{"id":611786,"date":"2026-09-02T02:08:25","date_gmt":"2026-09-02T02:08:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/611786\/"},"modified":"2026-09-02T02:08:25","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T02:08:25","slug":"scalp-pain-causes-and-treatments-according-to-dermatologists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/611786\/","title":{"rendered":"Scalp Pain Causes and Treatments, According to Dermatologists"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Estimated5 min read<\/p>\n

Scalp pain can cause serious discomfort and make it hard to focus on anything other than that tender sensation. We asked dermatologists to break down scalp pain causes and treatments so you can find relief ASAP.<\/p>\n

Ife J. Rodney, M.D.<\/a>, a board-certified dermatologist and founding director of Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics<\/a>, notes that scalp pain is a relatively common complaint. It can have many different causes, from chronic skin conditions to sunburns to skin infections. Some causes of scalp pain may also cause visible symptoms, like red bumps, flaky skin, or hair loss.<\/p>\n

Meet the experts: Ife J. Rodney, M.D<\/a>., a board-certified dermatologist and founding director of Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics<\/a>; Joshua Zeichner, M.D<\/a>., director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital; Gary Goldenberg, M.D.<\/a>, a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York City<\/p>\n

The good news: Depending on the cause, the fix may be as simple as changing up your hairstyle, trying a different shampoo, or being a little more diligent about sunscreen application. Other causes of scalp pain may require seeing a healthcare provider for a prescription treatment.<\/p>\n

Ahead, experts explain the most common causes of scalp pain, the treatments they often recommend, tips for keeping your scalp healthy, and when you should see a doctor.<\/p>\n

The main causes of scalp pain<\/p>\n

There are a lot of potential culprits behind your scalp pain. These are the most common ones doctors see and diagnose.<\/p>\n

Tension from hairstyles<\/p>\n

\u201cI see this all the time,\u201d Dr. Rodney says. \u201cit occurs across all ethnicities and hair types\u2014it just depends on how you style your hair.\u201d The pain happens because certain hairstyle can put physical stress on the hair follicles, impacting the nerves and leading to pain, says Joshua Zeichner, M.D<\/a>., director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital.<\/p>\n

The location of your scalp pain due to a hairstyle can vary depending on the style itself, Dr. Rodney says. \u201cPeople who pull their hair back into a bun can have tenderness around the hairline, while those who wear extensions can have tightness and tension all over,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

Dermatitis<\/p>\n

Dermatitis is a \u201ccatch-all term\u201d to describe inflammation of the skin, Dr. Rodney says. There are a few potential causes of this on your scalp, including seborrheic dermatitis, which is similar to dandruff, and even an allergic reaction to a shampoo or product you used, she says.<\/p>\n

When you have dermatitis in your scalp, it causes inflammation that can irritate the nerves in that area, leading to pain, says Gary Goldenberg, M.D.<\/a>, a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York City.<\/p>\n

Migraines and other headaches<\/p>\n

Migraines and other forms of headaches can cause scalp pain.<\/p>\n

A tension headache usually feels like a band is wrapped tightly around your forehead, and the pain can extend to your scalp, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you suffer from chronic migraines, you might experience something called allodynia<\/a>, which is where the nerve endings in your scalp feel especially painful to touch. \u201cSometimes the pain can be referred to the scalp and caused the scalp feel tender, sore, or even painful, especially to touch,\u201d Dr. Goldenberg says.<\/p>\n

According to the Cleveland Clinic<\/a>, occipital neuralgia is another type of headache disorder that can cause sharp, stinging, or burning sensations on the scalp. It can affect anyone, but people with degenerative disk disease, diabetes, gout, and osteoarthritis of the upper spine are more likely to be affected.<\/p>\n

Scalp psoriasis<\/p>\n

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes itchy, scaly patches to appear on the skin, including the scalp.<\/p>\n

\u201cScalp psoriasis is a condition where your immune system gets angry at the skin, leading to inflammation,\u201d Dr. Zeichner says. \u201cPatients typically develop red plaques with thick scale, which can be itchy, uncomfortable, or in some cases painful.\u201d<\/p>\n

Scalp psoriasis can also cause flakes and even cracks to form in the skin on the scalp, Dr. Rodney says.<\/p>\n

Folliculitis<\/p>\n

This is what happens when the hair follicles become infected and inflamed, Dr. Goldenberg explains. \u201cEspecially in acute cases, the inflammation may cause the scalp to hurt and feel tender to the touch,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

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Ringworm<\/p>\n

Ringworm, aka tinea capitis, isn\u2019t actually caused by a worm\u2014it\u2019s a fungal infection, Dr. Zeichner says. This can lead to a distinct rash with a circular shape and can lead to balding patches, Dr. Rodney says.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou may have pus-filled bumps, and those areas can itch, leading to breaking of the skin and triggering the nerves,\u201d she says. \u201cPeople should be treated promptly, otherwise it can lead to scarring and permanent hair loss,\u201d Dr. Zeichner says.<\/p>\n

Sunburn<\/p>\n

There are different levels of sunburn, but they can all cause pain. \u201cIt often hurts, even on the scalp,\u201d Dr. Goldenberg says. \u201cThis is caused by inflammation of the skin cells on the scalp.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr. Zeichner says that he frequently sees scalp sunburns in the part of the hair or along the front of the scalp, making it important to pay close attention to sunscreen in those areas.<\/p>\n

Hair loss<\/p>\n

Hair loss is not usually painful at baseline, Dr. Goldenberg says. \u201cHowever, there are types of scarring or inflammatory hair loss, which, due to inflammation, may cause the scalp to feel irritated and even painful,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

One form of this, known as central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, can be especially painful, Dr. Rodney says. \u201cThe hallmark symptoms are burning, soreness, and tenderness of the scalp,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

Additionally, lichen planopilaris is a condition that can cause scarring and patches of hair loss. According to the Cleveland Clinic<\/a>, it can also cause scalp pain, itching, or burning.<\/p>\n

How to treat scalp pain<\/p>\n

The right treatment for your scalp pain ultimately depends on what\u2019s behind it and treating that underlying condition. But doctors say these can help across a range of issues:<\/p>\n

Wearing loose hairstyle to release tension on the scalp. Using antibacterial shampoo, which can clear up mild rashes. Avoiding products with fragrance or other potential irritants. Using cooling packs on your scalp. Taking an OTC medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for temporary pain relief. How to keep your scalp healthy<\/p>\n

There are a few things you can do to keep your scalp healthy, whether you\u2019re currently dealing with pain or want to prevent it from happening in the first place.<\/p>\n

Wear sunscreen, including on your part. Try not to scratch your scalp, which can cause bleeding and pain. Use mild shampoos. Limit the use of heat-styling tools, which can tug on your hair and even burn the scalp. Use new products in small amounts to see how you\u2019ll react first. Consider using an anti-fungal shampoo to reduce the amount of fungus on your scalp.When to see a doctor for scalp pain<\/p>\n

If your scalp feels sore one day and fine the next, it may have been due to something like a hairstyle you wore for the day or irritation from a new product. But if you find that this is a regular issue for you, Dr. Rodney recommends seeing a dermatologist.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese can be very early signs of what will become long-standing, permanent hair loss,\u201d she says. \u201cTime is really of the essence.\u201d<\/p>\n

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