Hi- I Have Been Experiencing Occasional Scalp Pain In The

Posted on Sun, 10 Feb 2019

Question: Hi- I have been experiencing occasional scalp pain in the middle or front of my scalp and also went through a period of hair loss (for about 2-3) months beyond normal conditions. I wasn't just shedding. I would collect several individual hairs in the shower (unusual for me). I couldn't see any roots but a few times evident, but I am no scientist. I don't know how big they are or obvious. The front of my scalp is evidently thinning. This occurred right after an at home touch up die job (never used the product before). The loss has slowed, but the pain is still there. I had my b levels checked and while I am a vegetarian, I take iron supplements (eat egg, dairy, fish, fortified cereals). My son looked at my scalp and saw sparse areas of new growth, but I am just curious because this scalp pain is a new thing. I do have an autoimmune condition called CIDP where my nerves are attached and it causes inflammation. I don't see any redness or flaking. I am not sure where to go from here. Some of my questions are- Is this possibly getting older and losing hair, would that entail pain? or could it be the die job (temporary or permanent loss)? What specialty should I see to start and are there any diagnostics I should expect?
Thank you~

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (3 minutes later)

I started with a lot of hair, thin but plenty. I don't want to give the impression that I have significant bald patches. However, it is noticeably getting worse from my perspective, where you see more of my scalp, and the scalp pain when it happens is new.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding hair loss

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to ask a doctor service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

I don't think your hair loss is the result of using hair XXXXXXX You seem to have either androgenetic alopecia or frontal fibrosing alopecia. Both of these entities present with hair loss from the frontal scalp. Hair loss is gradual and progressive. Some patients may also complain of associated scalp pain i.e trichodynia, but the underlying cause is presumed to be psychological as there is often stress, anxiety associated with hair loss. I suggest you to use minoxidil 5% solution, 1ml, twice daily on the affected scalp. In addition I suggest you to take oral finasteride 2.5 -5 mg once a day. Treatment is long term and it may take 3- 6 months for noticeable improvement. For scalp pain I usually ask my patient to take Pregabalin 75mg, twice daily for a few weeks and if that isn't helpful I ask them to seek psychiatric consultation for underlying stress, anxiety associated with hair loss.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you need any more assistance.

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad