What in the $%^& happened to my hair??

[lennet93]

I have no idea why I have this huge space in my scalp. That area is always itchy and kind of sore but I never paid it any mind but today as I was scratching it felt weird so I ask DH to take some pics for me When my hair is parted down the middle it doesn't look so bad but it looks horrible when parted the other way. It's more noticeable when I have a lot of ng. I'm freaked out

 

[BostonMaria]

Do you wear ponytails in that area? could it possibly be alopecia? You should definitely see a doctor just in case.

 

[Americka]

Have you had a sew-in or braids lately? Do you remember when the irritation started? And what products have you used since you noticed the irritation?

 

[Beaute Noire]

How have you been wearing your hair?? What have you been using? How long has it been sore and itchy?? IMO u should ask yourself these questions and talk to a doctor asap.

 

[MsBoinglicious]

Oh dear! I am so sorry this has happened to you! It could be traction alopecia. You said it itches, so scratching in the same spot all the time could cause friction and do this. I agree with the rest see a doctor.

 

[lovenharmony]

So sorry this is happening to you! I agree with the rest of the ladies. It does look like traction alopecia. Moreover it could be an allergic reaction to certain products you have been using in your hair. To be sure you should go to your doctor.

 

[mscocoface]

If it continually itches you may want to have a derm take a look at it.

I won't even begin to speculate what the issue could be because it would just worry you.

Go see a doctor to be sure there is nothing wrong medically.

 

[southerncitygirl]

Sorry about this retrace your steps....have you tried any new products lately? maybe they were irritating your scalp. Have any of your staples been reformulated with other ingredients? Have you been wearing wigs, weaves or braids as pulling or rubbing might be the source of the spot. It will grow back *hugs*

 

[lennet93]

I wear my hair in a lose bun. I don't wear weaves or braids. I don't do anything to my hair that would cause pulling in that area. I will definitely see my doc asap.

 

[PrincessKia]

Do you sweat in your head noticeably? I mean if you were to stick your finger on your scalp at the end of the day can you tell that it's wet versus earlier in the day?

I know that the scalp can have a fungus that can actually cause thinning and baldness. It's best treated with an anti-dandruff shampoo.

I ask because my scalp sweats excessively whether or not I do exercise. At first I noticed that my scalp would be tender. Then, it would itch horribly and of course I'd scratch a lot. Then, I stated using Nizoral and I can go about 2-3 weeks without using that shampoo on my scalp until the itches come again.
I'm assuming its a build up and the Nizoral helps keep it under control.

HTH

 

[Jetblackhair]

I had this happen to me except it was in my crown area. The bald spot was the size of a nickel. It was always itchy and I kept scratching it.

Once I realized there was a bald spot, I just tried to limit what I put on my scalp and I didn't scratch the area. The hair grew back in.

The whole thing was very mysterious to me. Now when I clarify my hair, I also make sure I get down to the scalp to get rid of any build up I may have there.

 

[lennet93]

Do you sweat in your head noticeably? I mean if you were to stick your finger on your scalp at the end of the day can you tell that it's wet versus earlier in the day?

I know that the scalp can have a fungus that can actually cause thinning and baldness. It's best treated with an anti-dandruff shampoo.

I ask because my scalp sweats excessively whether or not I do exercise. At first I noticed that my scalp would be tender. Then, it would itch horribly and of course I'd scratch a lot. Then, I stated using Nizoral and I can go about 2-3 weeks without using that shampoo on my scalp until the itches come again.
I'm assuming its a build up and the Nizoral helps keep it under control.

HTH

YES! When I sweat it's mostly from my head. I also work out a few times a week and sweat a lot during my workouts.

 

[Sweet Charm]

I would try using more natural or organic products and try massaging it with aloe vera on that section and see what happens.

Definitely try to stop scratching and see a doctor

Try and do a co-wash after you work out since you mostly sweat from your head. I think you scratch because of the sweat and constant scratching will make you lose hair at that spot

 

[Platinum]

What kind of products are you using on your scalp? You may have allergic reaction to something you're using. I had the same thing to happen to me a while ago (mainly in my nape area), so I stopped relaxing. Also, I tried using an MN/Sulfur mix and that really made a difference.

 

[lennet93]

I had this happen to me except it was in my crown area. The bald spot was the size of a nickel. It was always itchy and I kept scratching it.

Once I realized there was a bald spot, I just tried to limit what I put on my scalp and I didn't scratch the area. The hair grew back in.

The whole thing was very mysterious to me. Now when I clarify my hair, I also make sure I get down to the scalp to get rid of any build up I may have there.

It's in my crown area. I'll have to really baby that area from now on and not scratch it

 

[lennet93]

What kind of products are you using on your scalp? You may have allergic reaction to something you're using. I had the same thing to happen to me a while ago (mainly in my nape area), so I stopped relaxing. Also, I tried using an MN/Sulfur mix and that really made a difference.

I use JBCO on my scalp sometimes but for the most part I don't use anything on my scalp. That area has always been itchy but I've never really thought much of iterplexed

 

[hillytmj]

I'm so sorry this happened to you. I would definitely go to the doctor to see what's going on. Praying for you...

 

[krissyprissy]

Looks like relaxer damage to me

 

[teysmith]

having a lot of new growth makes my hair look like that in pictures.. I can show u my pics. Is it only in that spot?

 

[luckiestdestiny]

Seems like you need a derm.

Also the scratching alone could cause this...but you should def double check with a derm

 

[Jetblackhair]

It's in my crown area. I'll have to really baby that area from now on and not scratch it

Scratching I think makes it worse, especially if the hands are not super clean.

There seems to be a lot of us on here with a problem crown area, itchy, soreness, breakage, etc. I think there is a thread just for this topic.

Although I didn't see a dermatologist I would still recommend doing so.

 

[lennet93]

having a lot of new growth makes my hair look like that in pictures.. I can show u my pics. Is it only in that spot?

Yes it's only in that spot.

 

[MissAn]

Sorry that happened,

ITA that you should see a dermatologist specifically. I disagree that you should use ANY home remedies, because you could make it worse or it could spread. Just don't scratch. I won't speculate on your issue, but I will tell you I had a chemical/scalp reaction that (after scratching/rubbing a lot) ended up as a bald spot also. Only a derm's assistance helped.

HTH and HHG!!!! It will be ok!!

 

[Sade']

That happened to me years ago and the problem got progressively worse. It turned out to be Cicatricial Alopecia. Google it for pic. I visited several dermatologists and trichologists. My symptoms were itching and tenderness of the scalp. Unfortunately MY hair is not going to grow back in that area and it's still slowly spreading but this is not to say that u are suffering from the same thing. Just telling u not to worry ur not alone. Make that appt asap and treat it. I can't see ur pic...did u post one?

 

[so1913]

I have no idea why I have this huge space in my scalp. That area is always itchy and kind of sore but I never paid it any mind but today as I was scratching it felt weird so I ask DH to take some pics for me When my hair is parted down the middle it doesn't look so bad but it looks horrible when parted the other way. It's more noticeable when I have a lot of ng. I'm freaked out

Hey hun, that looks very similar to what I experienced in Summer 2008. I went right to the Dermatologist and it was diagnosed as Alopecia Areata. They gave me steriod shots in the two areas I had and it immediately started growing back. I only needed the one treatment and haven't experienced any other cases since that one time. I highly recommend seeing a dermatologist to look at it.

 

[sunshinelady]

You should go to the derm, but be prepared to be disappointed with the treatment options. Does your scalp feel different in that area, like the fat under the skin has disappeared?

 

[Nuelle]

I think I may be dealing with a similar situation. That area was always pinkish, tender, and would get irritated easily. Also, dandruff tends to build up there more so than in other areas. It's turning into a bald spot from me scratching it so much, but I couldn't help picking at the flakes. Gross, I know. I made an appointment with a derm and will most likely transition (I'm already a couple of months post).

The thing though is that I had stretched for 15 months then decided to relax my hair this summer. It's then that things started to get worse.

 

[Highly Favored8]

I am in agreement with these ladies here. Please see a doctor. I am sorry this has happend to you.

 

[jamaraa]

Well, Platinum recommended something w/ sulphur (if you aren't allergic to it) and I agree. Traditionally, problems like yours have been treated w/ sulphur and/or pine tar. Glover's Dandruff Treatment may be a good product for you as a pre poo.

At the very least, I'd suggest investing in a bar of Grandpa's Pine Tar Soap. Grandpa's can do wonders. Don't panic just yet.

The medical treatments usually given for skin/hair issues are radical w/ tons of horrendous side effects. Try something more traditional 1st.

 

[lennet93]

That happened to me years ago and the problem got progressively worse. It turned out to be Cicatricial Alopecia. Google it for pic. I visited several dermatologists and trichologists. My symptoms were itching and tenderness of the scalp. Unfortunately MY hair is not going to grow back in that area and it's still slowly spreading but this is not to say that u are suffering from the same thing. Just telling u not to worry ur not alone. Make that appt asap and treat it. I can't see ur pic...did u post one?

Yes I did post pics. I've already made my appointment.