Itching After Hair Transplant

Itching Post Hair Transplant: Why It Happens, What to Do, and When You Should Call the Physician

For those looking to combat their thinning hairline and the depressive effect it can have on appearance, hair transplant surgery can be a life-changing cosmetic procedure. That said, the recovery can be accompanied by some transitory side effects, including one frequent but sometimes annoying symptom: itching. While itching is typically an everyday healing occurrence after transplant, it can be unpleasant without treatment. In this article, we will discuss why your hair transplant itches, how to relieve an itchy hair transplant and when you should go back to the doctor for a new treatment.

Question: Why does itching happen after a hair transplant?

Itching is a common side effect in the days and weeks after a hair transplant. This can happen for a few different reasons, all of which are usually connected to the healing process:

Healing of Micro Wounds

The hair transplant process creates small slits on the scalp to insert follicles. The nips create micro defects that need to heal, and an essential part of the healing process is itching! The skin has to heal, which can trigger a tingling or itchy sensation as new cells rise through the layers of the skin.

Formation of Scabs

The healing process includes the formation of tiny scabs around each hair graft, a normal part of wound healing and, therefore, the healing phase. The new skin that forms underneath them will be itchy until these scabs harden and fall off. Scabs can also increase dryness, which can then lead to more scratching.

Dry Scalp

The transplanted zone could be especially vulnerable to dry skin, mainly when cleaning is limited in the early days after treatment. When the scalp is dry, the skin does not have enough moisture (sebum) to keep it hydrated, so tightness, flaking and itching can occur.

Inflammatory Response

When you undergo a hair transplant, your body instinctively reacts by directing inflammatory cells to the area where the hair follicles were transplanted to expedite the healing process. Inflammation is necessary for healing, but it can lead to itchy skin if the immune response is particularly vigorous in your situation.

Growth of New Hair

New hair follicles emerge through the scalp over the few weeks after the transplant. As this new hair comes through, it will irritate the surrounding skin and may itch, which is a good sign that new hairs are growing and pushing their way out.

Solutions For Soothing Itching After A Hair Transplant

First and foremost, it is essential to manage the itching so that recovery is comfortable and there is no accidental scratching of those delicate fresh grafts. Here are a few remedies that can help ease itching:

Gentle Scalp Washing

Gently wash your scalp according to your surgeon’s recommendations, usually 3–5 days following surgery. Avoid sulphate-based shampoos that would irritate the grafts. Good washing can help remove dried blood, oil, and debris that may cause itching. Avoid using hot water, as it irritatingly aggravates the scalp and damages the moisture content.

Moisturizing Spray or Lotion

Surgeons may recommend a mild, hypoallergenic moisturizer to help relieve dryness. If your surgeon says it is okay, aloe vera gel might work well and provide natural relief to the scalp while alleviating itchiness. Be cautious while applying these products so that no grafts are dislodged.

Saline Solution Spray

A saline solution spray can help ensure scalp hydration without adding exogenous oils or irritants. Misting your scalp with saline a few times daily can help soothe the itch and keep it from drying out. Most clinics give their patients a saline solution to use during the first couple of days post-operation.

Cold Compress

A cold pack on the forehead or back of the head (as long as it does not touch the transplanted area) may relieve itching in some individuals. However, direct application to the bonded area may hinder healing. For example, cold therapy without medications can calm inflammation and itchiness.

Antihistamines

For severe itching, the doctor may suggest taking a mild antihistamine to lessen it. One of the culprits behind itching is histamine, and antihistamines are good at blocking the body’s response to it. However, these medicines have to be taken most effectively below medical supervision.

Do not touch or scratch your scalp.

Avoiding touching or scratching the scalp is a vital step in managing itching. The soft, new grafts can easily be scratched, leading to infections or less-than-ideal transplant results. If you need to, wear a loose cap so you don’t touch the scalp and keep your nails professionally cut short.

Natural Treatments For Relieving Itching

In addition to these remedies, some natural solutions may help relieve itching. That said, always consult your surgeon before implementing any of these methods to make sure you do not sabotage your recovery:

Chamomile has anti-inflammatory effects and could also help calm an itchy scalp. Slightly rinse the scalp with diluted chamomile tea: prepare a weak chamomile infusion, cool it down, and gently wash your head.

Dilute apple cider vinegar: After your surgeon has given you the go-ahead, they might recommend a very diluted rinse with apple cider vinegar. This may help scalp itchiness because it’s antimicrobial and balances the scalp’s pH. But make sure it’s highly diluted and sprinkle it sparingly.

Coconut Oil: After a few weeks following the transplant, you may benefit from applying coconut oil to your scalp. But this is only if your surgeon does not recommend applying oils yet.

When to Seek Medical Help

Although mild itching is usually a normal part of healing, it can sometimes signal a problem that needs medical care. Seek medical advice if you:

Worsening Itching Or Pain: If you’re experiencing intense itching or pain, this could indicate infection or an allergy. These are crises of potential complications that you should discuss with your surgeon.

You might feel some redness, but if the colour of the area around the transplanted unit is increasing and there is a lot of swelling with heat, you need to see your doctor, as this can lead to infection or inflammation.

Fluid or pus discharge: It could be a medical emergency if you notice yellowish pus or discharge from the graft area.

Itchy and uncomfortable for several weeks or longer: Mild itching typically disappears in a few weeks. However, if it persists for more than this period, there may be a more fundamental scalp problem that your surgeon (or skin specialist) should evaluate.

Conclusion

One of the typical side effects of hair transplant is itching, which is also completely normal due to the healing process. This is usually caused by scab formation, inflammation or growth of new hair. The good news is that with gentle scalp washing, moisturizing, and other treatments per your surgeon’s recommendations, post-transplant itching should be mild to moderate and easily controlled. But if the itching gets really bad, or you notice any signs of infection, see a doctor as soon as possible to ensure your recovery is successful and safe. Take care of your hair, and you will get the long, healthy hair you want.