You may be familiar with the phrase “hot headed,” which refers to someone who tends to be angry. But what if your head is hot or you are experiencing the sensation of a burning scalp? What does that mean and what can you do about it?

What is burning scalp?

A burning scalp, which is also referred to as scalp tingling or tingling scalp, is a phenomenon that can occur among males and females and people of all ages. It can occur as a result of many factors, such as:

• Irritation, such as use of an irritating shampoo or other hair product, dyes, bleaches, hair dryers or other heated hair care devices
• Physical or nerve trauma, such as neuropathy
• Hormonal fluctuations due to menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause
• Sunburn
• Laundry soaps
• Psoriasis
• Seborrheic dermatitis, a type of eczema that affects the scalp
• Folliculitis, which is when the hair follicles become inflamed
• Scalp infections such as tinea versicolor or tinea capitis
• Anxiety or stress

Any of these situations act on the nerve endings and blood vessels in the scalp and can result in a burning or tingling sensation.

How is burning scalp associated with menopause?

Changes in hormone levels can initiate tingling or burning scalp. Perimenopause, menopause, pregnancy, and menstruation all can be associated with burning scalp. Stress and anxiety frequently accompany menopause and are also factors in burning scalp.

How can you treat burning scalp naturally?

Be a detective: try to discover the possible cause of the burning sensation.

• Keep track of when the burning sensation occurs. Write down what products or medications you may have taken, if you were experiencing a lot of anxiety or stress, if you changed shampoo or laundry detergent
• Get checked for any possible underlying skin condition, such as those mentioned above
• Reduce stress by incorporating stress reduction activities into your daily life. Meditation, tai chi, yoga, deep breathing, progressive relaxation, enjoyable exercise, dancing…anything that helps bring down your stress and anxiety levels
• Try a DIY scalp soother: Here’s a do-it-yourself scalp soothing recipe you can use as needed. Combine ¼ cup raw Manuka honey, ¼ cup organic coconut oil, 1 teaspoon beeswax, and ½ teaspoon aloe vera gel or juice. Heat the beeswax over low heat, add the coconut oil and melt completely, then add the honey and whisk over low heat until the liquid is well mixed. Remove from heat and whisk in the aloe vera. Pour the mixture into a tin or ceramic container and let it cool. Rub into your scalp as needed.

When to see your doctor

If your burning scalp does not improve or gets worse, see your healthcare provider. You may have an undiagnosed underlying condition that can be treated.

bottom line

Burning scalp is an infrequent symptom among women experiencing menopause. It typically disappears once you reach postmenopausal years.