What Causes Scalp Sores?
The scalp is an important part of your body. For many people, it produces about 100,000 to 150,000 hairs, though this can be less for a person experiencing hair loss. Hair grows from follicles, which are tiny sacs under the skin lined with cells and oil glands.
Your hair follicles typically go through a five-year cycle during which a follicle will produce hair, then rest. About 90% of a person’s hair follicles are usually active at any given time, growing about 6 inches of hair per year.
Even if you have fewer active follicles due to a receding hairline, you may still experience periodic
problems with your hair follicles and scalp, including scalp sores, itching, or flaking.
These are common conditions, but can be uncomfortable and inconvenient. Here are a few possible causes for these types of issues, and some solutions to try to alleviate your discomfort. Note that it is always important to check with your trusted doctor to get a diagnosis before trying to treat any conditions yourself.
4 Causes of Scalp Sores:
1) Allergies.
Among the most common causes of scalp sores is an allergic reaction. This type of condition is known as contact dermatitis and can result from the use of any of a number of different products, including styling products or adhesives used to affix hair systems to the scalp.
The best way to keep this from happening is to:
1) Stop using the offending product immediately.
2) Note which ingredients the product contains, and obtain help from a medical professional in pinpointing the most likely culprit.
3) Stay away from products containing fragrances or dyes, which are frequently what cause scalp sores and even temporary hair loss.
4) Always consult with a professional before using any hair products, in order to obtain good recommendations for high-quality products that are less likely to cause allergic reactions.
2) Folliculitis
This condition occurs when the hair follicles are inflamed, leading to the appearance of red bumps or pimple-like formations on the scalp, specifically around the hair follicles. Left untreated, these bumps can spread and turn into sores that become crusty and refuse to heal properly.
While this condition is not life-threatening, it can be extremely uncomfortable, with soreness and itchiness being two common symptoms. Its appearance may also be embarrassing to many people. Fortunately, mild cases tend to clear in just a couple of days if you use adequate self-care measures.
More severe cases need medical attention to determine the root of the problem and to treat it proactively. Folliculitis tends to be caused by bacterial or fungal issues, and can lead to hair loss. This loss is typically temporary, but can become permanent if you do not seek adequate treatment and the areas begin to develop scars.
If you are especially prone to folliculitis, you should be careful to avoid certain activities in order to prevent further breakouts. Shaving often leads to folliculitis, so you should either avoid it altogether, or else begin a very careful and thorough shaving regimen that prepares the skin and hair for shaving. You should also only use hot tubs and pools that are cleaned regularly to avoid potential contamination.
3) Ringworm
Sometimes, the appearance of ringworm can look like scalp sores. This condition appears as circular patches that have raised, red edges, which have the appearance of worms, even though there are no parasites involved. Ringworm is caused by a fungal infection.
Ringworm can occur in those with a receding hairline, as well as people with a full head of hair. It creates circular bald patches, though hair often grows back once the ringworm is treated. If you suspect having ringworm, be sure to seek medical help immediately, as it is highly contagious and must be treated as soon as possible.
Treatment for ringworm is fairly simple, involving an antifungal medication and the use of special shampoos until the condition clears. To avoid ringworm in the future, it is a good idea to get cleaned off immediately after being in a pool or sweating excessively and to remove as much moisture as possible to avoid the development of fungus. You should also avoid coming into contact with people who might have ringworm and avoid sharing hair brushes, accessories, or other personal care items that touch the head or scalp.
4) Chronic skin conditions
Many people suffer from skin conditions like psoriasis, seborrhea, or recurring eczema. In fact, they impact up to 125 million people across the globe. The most common cause, affecting 80% of these people, is plaque psoriasis, resulting in red patches and white skin cells on the skin.
These conditions are often painful, uncomfortable, and embarrassing. They can affect your hair and scalp, leading to dandruff, and sores due to the constant skin irritation. They can also contribute to both permanent and temporary hair loss.
These frustrating conditions are best treated with professional medical help. Many medications can reduce the effects of these conditions and keep them under control so that you do not have to suffer the uncomfortable effects or feel self-conscious about them.
Many people also experience scalp sores and problems due to acne, which is a condition that usually clears up with age. Unfortunately, it can also lead to scarring, which can impede the growth of hair and cause hair loss. That is why it is particularly important to seek medical advice as soon as possible, to avoid the long-term effects associated with many of these conditions.
At 3rd Dimension Studios, we help our clients with a variety of needs associated with the loss of hair. While we are not a medical office, we can help you if you have conditions which have led to permanent or temporary baldness. Our experienced professionals can find the right hair replacement solutions for your needs, and provide you with an expertly-created product that looks and feels perfectly natural.
We also are highly familiar with the adhesives and products used to care for hair pieces and can take into consideration things like skin sensitivity and allergies when making recommendations on which products are right for you. Simply let us know when you schedule your appointment, and we can be sure to only provide those products which are suitable for you.
Fill out our contact request form or call us today at 647.341.5700 to schedule your free consultation and learn more about how we can help you.
