Why is my head so inflamed?

Author: Miles Tromp DDS  |  Last update: Saturday, November 29, 2025

Migraines, headaches, and autoimmune disorders can cause scalp pain, irritation, and inflammation. Sunburns, rashes, wounds, and insect bites also commonly cause scalp tenderness. Most diagnoses of scalp tenderness clear up on their own or with medication, but some are signs of an underlying condition.

How do I get rid of an inflamed scalp?

First try a mild corticosteroid cream, foam, ointment or oil (Scalpicin Scalp Itch) on affected areas, keeping it away from the eyes. If that doesn't work, try the antifungal cream ketoconazole. Don't use styling products. Stop using hair sprays, gels and other styling products while you're treating the condition.

What causes inflammation on the top of the head?

By and large, inflammatory swellings of the head and neck are likely to have one of three aetiologies: infective, autoimmune or allergic, with infective causes being the most commonly encountered.

What causes scalp flare up?

Everyday items that can cause allergic contact dermatitis on the scalp include the following: Shampoos, conditioners, gels, sprays and other hair products. Hair dyes, perm solutions, hair extension glue. Swimming caps, hair nets – especially those containing rubber.

Why does my head always feel inflamed?

Brain inflammation can be caused by a food intolerance, lack of sleep, gut infections, hypothyroidism, extreme stress, autoimmunity, systemic inflammation, and other factors. If you start to feel your “head clear” when addressing brain inflammation, that's a sign you're on the right track.

Scalp Pain Decoded: What's Behind the Discomfort?

How do you get rid of inflammation in your head?

Exercise can reduce inflammation throughout the body, including in the brain. It also helps to reduce stress and improve mood, and even moderate exercise can have a positive impact, so aim for 30 minutes per day.

Why do I feel so much discomfort in my head?

Headaches happen when an unknown mechanism activates nerves in your body that send pain signals to the brain. This mechanism is activated by a variety of factors including stress, sleep deprivation, hunger, alcohol, computer screens, and teeth grinding, to name a few.

What vitamin deficiency causes scalp inflammation?

Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties, and inflammation in the scalp can contribute to hair loss. Adequate levels of vitamin D may help reduce inflammation in the hair follicles and scalp. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, which is important for hair structure and strength.

Can anxiety cause scalp inflammation?

Stress can increase certain hormones and release inflammatory chemicals that can compromise the function of the barrier of your scalp. Moisture may escape easier, causing your scalp to feel dry. You may become more sensitive to irritants in your hair care products.

What autoimmune disease causes scalp inflammation?

Lupus. Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, can also lead to hair loss, particularly during periods of flare-ups. These flare-ups involve increased inflammation throughout the body, which can affect the scalp and hair follicles.

Is inflammation in the head serious?

Complications of serious illness

Inflammation can injure the brain, possibly resulting in a coma or death. Other complications may last for months or may be permanent. Complications can vary widely and can include: Fatigue that doesn't go away.

What are the red flags for temporal arteritis?

Symptoms of temporal arteritis

frequent, severe headaches. pain or tenderness at the side of your head (temples) or on the scalp. jaw pain while eating or talking. vision problems, such as double vision or loss of vision in 1 or both eyes.

Why do I have tender spots on my head?

Scalp tenderness in one spot can be caused by a range of issues, including trauma, friction from headgear, sunburn, or scalp conditions like psoriasis. Preventing tenderness involves gentle scalp care, avoiding tight hairstyles, using UV protection, and keeping the scalp clean and moisturised.

Does drinking water help scalp inflammation?

Choose the right hair products — Opt for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, as well as products that are free from harsh chemicals that can further irritate your scalp. Drink more water — Adequate hydration is key to maintaining healthy scalp conditions.

What does a bacterial infection of the scalp look like?

Bacteria trapped in the inflamed hair follicle can cause small pus-filled bumps called pustules to form. These red, oozing pustules look like acne.

What shampoo reduces scalp inflammation?

Shampoos containing hydrocortisone can help reduce swelling, redness, and itching. Shampoos with salicylic acid, urea, or lactic acid soften and gently peel away thick scales.

How do you calm inflammation in your scalp?

applying a warm compress to help soothe inflammation and drain pus. applying antibiotic ointment to large nodules and open sores. using mild antihistamines or topical steroid creams to reduce inflammation. washing hair with an anti-dandruff shampoo.

Can a brain tumor cause scalp sensitivity?

It is usually caused by a medical condition that irritates the scalp itself. Medical conditions such as scalp psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, scalp folliculitis, eczema, contact dermatitis, alopecia, temporal arteritis, brain tumor and basal cell carcinoma can trigger scalp pain.

Can stress cause inflammation in head?

Stress can cause inflammation, and chronic inflammation can damage brain cells.

What is the root cause of scalp inflammation?

A common cause of scalp inflammation is seborrheic dermatitis, which can cause red, scaly patches that develop on your scalp. Other conditions that can cause inflammation are folliculitis and ringworm (tinea capitis). Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin disease that causes an itchy rash with flaky scales.

What supplements are good for scalp inflammation?

What supplements are good for scalp inflammation? Supplements like Omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamin E, and Zinc are good for scalp inflammation.

What vitamin helps with brain inflammation?

Vitamin D is known to help regulate inflammatory responses in the brain, potentially reducing inflammatory cells' activity.

Why do I keep getting a weird feeling in my head?

Conditions that affect the nerves may cause tingling in the head or face. These include infections, diabetes, MS, occipital neuralgia, and trigeminal neuralgia. Other possible causes include anxiety, migraine, head injuries, seizures, and autoimmune conditions. Some medications can also cause tingling as a side effect.

Why does my head hurt like everyday?

The causes of many chronic daily headaches aren't well-understood. True (primary) chronic daily headaches don't have an identifiable underlying cause. Conditions that might cause nonprimary chronic daily headaches include: Inflammation or other problems with the blood vessels in and around the brain, including stroke.

What does a pre-stroke headache feel like?

People describe a stroke-related headache as a very severe headache that comes on within seconds or minutes. Oftentimes, the area affected by the headache is directly related to where the stroke occurs.

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