What is this sunburned feeling on my scalp?

[richards4]

I have had severly sore bumps that occur on my scalp for the past 2 years now.  They come and go but start out as just a sensitive area on my scalp that I notice when combing my hair. My husband often tells me that he cannot even see anything until a few days later. They get quite painful to the touch and have recently begun to accompany a burning feeling.  When I look at my scalp it looks slightly red, but not terribly.  The burning sensation also sweeps across the upper part of my forehead and hairline, but no reddness or bumps are present.  
Have you ever heard of these sensations before and is it possible that it is caused from a chemical allergy?  If not what might it be related to?  
Thank you for your time.



This discussion is related to Lumps on the scalp with tingling pains.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

This burning or tingling feeling over the scalp may be a hypersensitivity reaction to an unknown trigger. Is there anything in your history which suggests any exposure to chemicals, changing shampoos and cleansers, direct exposure to heat and dust?
Any recent history of travel for instance?

A complete examination by a dermatologist will be able to help. If there are scales present, a microscopic evaluation of the scales may help rule out an underlying fungal infection. Also, a wood's lamp examination may help rule out any depigmentation if present in the scalp.

Is there any itchiness?

Have you tried taking pain relievers to relieve this?

Is there any associated head injury or abrasions caused by brushing the hair or when one vigorously washes the air?

[richards4]

There isn't any itchiness and as far as changing shampoos, yes I have but have been using it for a month now, and am only noticing a change this week. And with the change I was watching for sensitivity before I fully switched by using just the shampoo for awhile, then adding the conditioner.  I haven't traveled anywhere in the last year other than small travel here in the States to family and friends.
I am allergic to dust mites, is it possible that this could be an issue with my scalp?
As far as taking pain reliever for this, I have had a bleeding ulcer in the past and try not to over due ibuprofin.  
The only time I have hit my head hard was nearly 13 years ago falling over a stump in the woods and knocking my head on a sharp tree stump.......hey you asked!  
And to answer your last question, I try not to scratch or vigorously wash my hair because of this situation, so I don't believe that would be the cause.  
So confused, and they are really painful right now.  
I ran NIX through my hair about a couple years ago when my daughter contacted (bugs) in her hair at school, that is the only harsh chemical I can think of that may have been present other than hairspray.  I still use Nioxin hairspray.  
Thanks for your response- I hope I can figure this out!
Amy