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Suggest Treatment For Focal Scalp Tenderness

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Posted on Wed, 27 Jul 2016
Question: my scalp is sore in one spot. I can feel it when I comb my hair or when i touch it with my finger tip. My scalp doesn't appear to be red or bruised. I did get a perm a couple weeks ago and it burned a little.I am tender headed. I don't have any other symptoms as it relates to signs of a concussion from what I've read of symptoms. I haven't bumped my head or anything. Any treatment s I can use. I didn't know if a cold compress would work. Sometimes my beautician would wash my scalp in anticepic when my scalp was sore. Any advice. Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dariush Saghafi (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Focal scalp tenderness

Detailed Answer:
Good afternoon and thank you for your question.

If you were to tell me that you had headaches such as migraines as part of your history then, I would immediately answer that the scalp soreness or even pain were due to a phenomenon known as ALLODYNIA which when the scalp becomes HYPERSENSITIZED due to what happens with the nerves that innervate the skin in a certain region. However, this doesn't seem to have anything to do with that and so then, I guess I would agree with you that it seems more likely to be something to do with the perm you got and the possible chemical application done that you said burned you a bit. Perhaps, what you're now feeling are the residuals of that damage which hopefully will resolve on its own....but if it persists it may need to be looked at as possibly some type of nerve irritation in that specific spot from the sensory twigs and branches of the appropriate spinal nerve (either C2 or C3) innervating the scalp. I would think that if it were on the basis of a chemically toxic reaction that eventually the effects would wear off...but depending on the chemical and just how badly the nerve was "hit" maybe the pain will be longer term or permanent....I don't know.

Perhaps, you could treat yourself in the short term by placing something soothing on that spot such as BACTEEN...or some ORAJEL.....which both contain a bit of a light anesthetic compound that may give you some minor relief briefly until you've had time to see your doctor.

For the time being I would also advise you to lay low on the perms and antiseptic washes for now until you see which way this thing is going to go.

If I've satisfactorily addressed your question then, could you do me the kindest of favors by CLOSING THIS QUERY and be sure to include some fine words of feedback and a 5 STAR rating to our transaction if you feel the response has helped you? Again, many thanks for posing your question.

Do not forget to recontact me in the future at: www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi for additional questions, comments, or concerns having to do with this topic or others. I would be interested in knowing how things turn out when you've seen the neurologist. And do look for someone who can get you in soon....as in within the next week or so at the latest. His behaviors seem out of control and escalating and could be dangerous to himself and even others.

This query has utilized a total of 35 minutes of professional time in research, review, and synthesis for the purpose of formulating a return statement.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dariush Saghafi (33 minutes later)
I was diagnosed with arthritis in my neck and sholder recently.I will be seeing a pain management specialist for this on monday.had a history of migraine s in the past I was treated my a specialist this was back in 2005. Should I address this pain also to the specialist?

Could you also enlighten me on what to expect from the pain management specialist I've never been to one.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dariush Saghafi (17 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Pain management specialists work to control CHRONIC PAIN

Detailed Answer:
I think it would be a good idea for you to discuss this particular pain with the doctor you are seeing as it certainly could have a relationship with any arthritic changes in the cervical spine such as degenerative joint or bone changes resulting in the presence of osteophytes, bony spurs, etc. which could become an obstacle for the smooth passage of nerve roots as they exit the spinal cord.

I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility that something there could hold the answer to your question of this local tenderness on your scalp although I think I still favor the idea of the chemicals used in that perm as being more relevant...but it's still worth bringing up with your doc since he can actually examine the area under question...I can't....UNLESS...you'd like to visit us here in BEAUTIFUL XXXXXXX OHIO....home of the World NBA Champs, XXXXXXX Cavaliers, the Republican National Convention which is to start any day now, the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame, and the World Renowned, XXXXXXX ORCHESTRA!

As far as what to expect from pain management. Typically, they use medications and devices to try and control chronic pain. Depending upon the practitioner they may suggest other conservative interventions such as exercise, rehabilitation therapy, acupuncture, biofeedback therapy....but generally, it's a combination of oral medications, perhaps local injections of steroids mixed with anesthetics, and then, in severe cases (doesn't sound like your case), devices that are implanted which pump pain medication (again doesn't sound like your case).

Remember, XXXXXXX is a grand town to get away from the Arkansas heat for a spell! LOL.....Cheers!

If I've satisfactorily addressed your questions then, could you do me the kindest of favors by CLOSING THIS QUERY and be sure to include some fine words of feedback and a 5 STAR rating to our interaction if you feel the response has helped you? Again, many thanks for posing your question.

Do not forget to recontact me in the future at: www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi for additional questions, comments, or concerns having to do with this topic or others.

This query has utilized a total of 47 minutes of professional time in research, review, and synthesis for the purpose of formulating a return statement.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dariush Saghafi

Neurologist

Practicing since :1988

Answered : 2473 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Focal Scalp Tenderness

Brief Answer: Focal scalp tenderness Detailed Answer: Good afternoon and thank you for your question. If you were to tell me that you had headaches such as migraines as part of your history then, I would immediately answer that the scalp soreness or even pain were due to a phenomenon known as ALLODYNIA which when the scalp becomes HYPERSENSITIZED due to what happens with the nerves that innervate the skin in a certain region. However, this doesn't seem to have anything to do with that and so then, I guess I would agree with you that it seems more likely to be something to do with the perm you got and the possible chemical application done that you said burned you a bit. Perhaps, what you're now feeling are the residuals of that damage which hopefully will resolve on its own....but if it persists it may need to be looked at as possibly some type of nerve irritation in that specific spot from the sensory twigs and branches of the appropriate spinal nerve (either C2 or C3) innervating the scalp. I would think that if it were on the basis of a chemically toxic reaction that eventually the effects would wear off...but depending on the chemical and just how badly the nerve was "hit" maybe the pain will be longer term or permanent....I don't know. Perhaps, you could treat yourself in the short term by placing something soothing on that spot such as BACTEEN...or some ORAJEL.....which both contain a bit of a light anesthetic compound that may give you some minor relief briefly until you've had time to see your doctor. For the time being I would also advise you to lay low on the perms and antiseptic washes for now until you see which way this thing is going to go. If I've satisfactorily addressed your question then, could you do me the kindest of favors by CLOSING THIS QUERY and be sure to include some fine words of feedback and a 5 STAR rating to our transaction if you feel the response has helped you? Again, many thanks for posing your question. Do not forget to recontact me in the future at: www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi for additional questions, comments, or concerns having to do with this topic or others. I would be interested in knowing how things turn out when you've seen the neurologist. And do look for someone who can get you in soon....as in within the next week or so at the latest. His behaviors seem out of control and escalating and could be dangerous to himself and even others. This query has utilized a total of 35 minutes of professional time in research, review, and synthesis for the purpose of formulating a return statement.