Tingling, burning, or soreness when tugging your hair back is not only uncomfortable but also puzzling. The severe pain may appear to come from your hairs, but not. The pain comes from the nerve area of the scalp regions around each hair, pore, or follicle hurts, not the hair itself. Remember, feelings are influenced by the actions of the blood and nerves, and since our hairs are dead cells, it means they can’t produce pain.
What’s going on is that inflammation from the scalp’s blood vessels is flooding the nerves in the hair follicles, causing them to ache.
Moving your hair can cause scalp pain. But the Good news is that by identifying the true cause of your pain, you can treat it.
This post will cover the essentials of what to do if you have strange pain when moving your hair.
Types
These pains can come in several forms. Commons ones are
- Painful and itchy scalp
- Burning and burning sensations
- Tingles
- Aching
Causes and treatment
These pains are symptoms of several health conditions. They could be symptoms of hair-scalp associated conditions or other body heat issues like migraine headaches, trauma, stress, etc.
Let’s briefly look at some of these causes
Headaches (allodynia)
Allodynia is a kind of neuropathic pain that affects the nerves (nerve pain). Allodynia is a condition in which people are extraordinarily sensitive to touch. Things that are normally not uncomfortable can become extremely painful. It is approximated that two-thirds of people with migraines suffer from this condition.
With an allodynia condition, it is possible for those suffering from migraines to feel discomfort from something as simple as the wind blowing through their hair, wearing a hat, or applying light pressure to the head.
If you believe this is the case, rather than under-washing or over-styling your hair, see your doctor so that you can determine which migraine medication would be appropriate for you.
Dandruff
Dermatologists assert that the scalp is extremely densely packed with blood vessels, nerve endings, and oil glands, making it a vital organ for hair growth. But, too much oil can become dangerous and will promote the growth of yeast on the head. An example is a yeast called Pityrisporum. This yeast (Pityrosporum) accumulates in the scalp, resulting in dandruff. Combining these factors may result in inflammation, translating into sensitivity, which will seem like your hair may be hurting.
Eczema
The scalp is a part of the body that can be affected by various types of eczema. In a chronic phase, the scalp may be itchy, scaly, and dry, whereas, in an acute phase (eczema flare), the scalp may be inflamed (red) and painful.
To check for this, You can try brushing your scalp gently with a soft-bristled brush after it has dried if your scalp looks to be flaking or peeling at the edges.
If scales or flakes begin to fall out of your hair, this could be your first sign that you have eczema or seborrheic dermatitis on your scalp.
Folliculitis
Hair follicle infection or inflammation is referred to as folliculitis in medical terms. It is occasionally important to use antibacterial cleansers or any antibiotics to get rid of the illness.
It may be necessary for your doctor to obtain a bacterial culture from a pimple to confirm this condition’s diagnosis. It will also assist them in prescribing the most appropriate medication.
Allergy
An allergic response, especially to a new hair product, might cause acute scalp pain with no other symptoms.
When you notice this kind of pain, rest your hair from new products for a day or two, and rinse your head with cold water instead of strong shampoos.
Apply essential oils or other hair and scalp conditioners only after an allergic reaction has subsided.
Other causes included stress, trauma, head lice, etc.
Preventive measures
It’s difficult to predict what will cause scalp pain, but when symptoms are detected, there are things you can do to mitigate or solve the pain;
- Any skin problem, including eczema and Psoriasis that affects your scalp, should be treated.
- Read product labels carefully to avoid adverse reactions on your scalp.
- Brush your hair gently and wash it every day with lukewarm water.
- Avoid sticky, adhesive-based hair products with alcohol as they can dehydrate your hair. Many gels and hair sprays are examples.
- Follow dermatological certified body’s (like the American Academy of Dermatologists) haircare advice to keep your hair and scalp healthy.
Other measures you can take are
- Wash your hair often to reduce the accumulation of oily substance
- Take a break from hair products or try changing. But do this based on professional recommendation and prescription?
- Understand your hair texture, type, and chemistry. It will help you make a good dye selection because hair dye is also a major cause of hair pain.
- Always take your time to have adequate rest.
- Eat a good diet. It will strengthen your immune system and provide your system with the adequate nutrition it needs to function properly.
When to see a doctor
If you often have persistent pains in your scalp from moving your hair, make an appointment with a dermatologist immediately. The above recommendations are still basic and are to serve as a first aid-like treatment. Severe and persistent conditions often show more serious underlining problems you can’t afford to allow to linger for long.
Remember, when you allow any health condition to be untreated for long, they metamorphosis into something fatal, which will cost you unnecessary money and effort to treat.
Meanwhile, as a rule of thumb, you should also see the doctor when you notice the following symptoms;
- scaly patches
- breakouts and
- bleeding areas
Take away
The above recommendations are to help you take up quick and informed actions when faced with these conditions. As already said, if symptoms persist, always remember to consult your doctor.
Doctors are always in a better position to provide correct diagnoses adequately. It will go a long way to save you time and money.
Remember, trial and error can be detrimental. Always make informed decisions. And always seek professional counsel.