Last Updated on September 16, 2022
A hat can cause a headache, but this may be a symptom of a medical condition or previous injury. If the hat is too tight, pressure may be exerted on the head’s nerves, causing pain, tingling, or numbness. This condition is known as external compression headache, and it usually clears up with pain medication. Here are the symptoms and treatment options for a headache that occurs from a hat.
Symptoms of a compression headache
People with a history of migranes or other head injuries may develop external compression headaches. These headaches are caused by the pressure on the scalp and forehead caused by headbands or hats that are too tight. Symptoms of an external compression headache can range from mild to severe and are usually relieved when the headwear is removed. If the headache is severe, however, it may require medical attention.
The pain and pressure of a compression headache are felt in the region of the head under pressure. In the case of goggles, pain often extends across the forehead or to the temples. The pain tends to get worse as time passes. In most cases, a compression headache begins within an hour of putting on the headgear. While this type of headache is relatively easy to treat, it is essential to take breaks when wearing protective gear.
While the mechanism for this kind of headache remains unknown, headgear use is a contributing factor. People with previous migraine episodes may mistake the symptoms of an external compression headache for a tension-type headache or a chronic migraine, due to similar clinical features. However, the cause of the headache is not clear, and the proper treatment is critical. Using a hat as a hair styling accessory may also increase the risks of a compression headache.
Causes
If you’re prone to headaches and migraines, wearing a hat may be a trigger. This is because tight hats exert pressure on the head and can irritate your skin. Additionally, the sweat and moisture from the hat can lead to sinus pain. Furthermore, certain hat materials are known to trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people. Hence, if you’re prone to headaches, you should stop wearing hats and seek medical advice.
When you’re wearing a hat, check that the brim fits properly and doesn’t cause discomfort. Also, make sure you’re wearing a lightweight hat. If you’re experiencing head pain from wearing a hat, make sure you drink plenty of water, stretch your neck and scalp, and apply cold compresses. If the pain persists, it’s time to visit your doctor.
If the headaches persist, you may have a medical condition called allodynia. People with this condition experience pain even with non-painful stimulation. For these people, wearing a hard hat may be unbearable. In most cases, allodynia is associated with migraine. However, treating migraine can prevent allodynia from occurring. Chronic cluster headaches are headaches on one side and at a specific time each day. These can be difficult to treat and can cause headaches.
This condition can be caused by head compression from a helmet. In one study, 82 participants with a headache attributed to helmet use were free of all headache attacks for more than five weeks. Another study in the Netherlands reported that patients with these symptoms were completely free of headache attacks after stopping the use of a helmet for an entire year. In addition, patients with head pain related to helmet use also reported experiencing other types of headache. In general, removing a helmet could help them treat these headaches with symptomatic medications.
Treatment
Headaches when wearing a hat can be caused by a number of factors. The hat may be too tight or too loose, and a previous injury or medical condition may also be to blame. The pain that you experience could be caused by a pressed nerve. Depending on the cause, head pain may also be caused by tingling, numbness, or a combination of these symptoms. External compression headaches are usually caused by pressure or friction on the head, triggering the pain receptors. Pain medication is typically prescribed for this type of headache and often goes away within a few days.
If your headache is caused by a migraine, you may want to change your hat. A tight hat can cause an attack. If you’re already taking medication for migraines, changing your head gear can help reduce the intensity and frequency of your attacks. The Mayo Foundation recommends wearing a hat that’s not too tight. However, if you still experience pain, you should consider contacting a physician for advice.
The best treatment for head pain caused by external compression headache is to remove the offending headgear. This pain is usually described as moderate pressure, and the longer it is worn, the more severe it becomes. However, once the headgear is removed, external compression headaches typically subside, with the headache generally going away in an hour or less. The hat could be a helmet, goggles, headband, or even sunglasses.
Keeping hydrated
Drinking water can be effective for preventing a dehydration headache. Drink at least fifteen cups of fluid a day, with at least one cup of water each day for men and one-half cup of water for women. While water is a natural way to stay hydrated, it’s important to note that you should also limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine, which can further dehydrate you.
A common symptom of dehydration is a headache, which usually happens at the start of the day. Drinking water throughout the day is best, but avoid guzzling it during mealtimes and periods of heavy physical activity. Experts recommend drinking eleven to fifteen cups of water a day, including tea, low-fat milk, and fruit and vegetable juices. Drinking moderate coffee can also contribute to the daily fluid intake, but one study in PLoS One debunked the myth that it causes dehydration.
If you’re working out, you’re likely sweating more than usual. If you are dehydrated, your body needs to replenish the electrolytes it loses through sweat. Drinking water can prevent migraines because it helps flush your system. It can also help you avoid dehydration and headaches caused by cold weather. So, make sure to keep yourself hydrated at all times, even when wearing a hat.
Synthetic fibers in hats
It is important to avoid hats made from synthetic fibers. Synthetic fibers cause head pain. They are also stiff. You should try wearing a hat made of linen. This material has hypoallergenic properties, and it is comfortable to wear all year round. You can also make your own headbands using fabric you love. The possibilities are endless. So, how do you choose the best hat for head pain?
Hats are generally made of wool or cotton, but many are now made with synthetic fibers. Synthetic fibers can cause allergic reactions, including headaches. People with head allergies should avoid hats. A hair accessory like an umbrella can be used for aesthetic purposes. But a hat can be dangerous because it affects the strength of your hair and increases your risk of a headache. Besides, it can also trigger a migraine.
Wet hats can cause scalp itch
Wet hats can irritate the scalp because they stick close to it. The hat may contain soap, shampoo, or other detergents that could transfer to the scalp. A milder detergent may be better suited for the scalp. You may also find that the material of your hat does not agree with your skin. For instance, a woolly hat may cause friction.
You can prevent the problem by washing your hats frequently. Usually, hats can be machine-washed, but you should wash them by hand to reduce the build-up of microbes and sweat. Washing your hats frequently will help reduce the likelihood of an itchy scalp. Washing hats regularly will help prevent a flare-up of dandruff.
A helmet can make the problem worse, too. In addition to increasing the risk of developing dandruff, helmets can also promote the growth of bacteria. This bacteria can cause itching, odor, and irritation. Avoid cycling in a helmet if you can. This can be a life-threatening situation, so try to avoid riding in one that dries your hair and makes it dry, causing it to peel easily.
A fungal infection can make your scalp itch. It is not the same as dandruff, but you can get it from sweat or other moisture. It is also more common in children than adults, and is a result of prolonged exposure to moisture. Unlike dandruff, this infection does not respond to over-the-counter antifungals. If your scalp becomes red and scaly, you likely have a fungal infection.
About The Author
Zeph Grant is a music fanatic. He loves all types of genres and can often be found discussing the latest album releases with friends. Zeph is also a hardcore content creator, always working on new projects in his spare time. He's an amateur food nerd, and loves knowing all sorts of random facts about food. When it comes to coffee, he's something of an expert - he knows all the best places to get a good cup of joe in town.