. Use delicate cosmetics so as not to irritate the skin.
Lotions that smooth and soften it, have nourishing, moisturizing and toning properties. It is recommended to use shampoos with aloe or mint extracts, which have a soothing and cooling effect.
Sometimes the carboxytherapy procedure, which consists in injecting carbon dioxide into the subcutaneous tissues with the use of a special device, may be effective. The treatment has an analgesic effect, improves blood supply to the scalp and ensures its nourishment and regeneration. Carboxytherapyit is great for rebuilding the hair bulb. It also helps prevent further hair loss.
The scalp and hair should be assessed by a specialist dermatologist or trichologist who will lead the diagnostic and treatment process.
In the case of the psychological background of the symptoms, it is worth consulting a psychologist and starting psychotherapy.
About the author
Anna Jarosz A journalist who has been involved in popularizing he alth education for over 40 years. Winner of many competitions for journalists dealing with medicine and he alth. She received, among others The "Golden OTIS" Trust Award in the "Media and He alth" category, St. Kamil awarded on the occasion of the World Day of the Sick, twice the "Crystal Pen" in the national competition for journalists promoting he alth, and many awards and distinctions in competitions for the "Medical Journalist of the Year" organized by the Polish Association of Journalists for He alth.
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