The use of hair dyes and several hair care products can cause problems on the scalp. A chemical burn on the scalp can cause irritation of the scalp skin as well as damages the follicles of hair shaft that can also lead to loss of hair.
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSrj2QqBOdg”]Scalp burns caused by chemical relaxers and hair dyes can easily occur from do-it-yourself endeavors or from a hair stylist not paying enough attention to his/her work. The burns can cause agonizing pain, but people further aggravate the burns by using shampoo and other hair products that contains ingredients such as alcohol and harsh sulphates. These can cause further irritation of the skin. It is recommended to use organic products for fast healing as well as help soothe the injured skin.
Chemical burns can occur after using hair dyes particularly those that are made out of synthetic color which gets rid of the natural color of the hair and replaces it with a different color. Some people can suffer from minor irritation of the scalp and burning sensation while some end up with burns on the scalp.
The severity of the scalp burn depends on several factors such as the amount of dye used, concentration of chemicals used and the length of time in which the scalp remained exposed to the hair dye.
Chemical burns can also happen after using chemical relaxers which are used to straighten curly hair and making them loose. Sometimes, they can cause scalp burns and leave behind scars or areas of balding. Chemical burns can be treated at home but if the burns are severe, it is best to seek medical help immediately.
The symptoms of chemical burns on scalp can be mild or severe depending on several factors such as the following:
- There is irritation and redness on the scalp after the application of hair dye and if there is pre-existing itchiness of the scalp caused by some conditions, it can become worse.
- There is burning and tingling sensations felt on the scalp.
- Sometimes, blisters may develop on the scalp. These blisters contain clear fluid and can burst and become an open sore. This result to open skin that is susceptible to bacterial infections.
Treatment and home remedies for a chemical burn on the scalp
- Wash the head using plain water after there is irritation and burning sensation on the scalp and while rinsing avoid getting the dye into the eyes.
- If the head has blisters and eruptions, it is best to seek medical help immediately.
- Avoid scratching the scalp using the fingernails or pick on the blisters since it can make the area worse if there is already a present infection.
- Untangle the hair in the affected area by using a wide toothed comb. Avoid combing close to the scalp since it can make the condition worse.
- Apply aloe vera gel on the affected area since this helps in treating the burned area on scalp as well as soothes the scalp with its natural healing properties.
- Using Vitamin E oil can help in the healing process of the wound. Cut a few capsules of Vitamin E and apply the oil over the affected area of the scalp.