My HAIR hurts????

[loralai]

Maybe it's not my hair...it feels like when you'd put pigtails or braids in your hair overnight and then take them out the next day...that achey hurt? That's how my head feels. I actually feel better after not having a hat or turban on. My scalp is so pink. (update: I just shaved my hair 2.5 weeks after chemo treatments started) I put some lotion through it maybe thinking its dry skin? Is my head not used to all this fresh air? Is it the little hairs poking it? Any advice to help it? I said to my husband if this keeps up I might just have to go bald 24/7...and that will really take some guts for me!

[loralai]

Yes keep me posted! I am an itchy person as it is so this is driving me nutso!

[Jane39]

Oh sweetie, reading your post, I had to giggle.  I almost forgot about my head feeling that way after I shaved my head (my husband had left about 1/16 of an inch on my head), and it drove me absolutely crazy for about, ???? 2-3 weeks after I shaved it.  My scalp and hair seemed to go thru, to me anyway, a couple different phases. Each phase, my husband had a new name for me (patches, powder, nubbie) :)  I do remember the absolute irratation though.  I tried everything, and yes walking around with nothing on my head did help, but didn't have many opportunities to do so.  And sleeping was the worst, it felt like needles in my head.  I had to go into the bathroom at work a couple times a day and just scratch my head like mad (almost like a dog with fleas) The only thing I can say is it will go away, I promise.  I was worried that I might feel the same way when it comes back in, haven't had it yet, but I am just now 3 weeks out of my last chemo, so I will let you know.  Take Care.

[loralai]

I did put rub some lotion on it today and it was better. I'll do it again before bed. I think letting the air get to my scalp and not wearing a hat all day has helped too. Let it breathe!! I am glad to see it will get better so thank you! I tried sitting in my wig tonight but I felt like Marge Simpson in it LOL! I will tough it out with that and hats. I tried the headband wig and will get one...it feels more natural...not so "wiggy". I know this is so small compared to other postings and I really appreciate the replies. Thanks!

[Christine72]

My mom had that problem, too.

[gah_70]

Yes, mine felt the same way once shaved, especially when I laid down in bed, or on the couch.  The pillow especially bothered it.  I never could quite figure out exactly what it was about it that hurt other than the tiny little pieces of hair that was left perhaps rubbing my scalp.  But yes, I did get used to it after a couple of days.  You definitely have to get used to hats/wigs.  You may feel like you stand out in a crowd when you wear them, but you don't.  The first time I went into a store wearing a hat and obviously bald, I felt like the hat was 10 feet tall!  You will get used to it and it will become second nature.  It is a very good idea to moisturize your head too, because you're right...it isn't used to the "open air", and may tend to dry out.  Maybe you could try wearing a loose fitting scarf until you get used to the way your head feels.

Best wishes.  Please continue to let us know how things are going.  

Gail :)

[arabela]

I think the pain is from the damaged hair follicles which is why the loose hairs hurt it and why combing them out helps ease the pain. Since you have already shaved your head, maybe there are still some tiny hairs, I'm not sure. Mine was so horribly painful, I had to shave my head to stop it, I couldn't tolerate it anymore. That has been the worst part of this whole thing for sure. It was only last week and I'm already sick to death of hats and bandanas, etc. I hope I get used to them soon.

[BeachGal7]

Hi loralai, Just after my first chemo, from day 14 to 21, my scalp was very painful.  The only difference is that I didn't shave my head from the beginning.  When my scalp got painful, I found relief in shampoo/washing my hair.  As I massaged my head under the shower, the hair started to fall off and right away there was relief from the pain.  There was no pain after all my hair fell off.  The pain won't last too long - by day 21, relief should be in sight.  Best wishes....