Suggest Treatment For Pain On Head And Excessive Hair Loss

Posted on Wed, 10 Dec 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 10 Dec 2014 Answered on

Sat, 27 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a 39 year old healthy female. 9 weeks ago my scalp began to hurt mainly on top and at front mostly on left side, but also hurt to lay head on pillow. The pain was a burning, pinching and aching sensation, that was aggravated by touch, relieved when hair washed. No sores or dandruff. My PMD put be on methylprednisolone. Which did nothing. CBC and thyroid panel were normal. Then my PMD started me on buspar which I have been on 2 weeks. The pain subsided at 8 weeks, 1 week ago, but is still present in 1 spot on top of my head, only to the touch, and on my temple slighly, all on the left side. I had an experience like this 11 years ago and it subsided after sometime. 11 years ago I had a lupus work up and ct scan all negative. Everything online relates this pain to hairloss. This has made me hypervigilant and know I'm afraid I'm losing hair? My shedding varies between 30-75 hairs a day the most on hair washing days. I have no notable thinning. I'm at a loss as to why this is happening. I hate the pain and am afraid of it coming back full strength. Also scared to death I'm going to have hair loss. I have no relatives with balding. I am not depressed or highly anxious generally but this pain does cause anxiety hence the buspar. Any suggestions would be welcome. Thank you

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

Brief Answer:
It is normal to shed more hair on washing days than normally

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thanks for writing to us at healhcaremagic

I have gone through your query.
Regarding hair loss I must tell you that it has nothing to do with pain. They are not related.

The quality of the pain seems to suggest that it is neuralgic in origin. In my view Gabapentin Or Pregabalin might help you with the pain and can be tried. You can discuss regarding this with your treating doctor.

Hair shedding within the range of 30-75 on washing days is considered to be absolutely normal. It is normal to shed more hair on washing days than otherwise. Therefore I don't think you have anything to worry about.

How often do you wash your hair? Alternate days Or twice weekly?

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

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

I was my hair every other day. On non hair wash days the loss is 20-40 hairs. On hair wash days 35-75.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
This is within the normal range

Detailed Answer:
Hi

I must assure you that this much hair loss per day is considered to be within normal range.
You may add a Biotin supplement, once daily. Biotin helps in healthy hair growth and reduces shedding.
You may take it for 4-6 months.

Regards

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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar