Scalp Problems and Hair Shedding
Many times, hair loss and scalp issues or problems go hand in hand. There’s really very little debate about that among people who have personally suffered both (often at the same time or occurring close in time period.) What is widely debated though is whether the two are really medically related. Ask any one who has suffered through shedding hair which seems to correspond with, precede, be related to, or follow scalp problems, and that person will likely tell you that he or she believes very strongly that the two are connected. However, having gone through this myself and having spent a lot of time asking for assistance from many different folks in the medical community, chatting on hair loss forums, and interacting with other sufferers, I can tell you that not every one agrees with this. This article then, will discuss why I think the two are absolutely related and what you can do to treat both issues.
What Exactly Is Burning Scalp Syndrome Anyway, And How Does It Relate To Shedding?: Typically, any shedding that seems to correspond with a scalp issue (pain, tingling, burning, flaking, discoloration (pink or red) or tightness) gets lumped into the category of being called “burning scalp syndrome.” What is this exactly? The phrase describes painful and burning sensations that stem from excessive shedding of the hair (otherwise known as telogen effluvium or TE.) The theory goes that as many hair follicles are dying off and ejecting the hair, it can cause sensations in the scalp.
I can tell you from experience that some doctors feel that this is physiological and that you are transferring the psychological pain and worry that you are experiencing about the shedding into physical troublesome symptoms onto your head. I’ve even heard stories of folks being prescribed anti depressants for this (like the problem is all in their head and not on it.)
This is only my opinion, but I don’t buy this. When my shedding was at is peak, my scalp was literally an angry red color that was painful to even the slightest touch. My husband noticed it’s color without my having to say a word. I doubt my emotions could’ve caused this indisputable and very noticeable physical reaction.
Even men can fall prey to the burning scalp diagnosis. There are studies which have indicated that men who are suffering from AGA (androgenic alopecia or genetic male patterned, baldness) have tighter, more tense filled scalps than those men who have full and healthy heads of hair. Is this psychological or does it have something to do with the issues going on in their scalp (DHT, dandruff, shrinking follicles, etc.)?
Whether you can definitively answer this questions or not, scalp problems which happen at or around the same time as hair shedding or often painful and troublesome. Because, to support a fertile and healthy environment to get your hair regrowing in a normal manner and texture (you don’t want cycling hair that is miniaturizing and getting smaller), you need for your scalp to be as healthy and free of inflammation (and clogging particles) as you can possibly get it.
