Intense Stabbing Pain and Heat From My Scalp — Is This Aggressive MPB?
Dr. Rassman,
I’ve had intense burning scalp pain for the past 10 months. It all started during a particularly stressful point in my life so I initially attributed it to that. Unfortunately it persisted so after a month I went to see my general doctor then 3 dermatologists, all whom said my scalp and hair looks fine (albeit slightly pink at times). One of the dermatologists did a biopsy in the spot that hurt the most and came up with nothing indicating why I would be in such excruciating pain. I was prescribed topical steroids which I used and did nothing.
Over the course of the 10 months the areas that are burning have begun to shed hair and not regrow them, where once I had an incredibly thick head of hair it’s started to noticeably thin (top, back). There is a point towards the back of my head to the left of my whorl that I have been told is hot to the touch, and that is the spot that hurts me the most. The best way to describe the pain there is as if someone is jabbing a hot poker into my skull. The rest of the pain in the top and back is like someone poured gasoline on my scalp and lit a match. The pain is so bad that sometimes it wakes me up and I end up throwing up due to the agony. It’s at its worst when I wash my hair, regardless of the shampoo.
Is this some sort of insanely aggressive MPB? Neither my father nor my mother’s father has any history of MPB. I am a 37 year old male and up till 10 months ago had no hair issues. Thanks for any advice/guidance you can give.
I’ve never heard this complaint before, about the scalp being hot to the touch (hypersensitive skin) as some sign of MPB. I always call on my experience with taking detailed histories from my patients. Sorry!
It could be something like trichodynia that you’re experiencing, which hasn’t really been studied all that much.
When my balding really started to kick in, my scalp felt like it was burning and I would say it felt almost painful…I went on Propecia and shortly thereafter the burn went away…A few years later, I stupidly stopped taking Propecia and within a few months, back came the burn and pain (and aggressive balding). I then went back on Propecia and shortly thereafter the burn was (and is) gone…Coincidence? Perhaps. All in my mind? Maybe. But I for one definitely associate that painful, burning scalp with some mighty aggressive balding. Maybe the author of this comment should look into finasteride…
Hey there. I’ve been suffering almost exactly the same headaches as you are having. It feels like someone is stabbing my brain repeatedly and no medication helps me. I even had an MRI done and everything was alright. i went to see a naturopathic doctor who told me the actual problem is in my muscles and my body posture. My muscles are permanently tensed. He told me to do a series of light exercise and I had to wear a soft collar too. That really helped me as well as a good body massage and swimming too. Well, I hope you find some peace too.