REASON AND SOLUTION FOR SCALP PAIN
Talking about scalp pain is pretty normal in most conversations, as almost everyone suffers from some version of it. It could be a slight sensitivity, or it could be an open cut, and both would be considered as scalp pain. The tricky part is that you might consider it to be one thing, and it could turn out be something entirely different.
It could be due to a host of reasons such as:
- Sunburnt skin that is sensitive at the touch
- Tight hairstyle that pull on your roots
- A burning reaction to hair dye application
- Dandruff and its associated itching from an oily scalp
- Lice biting down on your scalp
- Stress that causes tension headaches that in turn causes scalp pain
- A change in hair products or reaction to harsh chemicals
- Even pollution and dirt can contribute
- Changes in the weather
- Arterial inflammation around your scalp
- Dermatitis
- Infections due to fungus and bacteria
- Scalp Psoriasis
- Even scratching excessively can leave your scalp in pain
When you look at this long list, it’s easy to hyperventilate and worry that you’re probably suffering from all of these ailments combined. The problem arises from a lack of information and understanding behind the causes of scalp pain. The scalp is a sensitive part of your body irrespective of any ailments. It has various roles to play, especially in the health of your hair.
That is why, before anything else, you need to ask yourself some questions that can help you gain clarity:
- Where does it hurt? Is it isolated or spread all over the scalp? Does it feel like it’s below the skin?
- When did it start? Had you just changed your products? Did you use some new hair styling treatment right before the pain started? What did you do, leading up to the pain?
- What are the visual symptoms? Can you see rashes or inflammation? Maybe there are some cuts and bruises, or even some form of red scales?
- Are there any other associated scalp problems? Are you losing hair or is there some form of flaking?
- Did you start some new medication? Or could you have developed some allergy that you weren’t aware of?
- Has there been a change in your lifestyle? Have you changed cities where the water is different? Or have your stress levels gone up?
You can get a better picture by dwelling on these questions, with the visual symptoms helping you via a process of elimination. If you don’t have cuts and bruises, that takes care of one cause. If you haven’t been in the sun, it definitely cannot be a sunburn. If you haven’t changed products or started any new medication, it’s probably not an allergic reaction.
This process helps you understand what your scalp requires. Most of the times, scalp tenderness is temporary and caused by poor hair care. It feels easy to blame it on that, but the truth is that if you don’t take care of your scalp and your hair, it cries out for help. Think of this as your scalp sending you a message.
So how do you take care of scalp pain?
It is important that you don’t rush and combine different home remedies for your scalp pain treatment, which will only make the situation worse. Approach it cautiously and always try one thing at a time, which should help you find the right answer to your pain.
- Massage essential oils like Argan oil into your scalp. Dry scalp, which is damaged by heat, just requires some form of protection. Massaging oils provide that nourishment and also increases blood circulation to the scalp.
- Remove any potential irritants. If there are new products that you’ve tried, or you’ve been using a combination of multiple products, curb the use and see if that makes a difference.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and even heat-based styling products. This might or might not be the cause of your scalp sensitivity, but it can definitely make it worse.
- Cooling products from nature, like Aloe Vera, can provide moisture and healthy enzymes to your scalp. They are great at removing excess oil, cooling down any itching, and can also get rid of dandruff.
- If you’re prone to sunburns or just have a sensitive skin, cover your head when you’re in the sun. We often take this for granted, not realising the damage that it does.
- Pay attention to your hair care, as that is half the job done. Your hair and scalp should not feel unloved, which is often the cause of a sore scalp.Regular use of a good shampoo and conditioner is vital in managing any pain.
- Reduce your stress levels, improve your diet, and exercise regularly. Do not underestimate these three, because they directly affect the health of your scalp and your hair.
If you can identify the basis for your pain, removing that instigator should reset your scalp. But if the scalp pain persists, or you find bleeding, or the symptoms become severe, it is advisable to visit a doctor or a dermatologist.
In general, taking care of your scalp and hair can reduce the likelihood of scalp pain affecting you. Use products like the Head and Shoulders Supreme Scalp Rejuvenation with Argan oil, that bring nourishment and care to your scalp. Or try a combination of shampoo and conditioner with the Head and Shoulders 2 in 1 Active Protect, to bring strength to your head. Use products which are meant to protect your scalp and say goodbye to that scalp pain.
