Can Scratching an Itchy Scalp Cause Hair Loss and Scarring?

Itchy scalp leading to bleeding from scratching?

If you scratch your scalp until it bleeds, will there still be hair in that area? If hair is pulled out and a scab forms, will it grow back? I often pull my hair (after washing, when it's about to fall out from the follicles); will it grow back? If it grows back once, will it grow back a second time?

Lin Jia-Hui, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/10/12

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology

If you're worried about your hair not growing, avoid pulling or tugging at it, as this can damage the hair follicles and prevent hair from growing at all.

Reply Date: 2023/10/12

More Info

Scratching an itchy scalp can indeed lead to hair loss and potential scarring, depending on the severity of the scratching and the underlying cause of the itchiness. When you scratch your scalp, especially if it leads to bleeding, you can damage the hair follicles, which are essential for hair growth. If the scratching is severe enough to break the skin, it can cause inflammation and lead to scarring, which may hinder hair regrowth in that area.

If you have scratched your scalp to the point of bleeding, the affected area may initially lose hair due to the trauma. However, if the hair follicles remain intact and healthy, there is a good chance that hair will regrow once the scalp heals. The healing process can take several weeks to months, depending on the extent of the injury and the overall health of your scalp. If scabs form, it is crucial to avoid picking at them, as this can further damage the scalp and impede healing.

Regarding your concern about pulling out hair that is already loose, such as after washing your hair, it is important to note that while occasional hair loss is normal, frequently pulling out hair can lead to a condition known as traction alopecia. This condition occurs when hair is subjected to constant tension, leading to hair loss and potentially damaging the hair follicles over time. If you are pulling out hair that is already loose, it may regrow, but repeated pulling can lead to long-term damage and hair loss.

As for the question of whether hair will grow back after being pulled out, it largely depends on whether the hair follicle was damaged. If the follicle is healthy and intact, the hair should regrow. However, if the follicle has been damaged or scarred, it may not produce new hair.
In terms of scarring, if the scalp has been scratched to the point of creating scars, this can lead to permanent hair loss in those areas. Scarring alopecia is a condition where inflammation destroys hair follicles, leading to irreversible hair loss. Therefore, it is essential to treat any scalp injuries with care and seek medical advice if you notice persistent itching, pain, or signs of infection.

If you find yourself frequently scratching your scalp or pulling out hair, it may be beneficial to consult a dermatologist. They can help identify the underlying cause of your scalp issues, whether it be a dermatological condition like eczema or psoriasis, or even stress-related hair pulling (trichotillomania). A dermatologist can provide appropriate treatments to alleviate itching and promote healing, as well as recommend strategies to prevent further hair loss.

In summary, while scratching an itchy scalp can lead to hair loss and potential scarring, the extent of the damage and the possibility of regrowth depend on the severity of the scratching and the health of the hair follicles. It is crucial to treat your scalp gently and seek professional help if you experience ongoing issues.

Similar Q&A

Can Hair Treatments Cause Scalp Damage and Hair Loss?

Hello, doctor. Recently, I saw a news report on television about a young woman who dyed her hair blonde. As a result, her scalp became itchy, and she scratched it until it bled. She then bought some medication to apply, but ended up losing a large patch of hair. The doctor mentio...

Dr. Chen Yiying reply Dermatology
Hello: In response to your question, based on your description, it is likely that you are experiencing contact dermatitis caused by hair dye. An experienced dermatologist will provide appropriate treatment based on your condition, and there is no need to shave your head. You can ...

Understanding Scalp Itchiness and Hair Loss: Common Concerns Explained

Hello, my scalp often feels itchy, and when I scratch it, I notice a bit of white to yellowish powder in my nail beds. What could this be? Also, my hair seems very fragile; when I run my fingers through it, several strands fall out. Additionally, there are small yellowish solid p...

Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology
1. That is dandruff, a mixture of keratin and sebum. 2. Hair naturally has a growth cycle, with each strand renewing every two to six years; what you see is hair that has entered the telogen phase and is ready to be shed. 3. It is normal for a person to lose 50 to 100 hairs a...

Seborrheic Dermatitis vs. Male Pattern Baldness: Understanding the Differences

During high school, I often scratched my scalp due to itching at the hairline, which led to flaking. This issue became less frequent in college, and the itching was not as unbearable as before. However, I have noticed a receding trend at both corners of my forehead, and I'm ...

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
Scratching the scalp is not related to male pattern baldness. Each person's hairstyle and degree of male pattern baldness can vary, and it should be discussed on a case-by-case basis; there is no definitive statement on this matter.

Understanding Itchy Sensations Beneath the Skin: Causes and Solutions

Hello, doctor: During my high school years, I occasionally experienced itching between the skin and the bone, which was very uncomfortable and I couldn't scratch it. What could be the reason for this?

Dr. Sun Weixu reply Family Medicine
Dear netizens, The scalp of a normal person secretes oil from sebaceous glands. Some individuals, due to their constitution, may experience excessive oiliness on their scalp, resulting in hair that becomes greasy within a day of washing. This can make it difficult to maintain t...