The best part?
I am going to show you What causes scalp tenderness? & How To Fix scalp tenderness? that is helpful for you.
In short: If you want to get rid of scalp tenderness or scalp pain, you’ll love this guide.
Let’s get started.
What is Scalp Tenderness? | Why Does My Scalp Hurt To Touch?
Scalp tenderness or scalp pain is caused by many reasons, such as many medical conditions that occur. Some conditions like autoimmune disorders(like psoriasis), tension headaches, Migraines, and so on.
All these conditions can cause painful scalp and also it can cause an irritated and inflamed scalp. There are many different reasons for scalp tenderness which is something as insect bites, rashes, Sunburns, and wounds.
Other causes of scalp tenderness such as Dysesthesia or burning hair syndrome, Head injuries, Scalp folliculitis, Extreme temperatures, Frequent use of helmets, Regular use of hairdryers, curlers, and flat irons, Scalp pain or allodynia as a side effect of migraine, Pollution, Scalp psoriasis, Seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff, Allergic contact dermatitis, Stress.
Symptoms of Scalp Tenderness
If you have a scalp tenderness problem then you may feel tingling, irritation, throbbing, numbness, itching, pain, and the sensitivity of the scalp.
What causes scalp tenderness?

- 1. Infestations: If you have an infestation condition then you may see red bumps on your scalp and also you may feel itchiness on your scalp also lice eggs(highly contagious) can leave for longer(30 days) and even more.
It may look like dandruff that could be lice or it may look like skin flakes. If you have these problems then you need to treat them immediately.
- 2. Infections: Infections is also can cause scalp tenderness. Some infections like tinea versicolor and tinea capitis which is called fungal infection mostly occur in children and also can cause hair loss.
Some infections like carbunculosis, Folliculitis, and furunculosis can occur in your hair follicle due to several reasons, if you have any of these conditions then you may experience scalp sensitivity and also soreness, warmth to the touch, and pain.
Mostly it can occur on the back of the scalp.
- 3. Temporal arteritis: Temporal arteritis mostly occurs in older adults. If you have temporal arteritis conditions then you may see some symptoms like visual disturbances, jaw pain, and headaches. This happens(Temporal arteritis) when you have an infection in your temporal artery and it’s very tender to touch.
- 4. Headaches: If you take Stress or if you faced depression or anxiety then you may face scalp pain. Because tension headaches can lead to scalp pain.
- 5. Skin disorders: If you have a skin disorder condition then you may experience flakes, blisters, and crusts. Skin disorder or dermatitis condition is the main cause of inflammation of the scalp. Due to this reason, you may face swollen skin and an itchy rash.
Skin flakes, blisters, and crusts symptoms can be triggered due to several reasons such as pollution, Infections, certain hair products, certain laundry detergents, water, certain cosmetics, certain soaps, and certain metals.
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Other causes of scalp tenderness
- viral diseases that cause skin sores such as shingles and measles
- tight hairstyles, headbands, and helmets
- acne
- infections of the skin cells or hair follicle shafts
- sunburn
- wind
- allergic reactions
- hairdryers, flat irons, and curlers
- regular or improper use of hair products such as dyes and relaxers
- cysts
- heat
- cold
Risk factors to consider
- live in an area with a varying climate or cold temperatures
- are depressed
- have allergies
- are stressed
- have asthma
- are anxious
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How To Fix Scalp Pain? | How is scalp tenderness treated?
- 1. Scalp Massage With Essential Oils
If you faced scalp pain or scalp tenders then try to massage your scalp with essential oils, it is a good way to treat it. Try to use some essential oils like rosemary and lavender oil.
First of all, try to take any of this oil and mix it with a carrier oil and apply it to your hair and try to massage your scalp gently with your fingertips for 16 minutes, and then wash your hair which can help you to relieve your scalp pain.
- 2. Discontinue Harsh Hair Care
Try to take some rest from using hair care products, if you face an allergic reaction because of using the hair care products. If you face an allergic reaction due to using hair care products then it can lead to scalp tenders or scalp pain.
If you faced it recently then stop using hair care products and also avoid using any conditioners and oils on your scalp until the condition subsides.
- 3. Treat Underlying Medical Conditions:
If you have scalp folliculitis problems then you need to consult with your doctor because folliculitis can lead to scalp tenderness or scalp pain. If you have scalp pain due to a headache then you need to take painkillers that can help you to relieve it.
If you have faced scalp tenderness or scalp pain regularly due to an underlying medical condition then you need to consult with your doctor. If you have dandruff, psoriasis, or eczema then you may see scales and flakes when you brush your hair also try to check it out.
- 4. OTC Medicines/Shampoos
If you face an allergic reaction due to the use of hair care products then you need to use OTC medications and also you need to switch to gentle shampoo which is free from ingredients like dyes, fragrances, sulfates, alcohol, and parabens. Try to use organic shampoo.
Try to take the best shampoo depending on your hair type.
- 5. Topical Home Remedies
A. Aloe Vera Gel
Try to use fresh aloe vera gel on your hair. When you apply fresh aloe vera gel on your hair then leave it for 30 minutes and wash your hair with water don’t use shampoo to wash your hair that can help you to relieve your scalp pain.
B. Lemon Juice
Try to use a few drops of lemon juice on your shampoo. When you wash your hair take a few drops of lemon juice with your shampoo and try to massage your hair with it for 5 minutes after that wash your hair which can help you to relieve your scalp pain or scalp tenderness.
- 6. For a headache
If you faced scalp pain due to a headache then take ibuprofen and aspirin pain relief pills that can help you to relieve your scalp pain or scalp tenderness.
- 7. For folliculitis
If you have scalp pain or scalp tenderness due to folliculitis(inflammation or infection) then you need to consult with your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe you take antibiotics or use an antibacterial cleanser.
- 8. For an allergic reaction
If you face scalp tenderness or scalp pain problems due to an allergic reaction using new hair products then stop using hair products and don’t use any essential or carrier oil on your hair until the allergic reaction has passed.
- 9. For eczema or psoriasis
If you see that your flakes or scales come out from your hair while brushing then it means you may suffer from psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, or eczema then you need to consult with your doctor.
If you have scalp peeling or scalp flaking problems then you need to brush your hair regularly with a soft-bristled brush.
How To Prevent Scalp Pain?
- Gently brush your hair, and wash it with lukewarm, cleansing water every other day.
- Limit your time in the sun to prevent scalp pain and hair damage.
- Keep stress at bay using meditation or yoga.
- Get treatment for any skin condition, such as eczema and psoriasis, even if it doesn’t usually affect your scalp.
- Step out with your natural hair instead of heat-styling your hair now and then.
- Always brush your hair gently with a wide-toothed comb.
- Always read the labels of hair care products to rule out any allergic ingredients.
- High ponytails, updos, buns, braids, etc. can cause scalp pain. Try and style your hair into loose hairstyles.
- Avoid using sticky, adhesive-based hair products that contain alcohol, as they can strip your hair of moisture. Examples include many gels and hair spray products.
Can scalp tenderness cause baldness?
Not really, unless you have a medical condition. Scalp tenderness also occurs due to hair loss, eczema, psoriasis, headaches, and allergies.
scalp dysesthesia
It happens due to depression, stress, and anxiety. Scalp dysesthesia is a cutaneous condition characterized by pain and burning sensations without objective physical examination findings.
Pain on top of Skull
Tension headaches can lead to pain on the top of the skull. If you suffer from stress and depression then you may face pain on top of the skull head.
Essential oils for itchy scalp
- Tea tree
- Rose geranium
- Lavender
- Chamomile
- Peppermint
Conclusion
In this article, I discussed in detail How To Fix Scalp Pain or scalp tenderness.
I hope it’s helpful for you.
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