Introduction
Deciding to have a hair transplant can be life-changing, with many feeling more confident about themselves. Still, being a surgical intervention, it requires post-operative time care.
Itching is one of the most common problems hair transplant patients face after surgery. While this is part of the normal healing process, it can be distressing or even alarming if left unchecked.
After the transplant, there are many reasons one may experience itching as a symptom or side-effect – in this article, we will take an in-depth look at the causes of post-transplant itchiness and I also offer specific treatments to help alleviate that discomfort.
This article also answers your question “How to Stop Itching After a Hair Transplant”. Read on to find out how you can better combat an itchy scalp and minimize its aftereffects during the recovery phase of FUE or FUT hair transplantation.
Table of Contents
Why Does Itching Occur After a Hair Transplant?
It is completely normal to experience itching during the healing of a hair transplant. They are histamines that your scalp is releasing as it tries to heal itself from the effects of the procedure.
This inflammation causes itching due to histamines that are released as part of the healing process. In addition to this, scabs that form and the donor as well recipient areas drying make you feel itchy.
How Long Does Post-Transplant Itching Last?
Itching time differs from person to person. Normally, itching is worse during the first few days after laser hair removal and can remain for as long as four weeks.
Intense itching may last a couple of weeks to several months, and this varies as individual healing times can differ along with skin type and followed aftercare.
How to Stop Itching After a Hair Transplant
Here are some tips on how to stop itching after a hair transplant.
1. Do Not Scratch Your Scalp
While some may find this tempting, let us make it clear that scratching your head after getting a hair transplant is not an option.
Scratching can irritate the newly transplanted follicles and pull them up and out of their anchor points, generating a less-than-optimal result and potentially causing an infection.
If you get crazy with an itch, do your best not to scratch it - or tap the area lightly with your fingers. This technique reduces the risk of injury to retrieved grafts during their reimplantation.
2. Use a Saline Water Spray
After a hair transplant, you might not be able to wash your scalp as you would normally do the days after. However, this will save you in a pinch during this hailstorm.
It aids in the cleansing of the area and decreases local inflammation, thus relieving itch. Make sure the spray is mild in a large area to prevent damage to anything with your fragile transplanted hair—spray times per day as your surgeon recommends.
3. Take Antihistamines
During healing, antihistamines can reduce some of the itching from released histamines. You can look at 2 kinds of antihistamines:
Non-Drowsy Antihistamines: These are best for daytime use. They provide 24-hour allergy relief and won't cause drowsiness. One of the recommendations is often Cetirizine.
Drowsy Antihistamines: For nighttime relief, drowsy antihistamines such as Chlorphenamine (Piriton®) can reduce itching and help you get a better night's sleep.
Consult with your healthcare provider before taking any new medication to ensure it is safe and appropriate for you.
4. Avoid Sun Exposure
Sun on your scalp will make itching worse and delay the healing process. The ultraviolet (UV) rays increase the sunburn and irritation of your scalp, giving you more itching.
You should stay out of the sun as much as possible for at least a month after your hair transplant. However, if you have to go out, wear a soft, breathable, loose-fitting hat. It will help protect you from sunburn and keep the irritation of the scalp down.
5. Use Medicated Shampoo
Medicated Shampoos: People with severe or persistent itching may get some relief from using a medicated dandruff shampoo. Shampoos that have Ketoconazole work very well, and they act as antifungal plus are also anti-inflammatory hence reducing itching.
Step 3: Shampoo - You should wash your hair with this 2 times a week for two to four weeks, or as advised by the doctor. Ensure the shampoo is completely rinsed away so as not to leave any residue that may further irritate your scalp.
6. Apply Steroid Scalp Solution
If the itching lasts for more than 3-4 weeks, you may require an Rx-strength steroid scalp solution. Steroid treatments also work for quick relief from the itch and inflammation.
This should only be applied with caution, starting by your surgeon, for they can thin the skin. If this solution is used for a week, in most cases, it will significantly reduce itching and provide significant comfort.
7. Keep Your Scalp Moisturised
Buckle added that dry skin exacerbates itching, so it is important to hydrate the scalp. For post-surgery lotion for skin, do not use medicated cream, as per the surgeon's recommendation to get yours from home; you may be prescribed by a post-transplant dermatologist.
It is based on reviews made by users, who mainly praise it for reducing scalp itching while not excreting moisture to retain it. It can block your pores and disrupt the healing process. Finally, do not use heavy moisturisers or oily, just because it could make a case for an eruption.
8. Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Healthy Diet
Staying hydrated by drinking water is another important key to helping keep your skin fresh and decrease dryness that influences itchiness. Furthermore, consuming a diet that is dense in vitamins and minerals (especially those related to skin health, like vitamin E, C, or zinc) can help you heal faster and decrease pain overall.
9. Consult Your Surgeon for Persistent Itching
If you are still itchy after about a month, or if the itch is combined with redness, swelling, and/or pus-like exudate forming around your incision site, paying your surgeon will be important.
Well, if it continues for some time, you probably have an infection or are allergic, requiring immediate medical intervention. Sometimes, your surgeon might prescribe antibiotics or other treatments for the cause.
Conclusion
This was the complete article on How to Stop Itching After a Hair Transplant. It is one of the common problems after a hair transplant and can be managed.
With the help of this guide, including all of these methods for dealing with itchy nipples after breast surgery—no scratching, employing a saltwater spray (keep in mind our 2-week-old scab), using your antihistamines, and talking to your surgeon as needed—you can minimise itching for an easier healing journey.
Aftercare is critical to the outcome of your hair transplant, so never underestimate its value. Be diligent and patient with your recovery process.
The New Roots hair clinic is one of the best hair transplant clinics, where you can consult with specialised people.
FAQ’s
Now, the gunky, sore part has closed up and is itching with healing. The histamines released from your scalp cause inflammation and itching as the skin heals.
It may vary from a few days to up to four weeks and longer in some cases, but it usually takes one week.
Incorrect, Scratching can loosen the hairs that were transplanted and cause an infection or prolong healing. Never Scratch Your Skin!
You can use a saltwater spray, take antihistamines, avoid sun exposure, and use medicated shampoos to manage the itching.
Yes, but only as recommended by your surgeon. Shampoos containing Ketoconazole are often prescribed to reduce itching.
