Itching after hair transplantation is a condition that occurs in both the donor and the recipient area in case of dry and crusting of the transplant wounds, improper removal of the root, the area is infected or the care products such as shampoo are allergic.
Itching after hair transplantation, which is frequently observed in the first week of the operation, is a condition that resolves in about 2 weeks with the itch-reducing medication and shampoos recommended by the doctor, although it may rarely last for 2 months or more.
Hair transplant operations are a treatment that creates small incisions during both the collection and placement of the roots [1]. Hair transplantation treatment that does not end only with the operation process; it lasts until the hair follicles come out and grow. During this process, the person may encounter a number of situations that are not considered as side effects but cause anxiety. Itching after transplantation is one of these situations.
Itching after hair transplantation, which is seen in almost everyone who has hair transplantation and disturbs the person, occurs for 5 different reasons.
Crust of the cultivation area Incorrect removal of the root Transplanted hair growth The transplantation area is infected Allergy to shampoo and care products
- Crust of the cultivation area
- Incorrect removal of the root
- Transplanted hair growth
- The transplantation area is infected
- Allergy to shampoo and care products
Crust of the October Region
In the hair transplant operation, while the roots are collected and the channels where the roots will be placed are opened, small holes are made in the transplantation area even if tiny tips are used. These holes opened in both the donor and the area where the hair is transplanted naturally bleed during the procedure. This blood leaking from the holes dries up within 1-2 days after the operation and forms a crust. The shell is an indicator of the tissue’s ability to react and defend itself due to injury. Itching occurs when these crusts leave the transplantation area without moisture. The dehydrated area cracks and causes itching on the scalp.
Incorrect Root Taken
Itching that develops due to incorrect removal of the root mostly occurs in the donor area. If the roots are removed from the donor area with the help of a micromotor, they are broken and remain under the skin if they are taken incorrectly. It is also one of the conditions that causes itching when the root under the skin tries to grow over the skin over time.
Transplanted Hair Growth
Itching due to the growth of the transplanted hair is similar to the itch that occurs due to incorrect removal of the roots. Only difference; Itching after hair transplantation, which occurs when the transplanted hair starts to grow, is not seen in the donor area, but in the area where the roots are planted. The hair follicles that are removed from the donor area and the hair follicles that start to grow with the planting of the hairless area cause itching as they try to reach the skin surface.
Infection of the Transplantation Area
Although it is rare for the transplantation area to be infected, itching may occur if it occurs. The infection, which occurs mostly due to the fact that the transplantation area is not kept clean, can also occur if the crusts formed after the planting are not cleaned properly. With regular use of antibiotics and washing, infection that may occur in the planting area can be easily prevented.
Allergy from Shampoo and Care Products
It is recommended to use shampoo and care products with a proven pH value of 5.5 for about 1 month after the transplant operation. Unconsciously and improperly used products may react with the skin and cause allergies and itching of the sensitive skin.
How Does Itching Pass After Hair Transplantation? (Solution proposals)
Although itching after transplantation is not a process to be feared and worried about, there are some points to be careful about in the process of being overcome without any problems. Since a wrong move may cause the loss of hair follicles that have not yet taken hold, there are some suggestions to reduce itching, even if it does not completely heal.
- Regular washing process eliminates the risk of excessive itching, as it enables the scabs to be cleaned from the planting area and moistened the moisture-free planting area.
- After the hair transplantation, suitable for the scalp and recommended by the doctor, shampoo and care products that relieve itching should be used. Since using shampoo or care products that are not suitable for the sensitivity of the transplanted area may increase the itching in the area, the hair should be washed with a shampoo recommended by the doctor or with a PH value of 5.5.
- Since a dirty and dusty environment will increase itching of the hair follicles, they should not be in such environments for about 2 weeks.
- Properly moisturizing the transplantation area and applying cold compresses also alleviate the excessive itching sensation.
- Topical ointments with steroid content recommended by the transplant doctor to relieve itching are also effective in relieving itching in the transplantation area. After the hair transplant, itch medication helps the area to relax.
- It has been reported that spraying a mixture of salt water 3-4 times a day helps to reduce itching. (Consult your transplant doctor beforehand).
- It has been stated that another solution that will reduce the feeling of tension and itching in the head after hair transplantation is aloe vera applied to the transplantation area. Aloe vera is said to reduce the feeling of tension in the head after hair transplantation (Consult your transplant doctor first).
If excessive itching is experienced after hair transplantation, if itching has reached unbearable levels, instead of scratching, the area with the itch can be relieved by light strokes with the fingertips. If the itching does not disappear despite all the applications, it is necessary to see the doctor who performed the hair transplantation without wasting time.
Basic Warnings About Itching Process After Transplantation
- Nail should not be applied to the itchy area.
- Severe interventions in the itchy area should be avoided.
- If the itching is quite severe, it is recommended to itch only with fingertips to relieve it.
- After two weeks, care should be taken to ensure that the scalp is completely free of dead skin (scab).
- Hands should not go to the scalp constantly due to the risk of infection.
Other Points About Itching After Hair Transplantation
Do shampoos help relieve itching?
Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Mylet Sulphate, PEG-8, PEG-200 in a study conducted on 45 people (42 men / 3 women) aged between 20 and 65 years at Moser Medical, Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery Clinic in Austria. A shampoo with Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate is said to reduce itching by 80 percent.
When does itching start after hair transplantation?
Itching after hair transplantation usually starts with the first week of the operation.
How long does itching last after hair transplantation?
Although itching after hair transplantation usually passes (2 weeks) after the crusting ends, itching may continue 2 months after hair transplantation. Itching may occur not only because of the crusting of the transplantation area but also due to the growth of the transplanted hair. Itching may last up to 6 months since not every hair transplanted grows at the same time. Therefore, itching after transplantation will end with the growth of the transplanted hair.