Ever have that weird, tingly, burning feeling on your scalp when you shampoo your hair? Turns out, you're not alone—and there are a few possible explanations for why it happens.
One common cause of a burning scalp is actually an allergic reaction to a hair product. "People can be allergic to shampoos, conditioners, hair dyes, and other hair products," says Erum Ilyas, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Philadelphia. Allergic reactions on the scalp can cause inflammation, which can lead to that burning feeling. If you think you might be allergic to a product, stop using it right away and see a board-certified dermatologist so they can properly diagnose and treat your allergy.
Another possible explanation for a burning scalp is seborrheic dermatitis, a common skin condition that causes redness, scaling, and itchiness. Seborrheic dermatitis can be aggravated by harsh chemicals in shampoos and other hair products, which can lead to a burning sensation. If you have seborrheic dermatitis, your best bet is to use gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and products specifically designed for seborrheic dermatitis.
One of the most common reasons for a burning scalp is simply using a shampoo that is too harsh. If your shampoo contains a lot of chemicals or sulfates, it can strip away the natural oils on your scalp, leaving it feeling dry and irritated. Switching to a gentler, more natural shampoo can often help to resolve this issue.
Another possibility is that you have a fungal infection on your scalp. This can sometimes happen if you don't wash your hair regularly, or if you use a lot of styling products. A fungal infection can cause redness, itchiness, and burning, so it's important to see a doctor if you think this might be the cause of your symptoms.
Finally, scalp burns can also be caused by certain medical conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema. If you have any chronic skin conditions, it's important to talk to your doctor about whether they could be causing your burning scalp.
If your scalp has been burning when you shampoo, there are a few things you can do to find relief. First, try switching to a more gentle shampoo. You might also want to try using an antifungal shampoo if you think you might have a fungal infection. If your symptoms don't improve after trying these things, make sure to see a doctor so they can rule out any underlying medical conditions.