FMaybe it’s a bit strange to say and yet it’s like this: sometimes you can feel pain in your hair. It’s a real one sensation of soreness involving the skin and roots and which manifests itself at the smallest movement, even a simple movement of the hair: «It is a situation of scalp discomfort. The discomfort is often felt by touching the scalp with the fingertips, when using the brush or even in the absence of external stimuli. Is called trichodynia and it is not the only problem that causes discomfort on the scalp» explains the doctor Laura Vollono, dermatologist Medicalia.
Bad hair when stress accumulates. What is trichodynia
In short, hair also becomes stressed and suffers. Or rather, the scalp. And the reason is very simple: There are many nerves and muscles on the head which, due to daily life, become stiff, creating tension just like the rest of the body. When it happens, the pain can be felt not only on the scalp but also up to the skull.
Added to this are also other causes, for example the hormonal changes: on the scalp there are many sebaceous glands which, as such, are highly influenced by hormonal trends. Which is why, even at unsuspecting times of the year, you can not only lose your hair but also feel discomfort if not pain.
Not to be underestimated is thealcohol abuse which, in addition to causing the classic headache, can also make the scalp sore. Not to mention bad habits in your hair routine: for example too tight hairstyleseven a simple ponytail, pull the hair too much and sensitize the roots: «A common cause of trichodynia is excessive traction exerted on the hair bulb. This can happen when you frequently put your hair in very tight hairstyles, especially in women of African American origin who put their hair in braids. This situation in the long run can lead to one excessive stress on the bulb resulting in traction alopeciawith thinning of the hair along the frontal line” explains the expert.
Trichodynia, as it happens
This discomfort occurs when inflammation involves activators of nociceptors, spread throughout the scalp. Although it is a rather common problem, there are still some unclear aspects surrounding trichodynia and it lends itself to more studies. One of these he identified in the the hair’s telogen phase, i.e. when it reaches the end of its life, the moment when the problem develops. In fact, in this phase, hair damage could be a symptom of thinning if not alopecia.
Usually this problem it is also accompanied by follicular scalp, acne and telogen effluvium, that is, an increase in hair loss, up to 20-30% of the total, which occurs throughout the hair. This condition is temporary, is then followed by regrowth, so it does not cause permanent thinning, and is not associated with alopecia. For this reason lTrichodynia can also be a sign of much more important inflammatory processes: «Among these the cicatricial alopecia, such as follicular lichenwhich manifest themselves insidiously with redness and pain in the scalp and can have important consequences such as permanent hair loss over time” explains the expert.
How to manage bad hair
Given that episodes of trichodynia often resolve spontaneouslyHowever, in some cases it is necessary to take action. To do this, however, you need to understand the cause of the problem. Anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids are the most common treatments to which neuropathic pain modulators can be added, but to be taken under very strict medical supervision. Added to this is also one more specific routine and the use of supplements which strengthen the hair.
How to prevent trichodynia
If it is true that trichodynia can be cured, it is equally true that It can be prevented with a few small precautions: «First of all you can resort to one dermatological evaluation of the scalpsometimes accompanied by more in-depth tests such as trichoscopy, which is the examination of the scalp using a dermatoscope. For more particular cases, biopsy with histological examination can also be used.”
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Then you have to pay attention to the daily routine: for example, it is It is essential to have a massage during shampooing because it helps stimulate local circulation, soothes muscular tension in the head and reoxygenates the bulbs. Furthermore, you should use water that is too hot or products that are too aggressive, and all situations with a high level of stress should be avoided.
Finally, it is essential to eat foods rich in proteins, such as fish, vitamins B and PP, moderate alcohol consumption and avoid smoking and, crucially, sleep at least 7 hours a night.
Not just trichodynia, other causes of “hair pain”
Trichodynia is not the only problem that causes bad hair. A very common one is aincorrect hair routine. For example, leave too much time between one shampoo and another compromises the well-being of the hair. In this case the scalp becomes excessively dirty, the naturally produced sebum accumulates too close to the roots and, combined with daily dirt, results in hypersensitivity of the skin and hair follicles, which can be aggravated by other problems such as alopecia. This disorder can sometimes also be chronic and is known as dysesthesia.
Another problem is represented by seborrheic dermatitis: «It is characterized by redness, itching and flaking, known as dandruff, of the scalp. The desquamation can be dry, whitish and fine or seborrheic, yellowish and greasy. Teenagers and young adults suffer from it more frequently, often males, but also adult women, especially in the cold periods of the year. Stress, recent surgeries, taking medications or hormonal imbalances, for example in the post-partum period, can trigger it. Although it does not represent a serious pathology, it is often a source of significant discomfort, which can also affect the face and is cosmetically very annoying. For this reason it is important do not resort to DIY treatment, but ask your dermatologist for advice for specific products such as particular shampoos or lotions that can alleviate the symptoms.”
Psoriasis and folliculitis should also not be underestimated: «Psoriasis can also be associated with patches on the skin, but it can also appear isolated on the scalp, making diagnosis more difficult. In addition to discomfort and itching, this condition is characterized by the presence of real flaking and inflamed plaques on the scalp, for which the intervention of a specialist doctor is essential. Scalp folliculitis can cause pain and burning, manifesting itself with small pimples spread over the entire area. The cause can be bacterial but also inflammatory, with damage to the hair bulb which can even be permanent.”
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