Scalp pain: possible causes and associated symptoms

Tricodynia is the scientific name for the popular scalp pain, which can also be associated with hair loss. Usually, the discomfort comes from simple causes, according to Bárbara Carneiro (CRM-BA 26230), clinical dermatologist and aesthetic medicine clinic at FC, in São Paulo (SP). However, if the pain is persistent, it should be investigated, as it may be related to a more serious disease.

Sunburn, dandruff, improper use of dryers and flat irons, for example, are possible causes and are usually easy to deal with. But scalp pain can also be a symptom of diseases such as fibromyalgia, migraine, lupus, among others. Check below the main possibilities and learn how to deal with this signal.

Possible causes of scalp pain

Scalp pain can appear alone or in association with other symptoms, such as dizziness and pain in the ears. Therefore, every case should be investigated, especially when the simplest problems are ruled out and/or other important symptoms appear.

Scalp pain with no other symptoms

When scalp pain is the only complaint, the condition is usually simpler to diagnose and treat. Possible causes are:

• Sunburn: This can occur when a person is exposed to the sun for a long time (for example, at the beach). Barbara adds that, in people who are bald or who have very fine hair, the probability of suffering from burns is even greater.
• Dandruff: one of the most common problems that arise on the scalp, dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, also usually causes discomfort/pain.
• Constant use of dryers and/or flat irons: homeopath Eliete MM Fagundes, coordinator of the Hahnemann/Homeobrás Institute, highlights that the frequent use of these devices “burns” the scalp and can be responsible for local pain.
• Hair loss: hair loss itself can cause scalp pain as it makes the area more sensitive.
• Chemical products: Eliete comments that the indiscriminate use of chemical products can also make the scalp more sensitive and, therefore, cause pain.
• Traction: this can be the cause when the hair is “pulled” for a long time, for example in very tight braids. Eliete adds that using straps, elastic bands, hats, caps and helmets for longer than necessary can also cause pain.
• Oiliness or dryness: Eliete explains that excess oiliness or dryness in the hair can also increase sensitivity.
• Lichen planopilaris: this is a type of alopecia that, according to Barbara, can cause scalp pain, among other symptoms.
• Folliculitis: dermatologist Barbara adds that the pain can come from folliculitis, infections of the hair bulbs (the popular ingrown hairs).
• Scalp tinea: this is an infection caused by fungi that, as Barbara points out, can cause pain in the region.

These are some of the causes that commonly generate the complaint. But, it is worth noting that: while for some people the only complaint is scalp pain, for others, these same problems mentioned can also cause other associated symptoms. For all this, each case must be evaluated individually by a doctor.

Scalp pain and dizziness

An important point to consider is whether scalp pain is the only nuisance or whether it is associated with other symptoms. This will certainly serve as a starting point for the doctor to investigate the condition. As an example, check out possible causes of scalp pain associated with dizziness:

• Sinusitis: This occurs when the cavities around the nasal passages become inflamed. Eliete comments that this condition can cause scalp pain and dizziness.
• Herpes zoster: this is a reactivation of the varicella virus (the same virus as chickenpox) in the body. Eliete explains that the virus reaches the eighth cranial nerve and its pain reflects on the scalp, which can bring other symptoms such as dizziness.
• Carbuncle: bacterial disease, usually caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, which, as Eliete points out, can cause dizziness and pain in the scalp, among other signs.

It is worth emphasizing that, in all cases, symptoms vary from person to person. And even if the person clearly identifies the signs of dizziness and pain in the scalp, only the doctor can accurately diagnose the problem.

Scalp pain and headache

Scalp pain often appears to be associated with headaches. Check possible causes of this association:

• Temporal arteritis: This is an inflammation of the blood vessels in the scalp that can also cause pain. Eliete comments that this disease is more common in elderly people.
• Migraine: Scalp pain and headaches, whether or not associated with dizziness, are often signs of a migraine.
• Lupus: Barbara comments that the pain in the scalp and also the twinges in the head, among other symptoms, can come from lupus, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own tissues.

Eliete reinforces that the person can feel the twinges in different ways, varying in intensity and location.

Some people also report, adds Eliete, stitches in the head (in addition to pain in the scalp) in cases such as hair loss, herpes zoster, excessive use of headbands and hair clips, folliculitis, etc.

Scalp and ear pain

When scalp pain is associated with ear pain, the most common causes are:

• Sinusitis: Eliete comments that this is a frequent cause, as the condition feels like the head is being squeezed by a hoop or helmet.
• Dental problems: the homeopath remembers that this type of problem can also generate sensitivity in the scalp and ears.
• Herpes zoster: the reactivation of the chickenpox virus (the same as the chickenpox virus) in the body, in addition to causing scalp pain and dizziness, can also generate sensitivity in the ears.

Depending on the cause, scalp pain may appear on its own in some cases, and associated with more symptoms in the case of other people. Therefore, each patient needs to be evaluated individually.

Scalp pain, fibromyalgia and anxiety

Barbara explains that when scalp pain is associated with muscle pain, this can be a symptom of fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia, Eliete comments, is a disease that has little known causes and is related to the functioning of the central nervous system and the pain suppression mechanism.

“Therefore, it can, in some people, cause scalp pain. In addition to pain, it causes other symptoms such as fatigue, lack of disposition and sleep disturbances and a feeling of tightness in the head”, he adds.

Another very common cause associated with scalp pain is anxiety which, when in crisis, can increase the pain, burning and/or itching of the scalp. “The greater the degree of anxiety, the more it will significantly affect the symptoms of practically all related problems, especially those linked to itching, hair loss, infections, mycoses”, explains homeopath Eliete.

As there are many possibilities, the ideal is to consult a trusted doctor if you experience persistent scalp pain (especially when it is associated with other symptoms).

Scalp pain treatments

Due to the wide variety of causes that can cause scalp pain, only after an accurate diagnosis will the doctor indicate the most appropriate treatment, which varies from case to case. But check out the main lines of treatment below:

drug treatment

Barbara explains that if the scalp pain comes from a disease, such as alopecia or lupus, for example, it is necessary to treat the cause and the consequence in parallel. “If the pain is associated with temporal arteritis, the use of corticosteroids is necessary in the treatment”, exemplifies Barbara.

The treatment of fibromyalgia, adds Barbara, aims to control its symptoms and can be done with painkillers, massages, physiotherapy.

Finally, drug treatment – ​​whether or not associated with other forms of treatment – ​​will be indicated after diagnosis.

Homeopathy

Eliete explains that, with homeopathy, an integral treatment is always given, prioritizing the cause of the scalp pain. “We take into account whether the symptom comes from a mental or emotional issue, from a virus, from a specific bacteria, from the use of chemical products, etc.”, she comments.

“The environment is very sickening and, for that, there is a need to strengthen mainly the emotional and predispositions that we bring in our genetic code. And homeopathy is an effective therapy in this regard”, adds Eliete.

Basic care

Regardless of the cause, Bárbara cites fundamental tips to improve the condition and/or prevent new episodes of scalp pain from appearing:

• Maintain scalp hygiene, especially using salt-free shampoos;
• Manner in the use of dryers, flat irons or babyliss;
• Do not use the dryer close to the roots of the hair;
• Do not wear hair tightly, buns or tight braids to avoid pulling the strands.

If pain persists, see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Although most of the time the causes of scalp pain are simple (and, in many cases, the pain “goes away on its own”), this sign should not be ignored as it can be linked to more serious conditions. Special attention should be paid when pain is associated with other symptoms. Enjoy and clarify your main doubts about migraine.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.