Scalp Problems and Hair Shedding
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Susane_Dean]Susane Dean
Many times, hair loss and scalp issues or problems go hand in hand. There's really very little debate about that among people who have personally suffered both (often at the same time or occurring close in time period.) What is widely debated though is whether the two are really medically related. Ask any one who has suffered through shedding hair which seems to correspond with, precede, be related to, or follow scalp problems, and that person will likely tell you that he or she believes very strongly that the two are connected. However, having gone through this myself and having spent a lot of time asking for assistance from many different folks in the medical community, chatting on hair loss forums, and interacting with other sufferers, I can tell you that not every one agrees with this. This article then, will discuss why I think the two are absolutely related and what you can do to treat both issues.
What Exactly Is Burning Scalp Syndrome Anyway, And How Does It Relate To Shedding?: Typically, any shedding that seems to correspond with a scalp issue (pain, tingling, burning, flaking, discoloration (pink or red) or tightness) gets lumped into the category of being called "burning scalp syndrome." What is this exactly? The phrase describes painful and burning sensations that stem from excessive shedding of the hair (otherwise known as telogen effluvium or TE.) The theory goes that as many hair follicles are dying off and ejecting the hair, it can cause sensations in the scalp.
I can tell you from experience that some doctors feel that this is physiological and that you are transferring the psychological pain and worry that you are experiencing about the shedding into physical troublesome symptoms onto your head. I've even heard stories of folks being prescribed anti depressants for this (like the problem is all in their head and not on it.)
This is only my opinion, but I don't buy this. When my shedding was at is peak, my scalp was literally an angry red color that was painful to even the slightest touch. My husband noticed it's color without my having to say a word. I doubt my emotions could've caused this indisputable and very noticeable physical reaction.
Even men can fall prey to the burning scalp diagnosis. There are studies which have indicated that men who are suffering from AGA (androgenic alopecia or genetic male patterned, baldness) have tighter, more tense filled scalps than those men who have full and healthy heads of hair. Is this psychological or does it have something to do with the issues going on in their scalp (DHT, dandruff, shrinking follicles, etc.)?
Whether you can definitively answer this questions or not, scalp problems which happen at or around the same time as hair shedding or often painful and troublesome. Because, to support a fertile and healthy environment to get your hair regrowing in a normal manner and texture (you don't want cycling hair that is miniaturizing and getting smaller), you need for your scalp to be as healthy and free of inflammation (and clogging particles) as you can possibly get it.
Is Treating The Scalp Helpful In Treating The Hair Loss? Here is my theory on burning scalp syndrome or hair shedding with scalp issues - no matter which came first. If they are occurring together or one is contributing to another, you must treat them both. You need a healthy scalp to help with hair regrowth and you can't allow clogged or tight follicles to cut off the nutrients or the circulation to the hair that is trying to grow, remain, or regrow on your head.
And, any time you are shedding, this mechanism is causing inflammation in your scalp (which I think is what causes the pain and redness (or pinkness)). If you don't address this, the hair loss and scalp pain can only worsen and feed upon themselves. In short, it's a cycle that keeps going round and round until you stop it.
But, here is where most people make mistakes, even when they are trying very aggressively to stop it. They throw harsh treatments, shampoos, and chemicals at the problems. Dermatologist will sometimes give in and give you harsh prescription shampoos and steroids. This is like pouring acid onto an open, oozing and painful wound.
And, do you know how much irritating alcohol is in growth stimulants like rogaine? While I agree there is a time and place for treatments that encourage hair growth, harsh options will likely intensify the problem. Instead, based on my personal experience I believe you need to be on a gentle anti inflammation regimen.
Worse, many women panic and start throwing hormone treatments at the hair loss. They go back on or off birth control pills. They try HRT (hormone replacement therapy) or try to self medicate with thyroid or adrenal stimulants. This can seriously prolong your shedding (I know this from experience.) Swinging hormones will often destabilize your hair and worsen your shedding. Hormone issues are the number one cause of hair loss or shedding in women. So, you don't want to worsen these issues by taking your hormones up or down drastically.
A better option is almost always treating the inflammation and scalp issues first. You want to get the inflammation under control totally before you tackle the hair loss. Often, once the inflammation begins to wane, the shedding will get much better. Then, you can begin to support healthy regrowth and ridding your scalp of clogging or inflammatory substances that are choking out your hair or impeding its recovery.
Healthy Scalp And Hair Resources is a website I put together to share my own hair loss story (as well as what worked for me) and to offer information, support, and sources for natural, inexpensive, non irritating (and effective) treatments for people with shedding and scalp issues. You can read my story at http://healthy-scalp-resources.blogspot.com/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Scalp-Problems-and-Hair-Shedding&id=1559213] Scalp Problems and Hair Shedding
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