It means that your scalp may be tender or painful to the touch, and this can be due to several reasons.
Possible Causes of Scalp Tenderness
Scalp tenderness, or pain when touching your head, can stem from a variety of issues. Here's a breakdown of the potential causes, based on the provided reference:
Skin Conditions
- Dermatitis: Inflammation of the skin, which can affect the scalp, leading to tenderness and other symptoms.
- Infections: Infections, whether bacterial or fungal, can cause pain and sensitivity in the scalp.
- Psoriasis: This chronic autoimmune disease can cause red, scaly patches on the scalp, often accompanied by tenderness.
Head and Vascular Issues
- Tension Headaches: These headaches can manifest as pain and tenderness in the scalp area. The muscles around the head can become tense and sensitive.
- Other diseases affecting head blood vessels: Problems with the blood vessels around the head can also lead to pain when touching the head.
Systemic Conditions
- Fibromyalgia: A chronic pain condition that can cause widespread pain, including pain in the scalp.
What to Do
If you experience persistent or severe scalp tenderness, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Here is a summary:
Possible Causes | Description |
---|---|
Skin Conditions | * Dermatitis, infections, and psoriasis can all cause tenderness. |
Head/Vascular Issues | * Tension headaches and other blood vessel related issues in the head. |
Systemic Conditions | * Fibromyalgia can manifest with scalp pain as a symptom. |
Key Takeaway
It's important to understand that head pain or tenderness can be caused by both localized issues like skin conditions or systemic issues like Fibromyalgia. The pain could be due to a wide range of underlying health concerns that may need medical attention.