A burnt scalp occurs when the skin on the head is damaged by excessive heat, chemicals, or sun exposure. Common causes range from severe sunburn to accidents involving hot styling tools or chemical hair treatments like dyes and relaxers. While often minor, scalp burns necessitate proper care to facilitate healing and prevent complications.
Immediate Steps for Scalp Burns
The primary goal is to cool the affected area to minimize tissue damage and alleviate pain. Begin by rinsing the burnt scalp with cool running water for at least 10 to 20 minutes. This cooling action helps to reduce the skin’s temperature and prevent the burn from progressing deeper. Avoid using ice or extremely cold water, as these can cause further damage to the delicate skin.
Gently clean the area to remove any chemical residues or debris. For chemical burns, it’s important to flush the area thoroughly to remove all traces of the product. Do not apply any greasy substances like butter or Vaseline to the burn, as these can trap heat and potentially worsen the injury.
Ongoing Care and Recovery
As the scalp burn begins to heal, focus on ongoing care to promote recovery and comfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage discomfort and reduce inflammation. Keeping the scalp moisturized is beneficial; gentle products containing ingredients like aloe vera or soy can soothe the skin and aid healing.
Protecting the healing scalp from further sun exposure is important. Wear a hat when outdoors or seek shade, especially during peak sun hours. When washing hair, opt for cool or lukewarm water and use mild, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to avoid irritating the sensitive skin. Avoid scratching the scalp, even if it flakes or peels, as scratching can introduce infection. If blisters form, do not pop them, as they provide a protective barrier against infection.
Recognizing When Professional Help is Needed
Certain signs and symptoms indicate that a scalp burn requires professional medical attention rather than home treatment. Seek immediate care if the burn is deep, appearing charred, waxy, or causing numbness, as these may indicate a third-degree burn. Burns that cover a large area of the scalp also warrant medical evaluation.
Signs of infection, such as increasing redness, swelling, pus draining from blisters, red streaks extending from the burn, or a foul odor, require medical consultation. A high fever, severe pain, headache, confusion, nausea, or dizziness accompanying the burn also require professional assessment. Additionally, any chemical burn or a scalp burn on an infant or very young child, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.