I need some help, friends. This is driving me crazy.
Very recently, my scalp has started to hurt. Not all over... just in certain places: small sections starting just a little past the temples, one spot right at the crown, and two other spots, just right and left of the back center of my head.
I have never had dandruff. I haven't changed hair products. I haven't recently had my hair dyed.
It started off as just somewhat itchy. And I've noticed that there are areas where I feel like there are scabs (sorry, it's not as gross as it sounds). There is no oozing or anything that would make me feel like there's an infection or even in-grown hairs. Now, it doesn't itch anymore. It BURNS. My scalp feels like it's on fire. En fuego!
I haven't called my doctor yet, but I tried to do a little searching online. The only thing I can find short of psoriasis is the same blasted excuse I've found for everything else that has gone wrong with my health the last few years: STRESS.
Please, PLEASE someone tell me that you have either heard of or experienced something like this... and that stress is not the cause. Because, short of quitting my job which is not an option but you already knew that, there's not going to be a lot of stress relief in my life for at least a few more months.
The one and only variable within the last few weeks is that I have started Aquatic Therapy. BUT... before you go all "A-Hah!" on me, Watson... I never put my head in the water. My hair never touches the water. In fact, I'm only in water up to my shoulders. The water is highly chlorinated, but it doesn't reach to my scalp. Is there such a thing as chlorine vapors that could be doing this? (yeah, it's late, and I can't sleep because my scalp hurts... and I'm stupid right now. Sue me.)
I'm interested to hear if any of you have heard of something like this... thanks for playing.
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15 comments:
My husband had that problem when he first moved to Phx because it is so dry. He used the Neutrogena T-Gel shampoo for a while. It seemed to work. I think he alternated days with it. It's way smelly, but... hell. If it works, whatever!
Blessings to you, my dear. May the scalp demons leave you soon.
I think I would take stress related scalp pain over stress related nightmares any day. Last nights was a doozy.
It's likely that it is psoriasis. I have it - it isn't the end of the world - and it most definitely is exacerbated by stress. Get your hands on some tea tree oil (do you have a Whole Food Market nearby?), and dab a little bit of that on the parts of your scalp that itch/hurt (use a q-tip for accuracy). Right before bed is a good time to do it. Trust me - instant relief.
I use Neutrogena shampoo, too. The one that's worked the best for me has been the "Triple Moisture" - the T-Gel just made my hair dry (and didn't fix the problem). Good luck.
I'm bald...and scalp pain free...sorry, I can't help you.
I'm not sure. But perhaps you should try putting you rhead under water! Go see a doc, I'm sure online diagnoses are not the way to go... :)
paisley: I already T-Gel as a clarifying shampoo (one every few months to get rid of build-up). You're right... it stinks!
hannah: Absolutely! There are no psycho bulldogs in my hair, that's for sure! ;-)
tammara: I use the Triple Moisture shampoo sometimes, too, when my hair starts feeling like straw. I don't have psoriasis anywhere else... would it just hang out on my scalp?
jaek: luckyyyy! ;-)
ludi: I think that's what I AM going to do actually. Just wondered if I was the only person who felt like this.
MPB: definitely not a sunburn. It is starting to warm up, though. It's supposed to be 70 F tomorrow (21 C)! That's the crazy thing about this place... snows one week, and then you can go out in shorts the next week. Gah.
I just have it on the scalp, too (thank god, I say - it's a pain in the ass, but I wouldn't want to deal with this elsewhere. Watch me jinx myself saying that.)
You can get a diagnosis from a dermatologist, but there's no miracle cure because it's an autoimmune thing. The tea tree oil is cheap OTC relief while you're waiting for your appt.
Thanks, tammara. I'll head over to Whole Foods tomorrow! Ya know... I used to have tea tree oil all the time. The one time I REALLY need it, though, I don't.
Now I don't want to scare you, Frump, but have you seen Alien? - you ARE sure it's not alien worms hatching just below the surface, just waiting to suck your brain out, before bursting out in green slime through your ears?
I've had something similar going on - Random itchiness, but on one side of my scalp only. I have absolutely no clue...I've tried conditioning the heck out of it...
rev: ummmm... no. No aliens. I'm pretty sure. ;-)
3carnations: if it just itched, I'd be okay. But it mostly just burns. meh.
Burning scalp can be a symptom of anxiety.
Or perhaps your head is on fire? I'll wait here while you go to the mirror and check.
jege- THAT'S what it was... my head is on fire. Sheesh. I should have figured that one out myself. Thanks!! ;-)
I have this!
it burns and feels like my head is on fire, and it only happens on the left side of my head now and again!but I've recently dyed my hair so that's probably the reason :P
I don't want any medical conditions or anything anyway, i'm only 14 :-(
Same exact thing happening to me. No welts, bugs, hives, etc. Feels like my scalp is on fire. Starts as an itch, then just burns. I go through this during allergy season. Been taking a crap ton of antihistamines (under doc supervision) and putting tea tree oil in my shampoo. It seems to be helping. Had to go off antihistamines for a few days for some allergy testing and the itch came back! Back on meds now and it is slowly getting better. Hope you can find some relief.
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