A burning sensation on the head is a symptom that varies widely in intensity, from mild surface discomfort to intense pain. This feeling indicates irritation, inflammation, or dysfunction of the sensory nerves within the scalp or underlying structures. Understanding this sensation requires distinguishing between causes originating from the skin and hair follicles versus those stemming from the nervous system or broader bodily conditions. This exploration examines the distinct origins of a burning head feeling.
Understanding Scalp and Skin Irritations
Many instances of a burning sensation begin directly on the scalp’s surface due to common dermatological conditions. Contact dermatitis is a frequent cause, triggered by exposure to an irritant or allergen in products like hair dyes or shampoos. This inflammatory reaction leads to redness, itching, and intense, localized burning. Similarly, strong sunlight can cause a painful sunburn on the scalp, presenting with visible redness, tenderness, and a distinct, persistent burning sensation.
Seborrheic dermatitis, often recognized as severe dandruff, is another common culprit. Inflammation causes skin cells to flake, leading to red patches and frequently including a burning or stinging feeling. Folliculitis involves the inflammation of hair follicles, usually due to bacterial or fungal infections. This manifests as small, pimple-like bumps that are painful, itchy, and contribute to a localized burning sensation. These surface irritations are typically visible and respond well to topical treatments.
Neuropathic Pain as a Cause
When the burning feeling is intense, persistent, and lacks a visible skin cause, it often points toward neuropathic pain originating from damaged or irritated nerves. Occipital Neuralgia (ON) is a prominent example involving inflammation or compression of the greater and lesser occipital nerves, which run from the upper neck through the back of the head. ON typically causes a continuous aching, throbbing, or burning sensation starting at the base of the skull and radiating toward the top of the head. The pain is often described as a sharp, jabbing, or electric shock, with a constant burning ache present between acute episodes.
ON is often caused by chronic muscle tension in the neck, trauma, or conditions that pinch the nerves as they exit the spine. Simple movements, such as combing hair or resting the head, can trigger a severe flare-up due to heightened nerve sensitivity. Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) involves the trigeminal nerve, which provides sensation to the face, though pain can extend to the forehead and scalp. While TN is known for brief, excruciating, shock-like attacks, a constant, dull, or burning ache may persist between episodes, particularly in atypical TN.
The mechanism for TN often involves a blood vessel compressing the nerve near the brainstem, causing it to malfunction and send faulty pain signals. This nerve pain is distinct because it follows the specific nerve pathway, unlike generalized skin irritation. Neuropathic pain requires targeted treatments, such as nerve blocks or specific medications, to calm the overactive nerve signals.
Headaches and Systemic Factors
A burning head sensation may be a component of a primary headache disorder or a sign of a systemic inflammatory condition. Migraine is a complex neurological event that can include burning pain during the headache phase, often described as throbbing or sharp. Some individuals experience a burning or tingling sensation in the face, hands, or feet as part of the migraine aura, occurring shortly before or during the headache. Even after the main pain subsides, the postdrome phase can leave the scalp feeling generally tender or sore.
Tension Headaches
Severe tension headaches involve intense muscle contraction and sustained pressure, which can lead to allodynia. Allodynia is a phenomenon where the scalp becomes extremely tender to the touch, sometimes described as a burning sensitivity.
Temporal Arteritis (Giant Cell Arteritis)
A more serious, rarer cause is Temporal Arteritis, also known as Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). This is a systemic inflammation of medium- and large-sized arteries, particularly those around the temples. GCA often presents with a new, persistent headache that can be dull, throbbing, or described as a continuous burning pain localized near the temples. The inflammation causes the scalp over the temporal arteries to feel tender when brushed or touched, which helps distinguish it from other headache types. GCA is a systemic illness that often presents with general symptoms like jaw pain when chewing, flu-like feelings, and unexplained weight loss. The burning sensation is secondary to the underlying vascular inflammation, requiring urgent medical attention.
Recognizing Warning Signs and Seeking Care
While many causes of a burning head sensation are manageable, certain accompanying symptoms signal a need for immediate medical evaluation. Urgent care is required if the burning pain is sudden and severe, or accompanied by new neurological symptoms. Warning signs suggesting a serious issue include:
- Sudden changes in vision, such as temporary or permanent vision loss or double vision.
- Pain localized near the temple associated with tenderness.
- Jaw pain when chewing.
- General flu-like symptoms and fever.
- New weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking alongside the burning sensation.
If the sensation is persistent, interferes with daily activities, or is not explained by a simple skin irritation, consulting a healthcare professional is necessary for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.