What Causes Tender Scalp?

Your scalp may suffer from different problems such as flaking or crusting, itching and development of blisters, sores or bumps on the scalp. Various causes can give rise to tender and itchy scalp. The scalp becomes sore and tender to touch and even to the movement of hair. Read on to know more about what causes tender scalp.

What Causes Tender Scalp?

In some cases, lack of hygiene may be a reason for tender, itchy scalp. In other cases, excessive use of hair care products that contain harsh chemicals can be the cause of tender scalp. Most shampoos consists of an aggressive foaming and cleaning agent namely Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLS). The chemicals remove the natural sebum from the scalp and affect the pH balance. These natural oils are essential to protect the scalp from several fungal infections. When the skin becomes tender and dry, it may become susceptible to yeast organisms such as Pitysporum Ovale or Melassesia Globbosa. Due to yeast infections, there may be flaking and dandruff formation.

Some other causes of tender scalp are:

• Tender hair follicles may result from too tightly tied hair. Many shampoos contain some harsh ingredients, which destroy the hair follicles. These chemicals also destroy the sensitive glands surrounding the follicles. These glands produce the natural oils to keep the scalp, follicles and hair protected. It may result in development of scalp pimples.
• Acne is also the common cause of tender scalp. It may result from infection, ingrown hair, hormonal causes, blocked pores and incorrect diet.
• A fungal infection by ringworm (Tinea capitis) is one of the main causes for tender, sore scalp. This infection is more commonly seen in children. It is a superficial yeast infection of the scalp and it is caused by mold-like fungi known as dermatophytes. It causes the symptoms such as itchy, red patches on the scalp, resulting in hair loss and development of bald areas.
• Your scalp may become tender due to an allergic skin reaction (contact dermatitis). There are two forms of allergic reactions such as irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis is a type of hypersensitivity reaction, resulting from the body’s immune system. Irritant contact dermatitis is developed due to the direct effect of irritant substances on the skin.
• Certain viral infections such as chickenpox or shingles can also cause tender scalp.

Treatment for Tender Scalp

If tenderness of the scalp is due to ringworm, then it can be treated using over-the-counter medications containing clotrimazole or miconazole. Sometimes, the antifungal skin medications such as ketoconazole are also prescribed. It is advised to use of chemical-free hair care products. Use of products containing natural ingredients such as wheatgerm, macadamia or jojoba oils are recommended. These oils remoisturize and nourish the scalp. You can also massage the scalp using some natural oils such as lavender, chamomile, eucalyptus or avocado oil, which have soothing, healing, antibacterial as well as antifungal properties.