Hair follicle pain is often caused by folliculitis, tight hairstyles, or tension. See a doctor if it persists.
Common causes
- Folliculitis.
- Tight hairstyles (traction).
- Tension headache.
- Dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis.
- Product irritation.
- Hair loss (telogen effluvium).
- Shingles.
What helps
Loosen hair, wash gently and avoid scratching.
See a doctor
If you have bumps, pus, rash or hair loss.
Name
Trichodynia is the term for scalp pain.
Why follicles hurt
Painful hair follicles often come from folliculitis (inflamed follicles), traction from tight styles, scalp tension, skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, shingles, or telogen effluvium. Tender scalp skin is called trichodynia and is reported by about 30 percent of people with hair loss concerns.
- Folliculitis shows small red bumps or pustules and is commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
- Shingles can cause burning pain a few days before the rash appears.
- Migraine sufferers sometimes have scalp tenderness (allodynia) during attacks.
Care
Avoid tight ponytails and braids, wash with a gentle shampoo and use a warm compress. Antibacterial washes help folliculitis, and a doctor may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics. See a doctor for pain with a blistering rash, fever, hair loss patches, pus, or spreading redness. Shingles treated with antivirals within 72 hours of the rash reduces complications.
Why follicles hurt
Painful follicles can result from folliculitis (infection), tight hairstyles, tension, telogen effluvium, scalp conditions such as psoriasis, or allergic reaction to products. Trichodynia is scalp pain often linked to stress and hair shedding.
Care
Loosen hairstyles, choose gentle shampoos and avoid scratching. Warm compresses help folliculitis. See a dermatologist for pus, spreading redness, bald patches or severe pain.
Mechanisms of follicle pain
Follicles hurt when inflamed (folliculitis), tight hairstyles pull on the roots, or when new hairs regrow after shedding. Scalp sensitivity (trichodynia) occurs in about 30 percent of patients with telogen effluvium and alopecia, according to dermatology studies. Fever, stress and hormonal changes provoke it.
Treatment and prevention
Shampoo with ketoconazole or salicylic acid helps seborrheic scalp. Avoid tight buns, braids and extensions. Cool compresses relieve burning. Topical minoxidil may sting. Persistent pain, hair loss patches, pustules or fever need dermatology evaluation. Shingles on the scalp causes one sided burning pain followed by a blistering rash and needs prompt antiviral treatment.
Based on data from the American Academy of Dermatology and the CDC
