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Headache worse when touching scalp/hair

Hi

I've got a weird thing going on with my head.  I've had a headache off and on for the past week just on the left side.  On Monday I noticed that when I just touch my hair or lightly touch my scalp, it makes my headache worse and it's more of a stabbing pain.  When I stop touching my hair or scalp, the stabbing pain goes away.  

Anybody ever hear of this type of thing?
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Avatar universal
I too have sore and swollen areas on the left side of my head.  Today, it was so close to my left ear that it made my ear hurt too.  These swollen areas come and go and cause headaches.  At times it feels as if someone is pulling my hair and I can't sleep at night especially on that side of the head.  The area is very tender to the touch and hurts when I touch it.  Sometimes a hot shower with the water running over the area for awhile will relieve the pain, but then it comes back.  I've seen 2 doctors.  One said it was a hair follicle and the other (a dermatologist) did a biopsy and determined it was Granuloma Annulare, a skin condition.  He gave me some cream to put on it and said if that didn't help, he would inject some kind of medicine to make it better.  He said there wasn't a cure, that this is something most people have to live with.  He was surprised, however, that I had this condition since he stated it mostly affects children.  I wish there were more answers so that we could find a cure!
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Avatar universal
Hi

I have the same symptoms but have been feeling like this for 5 weeks nearly. I have been to my GP and she has just told me to take Ibuprofen, which I have been doing but the pain is still there! I have been back to my GP and she assures me that it is a type of tension head ache but it does not seem to be going away, it is really starting to get me down and I dont know what else I can do about it!

Anyone know of anything which might be able to help?
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Avatar universal
Hi.

Exactly where do you feel the headaches and tenderness? Was there any trauma to your head or neck area? Are there any other symptoms?

Migraine headaches are a possible cause of your symptoms. This type of headache is commonly one-sided and can present with scalp tenderness.

Tension-type headaches are another type that can be associated with the same symptoms. Although usually dull in character, when tenderness is present, pain can be described as sharp or stabbing.

Another possibility, though less likely, is occipital neuralgia. Usually the pain is felt starting from the base of the head or back of the neck and can radiate to other parts of the head. Scalp tenderness can also occur.

You should probably have a doctor look at your symptoms to determine the cause of your condition.

Hope this helps.
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