Migraines, headaches, and autoimmune disorders can often lead to scalp pain that feels like irritation or even severe inflammation. Everyday factors like sunburns, rashes, or wounds, along with insect bites, also cause tenderness.
It’s important to get proper diagnoses to determine the underlying condition, as scalp issues can stem from problems with blood vessels, nerves, and the tissues beneath the skin. Sometimes, you may notice peeling, flaking, or scaling, but at other times, the discomfort might come without visible symptoms.
Studies suggest that scalp sensitivity affects 25-70% of the population, making it a fairly common condition. If you experience allergies, psoriasis, eczema, or hair loss, you might notice similar symptoms.
The soreness could also be due to infections, which irritate nerve endings around the follicles. The sensitivity may range from a mild throbbing to a more severe itchy or even burning sensation. Thankfully, there are many prescription and over-the-counter treatment options to help manage these symptoms, depending on the root cause.
Causes
Below are several potential reasons for scalp sensitivity and tenderness.
Skin conditions
Scalp tenderness may occur with skin conditions, such as rashes, sunburn, or even insect bites and head lice, which can lead to inflammation, pain, and tenderness. Conditions like psoriasis and eczema may also cause flaking, peeling, and sometimes make the scalp feel like it’s going to bleed or produce pus.
Dandruff is another issue, often triggered by the buildup of natural oils, resulting in red, scaly patches. While not linked to poor hygiene, treatment is often sought to relieve irritation or embarrassment. In some cases, a fungal infection like ringworm can cause crusting and a silvery sheen on the scalp.
Other factors like stress, hormones, or dry air from cold weather can also trigger issues like lichen planus, causing the scalp to flake and scale. If left untreated or extreme, many of these conditions can lead to reversible hair loss during certain periods or after medical treatments.
Occipital neuralgia (This form of nerve pain is rare)
Scalp tenderness can be a symptom of occipital neuralgia, which affects the occipital nerves running from the neck to the head. This pain can make the scalp feel extremely sensitive, even to a light touch. In some cases, the scalp may feel numb due to this rare form of nerve pain caused by an injury or a pinched nerve. Additionally, scalp issues can sometimes lead to hair problems, making you wonder, why does my hair tangle so easily due to underlying scalp sensitivity.
Hair loss
Telogen effluvium is a temporary hair loss that may also cause scalp sensitivity, making it a concern for many. A 2022 study of 317 people found that 32% of those experiencing hair loss had scalp sensitivity. Common conditions like alopecia areata can lead to follicles falling out in round clumps from the body and scalp. Severe forms like alopecia totalis cause loss of all hair on the head, while alopecia universalis affects the entire body. Though some hair may regrow, in extreme cases with significant follicle damage, the loss becomes irreversible. Another cause is centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), which primarily affects middle-aged Black females with hair loss from the top of the head, accompanied by pain and itching.
Other causes of scalp tenderness
Other causes of scalp tenderness include issues like acne, cysts, and allergic reactions, leading to infections of skin cells or hair follicle shafts. Viral diseases like shingles and measles, along with tight hairstyles, headbands, and helmets, can cause scalp irritation.
Overuse of hair products such as dyes, relaxers, or tools like hair dryers and flat irons can weaken follicles, causing hair loss and tenderness. If you’re wondering why is my hair so greasy after one day, product buildup and over-brushing may contribute. Severe cases may point to health conditions like melanomas or cancers, causing painful, prolonged sensitivity.
Diagnosis
Resolving more persistent or severe conditions causing scalp tenderness may take a few visits to a doctor. Doctors will ask about your medical history, diet, routine, and any injuries or recent changes. They will examine the scalp, collect a hair follicle or sample for further testing, and may also check body hair patterns during the visits.
Treatment
Treatments for scalp tenderness can vary depending on the underlying cause. Often, conditions causing scalp tenderness can resolve with basic cleaning and care. Over-the-counter products like ointments, antiseptics, and dressing materials aid healing. For long-lasting issues, a doctor may suggest medicated cream or shampoos. Frequent use of harsh products, like dyes, can lead to irritation. What happens if you dye your hair too much? It may damage your scalp, worsening pain and sensitivity.
Home remedies
For relief, massaging the scalp with fingertips in circular motions can help. Applying cold or heat packs for 10-minute intervals reduces pain.
If your hair has been in a tight position for a long period, slowly letting down the hair is effective. Stretching and relaxation techniques can be helpful for tenderness caused by headaches, muscle soreness, or tension.
Preventing scalp tenderness
Preventing scalp tenderness can help avoid discomfort. Avoid spending too much time in the sun, using hair-damaging chemicals, dyes, or heated devices. Also, stay away from tight hairstyles that pull on the scalp and hair products containing harsh chemicals. If my hair feels like straw what can I do? Reducing stress, avoiding sharing hair ties or brushes, and preventing contagious infections like head lice or fungus can keep your scalp and hair healthy.
Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a type of skin inflammation that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed patches on the skin, which can lead to a rash on the body, face, or scalp. This can result in pain and discomfort. Dermatitis has many causes, including genetics, an overactive immune system, or allergens. Some substances like paraphenylenediamine (PPD) found in hair dye can cause allergic contact dermatitis when applied to the scalp. If your scalp feels painful or irritated, visiting a healthcare provider can help identify the trigger and find the right treatment options.
Scalp Psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis causes dry, itchy, and scaly patches that are often painful. It happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the body, leading to inflammation on the scalp. Scratching can cause bleeding and a burning sensation. Avoiding stress, cold weather, and dry air can help, or ask a healthcare provider for treatment options.
Infection
Scalp pain can be caused by a fungal infection or bacterial infection of the skin. When hair follicles become infected, often due to frequent shaving or tight hats in hot or damp weather, it may result in folliculitis, which causes a painful, itchy, and tender scalp with a red or discolored ring around the follicle. Fungal infections like ringworm can lead to scaly, uncomfortable balding patches. It’s best to see a healthcare provider for antifungal medications, antibiotics, or prescription treatment.
Tension from Hairstyles
Tension from hairstyles like tight hairstyles can cause scalp pain and discomfort. Styles like high ponytails, updos, buns, and braids pull on the hair follicles, leading to blood vessel inflammation and hair loss or damage. This can result in traction alopecia, a type of gradual hair thinning from repeated tugging. If wearing hair down or loosening your hair elastic doesn’t help, and hair loss occurs, consult a healthcare provider for treatment recommendations.
Headaches and Neurological Conditions
Headaches and neurological conditions like migraines can cause head pain and affect the scalp. A tension headache often feels like a dull or tight ache around the temples, caused by tense muscles in the neck. In some cases, chronic migraine leads to allodynia, where nerve ending signals make everyday actions, like hair brushing or wearing a hat, feel painful. Severe pain may also be linked to occipital neuralgia from injured or inflamed nerves. If your headache patterns worsen, consult a healthcare provider for treatment guidance.
Sunburn
If your scalp is experiencing pain or discomfort, it could be due to sunburn from excessive UV exposure. This can happen even during winter months when people forget to protect their hair and scalp. A mild sunburn can cause inflammation, and you might feel increasing pain, especially when exposed to the sun again.
Wearing hats, applying sunscreen, and using home remedies can help. However, if you experience fever, chills, blistering, or dizziness, seek medical help immediately.
How to maintain a healthy scalp
To maintain scalp and hair health, follow a consistent care routine. Prevent scalp pain and sensitivity by avoiding scratching that leads to irritation, bleeding, and hair loss.
Use mild shampoo, avoid blow dryers and hot tools that can tug, irritate, or burn the sensitive skin. To reduce stress, practice neck stretching to relieve tension headaches. Protect from sunburns with a hat or spray sunscreens specially formulated for hair. Try new products in small amounts to avoid irritant exposure.
When to see a healthcare provider
If your scalp pain persists despite OTC treatments, you should visit a healthcare provider. They will review your medical history and check for symptoms or visible clues on the scalp area. A skin biopsy might be done to detect rash-causing pathogens, or a blood test and imaging to rule out underlying health conditions like neurological disorders. The provider could suggest a treatment plan, such as medicated shampoo, topical products, or oral antibiotics for infections and corticosteroids to relieve inflammation.
Conclusion
Scalp pain can result from various factors, such as infections, autoimmune disorders, or even hair-related issues. Proper diagnosis is essential to identify the underlying cause, as the pain might stem from blood vessels, nerves, or skin conditions. Scalp tenderness and sensitivity are common and can range from mild irritation to severe discomfort. Fortunately, many over-the-counter treatments and home remedies are available to help manage symptoms effectively. Seeking professional medical advice can prevent long-term problems, especially in more serious cases involving nerve damage or persistent scalp conditions.
FAQ’s
Why does my scalp hurt to touch?
When your scalp feels sore, it can be due to skin disorders, tension headaches, or infections. Scalp pain can be caused by things like dandruff, infection, or infestation. Proper treatment depends on the underlying cause.
How do you relieve scalp pain?
To relieve scalp pain, massage with essential oils like Argan oil can help. If you have a dry scalp or damaged skin from heat, this provides protection and nourishment. Massaging also increases blood circulation and helps remove potential irritants.
Why does my hair roots hurt when I move it?
If your hair roots hurt when you move it, you might have allodynia, a condition where nerve pain causes abnormal pain reactions. This can lead to discomfort when brushing hair or feeling cold temperatures.
Does scalp pain mean hair loss?
Scalp pain doesn’t always mean hair loss. While there may be a connection, soreness doesn’t automatically mean you’ll lose your hair. It could be a symptom of certain types of hair loss.
