Ironically, it is not your hair that pains, but the scalp. The pain you feel when you tug your hair is the scalp’s response to the action the hair has on it. So, how does this work?
According to science, and which is logically true, the pain originates in the scalp. 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.
For good a grasps of this, let us see into the science of hair and hair growth.
What is hair?
The hair is a simple composition of cells. The hair strand that we see on the scalp has deeper roots in the skin. At their base, they are housed in a component called the hair follicle. This follicle provides the hair root, made up of living cells, with the nutrients needed to grow. At the base, the hair is living.
But once the cells begin to multiply and build up through the follicle, the ones at the top because of lack of nutrients begin to die, and by the time they protrude through the scalp, they are completely dead cells with no blood.
You now see why you don’t feel pain when you cut your hair, right? It’s also the reason why we say it’s not your hair that pains, but it’s the scalp or skin that’s the real object of pain.
Symptoms that you have a scalp problem
In general, the following are the signs and symptoms of scalp problems:
- Itching
- Pain
- burning
- Prickling
- Soreness
Some illnesses that cause the scalp to pain can also result in additional symptoms, such as those described below:
What are the common hair or scalp pain-related conditions?
Painful scalp when the hair moves can be caused by various factors ranging from hairstyling choices to underlying health concerns. Even simple tasks such as changing one’s hair might create discomfort in the scalp.
The following are some of the conditions that might cause scalp pain:
Scalp psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis is a skin condition that results in the accumulation of cells on the scalp. Skin cell accumulation occurs due to psoriasis, an inflammatory disorder in which new skin cells grow before the body can remove the old ones, leading to a buildup of skin cells. New skin cells accumulate in patches on the skin, resulting in the formation of new patches.
These spots can appear anywhere on the body and are not contagious. Bacteria cause them.
When you have scalp psoriasis, you will notice patches of discolored skin, scales, or flaking on the scalp of your head. It is not contagious.
These spots are exceedingly itchy and may become infected and severe if scratched. Scratching the patches can aggravate them and even cause bleeding. Regularly Scratching the patches can also cause hair loss.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that affects the sebaceous glands. Seborrheic dermatitis is a kind of eczema that develops in oily skin areas and can be quite painful. Because of the oil produced by the hair follicles, the scalp is particularly susceptible to seborrheic dermatitis.
Adults between the ages of 30 and 60 are at risk for developing this illness.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is most often caused by bacteria, yeast, or dust mites, among other things. When a person suffers from folliculitis, the hair follicles in their scalp become irritated. This results in the development of tiny, itchy, and discolored pimples all over the skin. These lumps can become crusty and unpleasant if not treated promptly.
Traction alopecia
Traction alopecia is a kind of hair loss caused by pulling one’s hair back tightly. People who wear braids, ponytails, cornrows, or weaves, for example, are at risk of developing traction alopecia.
African American women and others who wear tight haircuts for business or leisure, such as ballet dancers, are particularly prone to the disorder.
Tenderness and stinging of the scalp are symptoms of traction alopecia.
General recommendations
To fix Scalp pains, consider the following options;
Treat underlying health issues
If you regularly experience scalp pain, see your dermatologist rule out underlying medical disease. Self-examine by lightly brushing your hair for flakes or scales. You may have eczema, psoriasis, dandruff, or folliculitis, and your doctor may prescribe an antibacterial cleaner and an antibiotic.
Stop harsh hair care.
If you have an allergic reaction to a hair care product, cease using it immediately. Rest your hair and scalp. Restriction of use of oils and conditioners.
Essential Oil Scalp Massage
Consider essential oils. Always dilute with a carrier oil. Apply the oil evenly to your scalp and hair. Fifteen minutes gentle massage, then light shampoo.
Home cures can also work.
Home remedies can be your first line of action when you notice hair loss. Consider using the following treatment options;
Lemon juice
Lemon juice is anti-inflammatory; thus, it can help ease scalp pain. Lemon is also acidic and can restore your scalp’s pH. Incorporate a few drops of lemon juice into your shampoo or conditioner.
Aloe vera gel
Aloe vera gel is also an anti-inflammatory and relaxing agent for the scalp. Cut an aloe vera leaf open to get the pulp or juice for 30 minutes on the scalp. Rinse with normal water. The next day, shampoo your hair.
Medicines/Shampoos
If you have a scalp infection or dandruff, you can go for over-the-counter (OTC) medications like drugs and shampoos.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to a product, avoid components like alcohol, perfumes, dyes, parabens, and sulfates in your shampoos.
When to visit a doctor’s
- A dermatologist should treat scaly patches, hair loss, or bleeding zones on the scalp.
- See a doctor when alternative home remedies fail.
- Hair loss can be caused by alopecia or scalp psoriasis. Victims should see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Conclusion
A hurting scalp when moving the hair has numerous causes. The most effective treatment depends on the source of the pain.
If home remedies don’t work, a doctor can diagnose and treat the condition.
Also, remember to look out for a good dermatological service. Quacks are everywhere, and falling into the hands of one can be fatal.
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