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Cure Hair Loss Due to an Inflamed Scalp

Edited by Donna, Eng, Doug Collins, Nuance and 11 others

6 Parts:

Symptoms of Hair Loss Due to An Inflamed Scalp

Steps To Curing Hair Loss Due to An Inflamed Scalp

Curing Inflamed Scalp Hair Loss With Diet

Tips And Tricks

Questions and Answers

Comments

The good news is that hair loss due to scalp inflammation is usually temporary, especially if you can find the source of the irritant to your hair follicles and eliminate it from your regimen. The biggest culprit is an allergy to the chemicals in the hair products you are using, a fungal infection or psoriasis. The quicker you discover the cause, the better chance you have of re-growing your lost hair. The bad news is your skin forms scars over the hair follicles, making re-growth impossible.

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Permanent hair loss can occur as the result of scarring due to scalp inflammation.

Contents

1 Symptoms of Hair Loss Due to An Inflamed Scalp
2 Steps To Curing Hair Loss Due to An Inflamed Scalp
3 Curing Inflamed Scalp Hair Loss With Diet
4 Tips And Tricks
5 Questions and Answers
6 Comments

Symptoms of Hair Loss Due to An Inflamed Scalp

Symptoms of an inflamed scalp, also sometimes called dermatitis of the scalp, include:

Angry, red looking bumps or pimples.
Redness.
Tight feeling of the scalp.
A burning or painful scalp.
Scabs forming on the scalp.
A bleeding scalp.
Thickening scaly patches.

Severe scalp inflammation can occur from a fungal infection like ringworm.

Steps To Curing Hair Loss Due to An Inflamed Scalp

1
Do not scratch your scalp
.
This can be very challenging as the desire to scratch that itch is overwhelming. Wear a cap if you must to prevent yourself from infecting any inflamed hair follicles or scabs on your head.

Scratching your head can aggravate scalp inflammation.

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2
Read the ingredients on your shampoo label
.
Does the product contain sulfates? These are drying agents that can cause the scalp to dry up over time. It can also cause dandruff. Choose a sulfate free anti-dandruff shampoo like Vichy Dercos Anti-Dandruff Sensitive Shampoo or Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo, which can help clear up dandruff. They also discourage fungal growths on the scalp.

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3
Do not use a shampoo containing sodium lauryl sulfate
.
Although this ingredient is good for creating lather in the product and making the hair feel very clean, however, it's also very drying to the scalp and many individuals have a strong inflammatory response to it.
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4
Wash your hair less frequently
.
The itching of this condition can tempt you to wash your hair frequently in an attempt to make it go away. However, this is exactly the wrong thing to do. If your scalp is particularly itchy, forget about washing it every day. Instead, wash it every three days. This allows your scalp to secrete its own natural oils to help heal itself.

It is better to go with greasy hair for a few days if you have scalp inflammation.

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5
Treat your scalp with an apple cider vinegar rinse
.
Mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spray it on your scalp. Wet your hair and then spray the mixture on your scalp. Let the solution sit on your head for five minutes and then rinse your hair in very cold water. This can lessen inflammation, and the scabs may loosen, and rinse off the scalp. This is important because this gives your scalp less of a chance of scarring. In areas where your scalp is scarred, there is the possibility the hair will not grow back.

Treat yourself to an apple cider vinegar rinse.

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6
To get rid of heavy dandruff that often accompanies scalp inflammation, try cleaning your scalp with an aspirin solution
.
Crush six aspirin tablets in a bowl with the back of a spoon. Add the powdered aspirin to a cup of very warm water. After you wash your hair, as usual, rinse the shampoo and massage the aspirin water solution into your scalp. This helps dissolve any dandruff and also relieves the pain of sore, inflamed hair follicles.

Dissolve two aspirin in a glass of hot water and then use the resulting solution as a scalp clarifying treatment.

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7
Consider treating your condition with Aloe Vera
.
Aloe Vera has moisturizing and antifungal properties and is an effective remedy for a dry scalp. If you have scabs due to the inflammation, apply the gel obtained from a freshly broken leaf from the Aloe Vera plant to the affected areas.

Aloe Vera can help heal scalp inflammation.

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8
Give your scalp a massage with warm olive oil or warmed mineral oil
.
Warm extra virgin olive oil on the stove and then massage it into your scalp gently. Cover your scalp with a shower cap and then wrap your head in a scarf or towel. The next morning rinse your hair with very cold water, being sure to loosen any scabs from the scalp. You can then wash the oil out with a gentle organic shampoo that does not contain sulfites, parabens or other allergens. If your hair still needs it, you can follow-up with the application of a gentle conditioner.

A hot oil treatment can help loosen any scabs from an inflamed scalp.

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9
Consider conditioning your hair with a hot coconut oil hair mask
.
Coconut oil can help get rid of scabs and flakes and it does not contain any chemicals or allergens that can irritate your hair or scalp. Aside from soothing the itch of a dry scalp, it can also keep your hair looking shiny and healthy. Simply massage a small dollop of the oil into your hair and scalp - out to the tips of your hair strands. Run a comb gently through your damp hair to distribute the oil and then leave it on for at least thirty minutes. When done you can shampoo any excess oil out of your hair.
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10
Sit in the sun or under a UV light for fifteen minutes every day
.
Exposing the scalp to natural sunlight is a great idea as it helps your skin produce Vitamin A and heals scabs. Alternatively, you can sit under a UV light as well. Remember to limit your time in the ultraviolet rays, as too much sun or UV light exposure can result in additional inflammation. If it's winter or if you live in a cloudy place you can find UV light treatments available at most spas and even at some gyms. Sitting in an infrared sauna can also help heal the scalp.
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11
Avoid all hair styling products including hair spray, gel, hair foams, and mousse
.
These products contain irritants that can clog hair follicles and inflame the scalp. Style your hair naturally, for now, and do not aggravate the situation with products that stiffen, curl or mold the hair.
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12
Do not dye or process your hair with an already inflamed scalp
.
It is very important you stay away from any chemical process as it can enhance the burning, itching feeling on your scalp. This includes coloring, straightening, perming and highlights. The application of any allergens to the scalp could result in bleeding, scarring and even permanent loss of your hair.

Let your roots show as dying your hair when your scalp is inflamed can lead to a serious infection.

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Curing Inflamed Scalp Hair Loss With Diet

1
Drinking two large cups of green tea a day can help reduce scalp inflammation
.
Green tea contains natural anti-inflammatory agents that help shrink inflammation all over the body, which in turn helps shrink the inflammation of scalp follicles. Green tea also balances the hormones because it contains TFN-a, an oxidant helps bring blood to the scalp to nourish it.

Green teas helps nourish the scalp and heal it.

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Consume plenty of natural, organic citrus in the form of fruits or fruit juice

Citrus fruits contain a generous amount of Vitamin A and C, both good for healing your scalp.

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Eat canned wild salmon

Canned wild salmon is one of the most nutritious sources of omega-3 acids that will help heal your scalp and grow back hair. Sardines, mackerel, and tuna are also rich sources. However, be sure that the tuna is farmed and not wild as many breeds are now tainted with mercury.

Canned salmon is one of the healthiest and cheapest foods you can eat to heal scalp inflammation.

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Treat yourself to raw shellfish

Raw shellfish is a good source of protein. It also contains sulfur, calcium, and zinc, which strengthen existing hair strands and nourish hair follicles.

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Eat eggs at least three times a week

The egg whites are a valuable source of protein that helps grow hair, while egg yolks contain biotin and sulfur, both of which create tensile strength in existing hair and also help nourish the scalp.

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Get a dose of turmeric every day

Turmeric, distinguished by its bright yellow color, is an effective anti-inflammatory. Try making the Traditional Golden Milk at night by mixing a teaspoon of turmeric with six ounces of hot milk and a bit of honey or your preferred sweetener. This nourishing potion helps heal your scalp and relaxes you if you are experiencing stress from this ailment.

Golden Milk is a high protein drink with turmeric that reduces inflammation and helps grow new hair.

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Eat a steak three times a week

An organic grass-fed steak has all of the protein and B-vitamins that your body needs to grow new hair to replace the hair that you may have lost due to dryness and scarring.

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Tips And Tricks

Avoid sitting in a steam room until your scalp problem has cleared up. Warm humid environments can aggravate skin problems on the scalp.
If you wear a latex bathing cap, you could be creating heat and friction on your scalp that causes folliculitis.

Avoid wearing latex bathing caps while you are experiencing scalp inflammation.
If the itching is unbearable, visit your doctor to get a prescription for antibiotics or an antifungal medication, especially if the scabs are very thick and bleeding. Anti-inflammatory drugs that you might be prescribed include cyclosporine or methotrexate.
Scabs on the scalp that seem to heal, bleed and then create another scab might be cancer.
If your scalp inflammation problems do not resolve themselves in two months then you should make an appointment with your doctor who will then likely refer you to a dermatologist.
If you are experiencing massive hair loss as a result of this scalp inflammation then you need to see a doctor immediately. Your condition could be due to an underlying disease or infection.
Never self-diagnose. Go to a doctor to get a diagnosis, even if you decide to try alternative and/or natural healing methods.

Questions and Answers

Scars and sores on scalp for 2 years which is causing redness on the scalp and bald patches?

I have scars and sore scalp for about 2 years now, applied Elocon initially which improved it but its back. Please help it seems to be spreading. It has a lot of plaque and slightly itchy when dirty, which is normal. Went to a hair doctor and he recommended a therapy session but I am reluctant as tired of medical treatment that will keep the situation at bay for short but not cure it. please help. As described in the details, the situation has been on for 2 years. I have tried: Elocon, and Demovate, these are what I have tried in the last couple of years. I think it was caused by: Not sure, maybe previous hair styling methods or immune problems which I have had in the past.

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The medications that you refer to are for curing the symptoms of what might be a larger issue. Have you investigated the possibility that the plaques are caused by a ringworm infection or even dust mites or bed bug bites? Replace your pillows and sheets and see if this helps matters. Psoriasis can also be triggered by hormonal issues, so get your thyroid tested to make sure that it is functioning properly and make sure that you do not have diabetes.

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Psoriasis is indeed caused by a genetic condition that is related to lowered immunity, just as you suggest. Do you smoke tobacco or recreational drugs? This and other habits, such as a sedentary lifestyle, diet full of sugar and fat can cause the condition. Psoriasis is also related to hormonal disruptions caused by stress, such as working at the job you hate or being trapped in a toxic relationship. This may be why your doctor is suggesting a therapist. He or she may want you to reevaluate some of the lifestyle choices you are making to see if your stress levels can be reduced, as this will ultimately help give your immune system a boost.

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Could this combination of coconut oil and Nizoral shampoo be worsening my problem?

I began using a natural remedy of applying coconut oil to the inflamed area then later washing it out with Nizoral shampoo. However, the tight feeling would come on strong for the next 12-24 hours. Is this perhaps a result of an over-concentration of the coconut oil clogging hair follicles or is the strength of the Nizoral shampoo drying my scalp out to the point that it can't breathe due to an absence of any oils on my scalp? I'm not convinced the treatment I've been using has raised these possible concerns in relation to an inflamed scalp. I have tried: Apply coconut oil to the affected area than washing it out with Nizoral shampoo. I think it was caused by: I complained to my GP (one I no longer see) that I have a tight feeling in my scalp and noticed little sores (similar to pimples). My GP at the time said folliculitis and recommended Nizoral shampoo. This issue went away and I forgot about the whole thing until it began to persist again after I had used a particular styling product for my hair which I didn't wash out properly after use as it was a paste. My scalp felt so tight in one area that I thought I'd get relief by picking hairs out of the area only for that to sting. I later did more research on the subject to figure that it must be an inflamed scalp.

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First of all, stop using all products and natural remedies on your scalp, except for the Nizoral until you find out the root cause of your inflamed scalp. Use the Nizoral shampoo only for a month and see if the condition improves. In the meantime, you should also book an appointment with a new GP, if you haven't already, to see if you have an underlying condition that might be causing your inflamed scalp. Aside from fungal infections, conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes and HIV can cause scalp inflammation. There are blood tests that can be administered to see if a chronic disease is contributing to the problem. It is also possible that you need to take an oral prescription anti-fungal medication, but only a general practitioner or a dermatologist can acquire that for you. If your G.P. does not have specific answers for you, then you can also request to be referred to a dermatologist.

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I have hair loss due to inflammation on scalp and I am looking for natural alternatives?

I've have all over my head hair loss for about 5 years. My doctor did a biopsy and stated I have inflammation and wants to give me steroid shots in my scalp. I am not down for that. Suggestions?