Is it ok to scratch slightly my scalp after 2 weeks of hair transplant?

Question

I did the FUE two weeks ago and the last 3 days i started to slightly scratch my head to make the scabs fall. But the last 2 days i feel my head itching and I am worried, am I losing grafts? Also my scalp seems to be a little bit red now. Is that normal?

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

If you are having issues with scabbing a week after surgery, you may not be washing your hair well enough.  It would be in your interest to go back to see your doctor for a follow up exam if you're concerned.

Chad A. Glazer, MD · Answer

We do not recommend “scratching” off scabs, but rather supporting the body in naturally shedding the scab once the implantation has taken place post procedure. We recommend our patients begin gently washing the scalp about 48 hours post procedure to begin the healing process with a gentle baby shampoo. You can experience itching around newly implanted grafts, we recommend our patients fill a small bottle with sterile saline and spray the grafted area 3-4 times a day to ease discomfort, reduce inflammation, and enhance the efficacy of the procedure. At two weeks out, the scabs should be falling off naturally, and over the next 3-6, months you will begin to see “baby hairs” growing. We also recommend use of DHT interrupting ingredients like those found in the HairMedica hair products.

Ilhan Serdaroglu, MD · Answer

You can scratch ...After two weeks of hair transplantation it is acceptable to wash hairs as normal /preoperative period of surgery. All scabs should be cleaned with pressured (not gentle) massage to transplant area after 2 weeks .Patient may feel free to loosen any scabs on his/her head by massaging and that will not damage the grafts after 2 weeks .

Baubac Hayatdavoudi, MD · Answer

At 2 weeks post op it can be normal to have some slight redness and irritation. At 2 weeks those grafts are firmly placed in your scalp and would not be able to be removed by scratching them.

Sean Behnam, MD · Answer

At two weeks lightly scratching is generally fine, as long as you aren't doing it to pick off scabs/crusts. The scabs should have all fallen off by day 14, if they haven't you may want to contact your doctor about how to properly wash them off. I recommend letting shampoo soak for 5-10 minutes, rinsing, letting condition soak 5-10 minutes, gently scrubbing with finger pads, then rinsing. If that doesn't work after a few days try it with baby oil.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

It is never a good idea to scratch the head as a method of removing scabs. Finger nails can transfer bacteria there and you could end up with an infection. Wash your hair thoroughly but gently with a mild shampoo and then a conditioner will soften the scabs and they will eventually come off.

Is it ok to scratch slightly my scalp after 2 weeks of hair transplant?

Answers (6)

More FUE Hair Transplant Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (6)

More FUE Hair Transplant Questions

Sickness one week after hair transplantation, will this impact my final result?

Is it true that after a FUE HT person will have "doll like" hair? How many hairs does 100 grafts provide?

2 months after hair transplant (FUE), I need to start using a safety helmet. Does it have any effect on growth or hair loss?

After FUE, I got psoriasis (not sure). I perceive it as psoriasis. What's the best management, oil or shampoo I can use? (Photo)

Grafts that shed are all bent and crooked at the root, procedural error? (Photo)

FUE hair transplant donor area. 12 days out. Should I be concerned? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS