How resilient is the scalp in regards to scratching ?

[misterium]

Hi,

I'm wondering how resilient, or 'tough' the common human scalp is. I'm trying to figure out how much scratching of one's scalp it would take for hair to permanently be lost.

I worry that over the past year or two, I've itched so much that I may have damaged my scalp in certain places, beyond the point of return.. I have no obsessive compulsive scratching disorder, nothing like that .. I just wonder if it's possible to actually damage the tissue so badly that follicles die and never come back.

I've never broken skin, or caused bleeding, or anything like that.. just the typical type of itch/inflammation and bruise feeling sometimes, on my thinnest spots.. I itch it with a fine tooth comb, by going over and over the spot.. I wonder if this has caused any permanent damage or if I'm being way too concerned.

My itch isn't intense nor does it last all day, however when I get a random spot of itchiness, I usually scratch it with my comb. Should I be worried or are our scalps so resilient that even if there is damage, it will heal again?

Thanks

 

[Thinning]

Man get some self control and stop scratching! It will only make the irritation worse. Just ignore it and it will get better over time and eventually you wont even have the urge to scratch.

 

[-cj-]

Get this man some Copper Peptides!

 

[Deaner]

What I'd be more worried about is scalp scarring looking brutal when your head is shaved...

 

[misterium]

No no, I don't think I'm scarred. I have a shaved head (#1) right now.. been shaving it this way for many months now.. I like it, though I do plan to grow it back after I get some further progress with my regimen..

I'm simply asking in general, about scalp issues.. I'm not sitting here scratching my head til I bleed.. don't get me wrong!

I have used copper peptides before, and I intend to get some Tricomin again soon.. I like them. However I've been simply sticking to the Big 3 for now, and I'm using all the shampoos properly, I think.

I believe I have sensitivity to PPG in the Rogaine I use.. I'm going to invest in some Dr. Lee's formula soon.

Can PPG cause any physical scalp tissue damage, if the skin it is applied to is irritated..like a chemical burn sort of effect. Just thinking.

 

[Aplunk1]

You should be fine...

Simply scratching your head won't affect your hairloss situation.

Nizoral is the best shampoo I've ever used to help reduce itching. T/Gel is also a good shampoo (and the generic only costs about $3 at any grocery store).


As far as applying minoxidil...

DO NOT APPLY MINOXIDIL TO A BROKEN OR INFLAMMATED SKIN.

It's a bad idea... I've done it before... it's nothing but trouble...


If you have an inflammed skin surface-- whatever, then leave it alone-- maybe apply Tricommin Follicle Therapy Spray to help.

 

[misterium]

Thanks, but what if I already HAVE been applying minoxidil to irritated/itchy skin? It doesn't 'hurt' or 'sting' when I apply it to my itchiest spot.. but what possible HARM could come from it?

Note: My entire head is not itchy.. it is mainly just my most thinnest spot towards the back of my crown.. it's this dime sized spot that just isn't getting better over the past few months of shampoo regimen.. I'm working on it, and I do not constantly scratch it.. but when I do scratch, it's gently with my fine tooth comb, not with my nails or anything violent lol.. I don't 'hurt' myself, or make the skin bleed or anything!! It just feels GOOOOOD to run the comb over that spot, over and over, til itch has been satisfied..

So what harm could come from continuing to apply minoxidil to that spot?

 

[Aplunk1]

I don't see any problems with applying minoxidil to skin that is slightly irritated. It seems that your skin is irritated BECAUSE of the minoxidil.

You'll be fine.

I also use a come to put some pressure on some "itchy" spots.

No harm, really.

 

[misterium]

Cool.. I'd like to agree with you.

Yeah I'm having issues with the PPG but right now I have to finish the Rogaine bottles that I have, because I'm kinda broke.. so I have to wait on buying Dr. Lee's reduced PPG formula.. which I believe will help immensely with the irritation problem.

I've just been trying to calm the itch as much as possible.. today is a Nizoral day for me. I use it Monday & Friday. I also use T/Sal once or twice a week to keep buildup to a minimum. On 'off days' I use Head & Shoulders.. maybe I should lay off the H&S for awhile, as to not continuously have 'medicated' shampoo ingredients on my scalp, and instead use a gentle shampoo.

I've tried emu oil for irritation in the past, and it didn't help me much.. Tricomin is probably my best bet but I can't afford it right now.. another thing that has to wait.

Any further ideas?

 

[misterium]

Actually I just purchased 2 bottles of American Crew Revitalize spray .. good price on eBay.

Hope this stuff helps... damn why does Tricomin have to be sooo expensive?! I love the menthol feeling it gives.. but f***.

Some copper peptides are better than none, I guess...