Sunburned Scalp: Will I Lose My Hair?

One of the big problems during the summer holidays is sunburn on the skin. Reducing direct sun exposure during the central hours of the day or applying good amounts and on a recurring basis of sunscreen are key to reducing the risk of burning our skin. However, on many occasions we protect the skin of the body and face but not the hair, and the truth is that we also run the risk of having a sunburned scalp.

When the scalp burns, damage occurs to the skin and, consequently, to the hair follicles in the affected area.. This can cause problems for our hair health, but can alopecia develop from sunburn on the scalp? Will the hair fall out? From Hospital Capilar, hair clinic in Spain, we tell you how having a sunburned scalp affects hair.

Does sunburn on the scalp cause alopecia?

When overexposure to the sun ends up causing burns on the scalp, our hair health can be affected. According to him medical team of Hospital Capilar, sunburned scalp does not lead to a alopecia as such, since the origin of the most common alopecias such as androgenetic alopecia or the alopecia areata. However, it is true that a sunburn can cause a scar, and the hair in that scar tissue will fall out and, in most cases, the hair will not grow back.

Therefore, sunburn on the scalp can lead to irreversible hair loss only in the affected area, the rest of the hair will remain. In other words, the sun is not the origin of normal alopecia where all the hair is affected, but rather, normally in the most serious cases, only the hair in the affected area will fall.

It is important to protect our scalp from the sun as well, since hair loss is not the only inconvenience it can cause. With this type of sunburn, the risk of melanoma increases.

Symptoms of sunburn on the scalp

When we have not protected ourselves sufficiently and our scalp is burned by the sun, the same discomfort is felt as when it occurs in any part of the body.

Redness of the skin

Scalp that has been burned has a reddish appearance. Normally the hairline or areas of the head where there is not as much hair density as the temples or crown in some cases are burned.

Itching and heat in the affected area

In addition to the reddening of the skin, we can notice that the affected area gives off heat. We can also notice certain discomforts such as itching, stinging or burning. It is important not to scratch or manipulate aggressively, since the skin is sensitized and we could worsen the symptoms.

Small blisters with fluid

In some cases, small blisters with a transparent liquid inside may appear.

Headache

In the most severe cases, the person experiences headache, fever, vomiting, and nausea.

Treatment for sunburned scalp

When you already have a sunburned scalp, it is essential to follow a series of instructions to reduce the symptoms and soothe the affected skin. In addition, it is essential to avoid direct sun exposure on the burned area as it will seriously worsen the sunburn.

Apply cold water

The first thing that is recommended to do when we realize that we have sunburned scalp is to apply cold water. In addition to relieving symptoms such as itching, it will reduce skin inflammation and reduce the temperature of the area. We can apply cold water directly in the shower or wrap the head with a wet and cold towel for a few minutes.

Do not apply heat sources

During the days that we have burned skin, it is important not to use heat sources such as hair dryers or irons. Otherwise, we can aggravate the symptoms.

stay hydrated

It is essential to stay properly hydrated as the skin will be excessively dehydrated. Regularly drinking water will compensate for water loss and will contribute to skin regeneration.

Use gentle and moisturizing hair products

When the skin suffers from the sun, an extra hydration is needed. This is why we must use soft, moisturizing products with regenerative action. Other more aggressive hair products such as dyes, as well as products with sulfates and silicones should also be suspended.

It is recommended to apply specific skin care products for after sun, such as capillary after sun.

How to protect yourself from sunburn on the scalp

Especially for those people with basic alopecia or lack of hair density, it is essential to know how to protect the scalp from the sun to avoid burns that affect the skin and healthy hair follicles.

apply sunscreen

There are hair sunscreens aimed at protecting the skin from UV rays. These are of great help when we are going to be exposed to the sun for long periods of time or in the central hours of the day where the incidence is higher.

Use of caps and hats

It is essential to wear caps and hats during the summer to protect both the skin of the face and the scalp from the sun.

Avoid hairstyles with marked parting

Some parted hairstyles, such as updos with a center or side part, expose more of the skin on the scalp. To avoid the incidence of the sun on the part of the hair, it is recommended to comb the hair backwards, thus hiding the part with the hair itself.