why does my scalp hurt when i need a relaxer

(2012). Scalp burn is one side effect of applying chemical hair relaxer. 2017;16(1):9-11. doi:10.1111/jocd.12262, Shetty VH, Shetty NJ, Nair DG. Chemically relaxing the hair usually results in shiny, straight hair. Though many people embrace their natural hair, some still love the look andease of straight hairthat stays that way. Lemon juice is anti-inflammatory, which means it can relieve scalp pain and tenderness. Start at the back of your head and work your way to the front. Studies have shown that it can slow hair loss in 80 percent of cases of hereditary male balding or thinning caused by certain conditions. However, studies have shown that the medicine works best in younger patients who have a short history of hair loss. (n.d.). To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which "Abra Kadabra's Growth Support Conditioner restores moisture to your hair and scalp by acting as a moisturizer and conditioner. 2 Because of the process, hair doesn't hold onto moisture the same way, which can lead to serious dryness. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. It may increase your chance of breakage. Since moving your hair triggers the pain, its only natural that many people assume your hair is whats feeling the pain, too. Especially for extensions that are braided and then sewn in. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. If you like coloring your hair with permanent color or lightener, (also known as bleach), you should consider having only one chemical instead of the two. Alopecia areata presents in patches, while alopecia totalis involves the loss of all hair from the head. Absorption into the body may affect the heart and blood vessels and cause unwanted effects. Last medically reviewed on January 10, 2018, A tingling sensation on the scalp, called paresthesia, can arise for many reasons, including nerve issues, anxiety, infections, hair loss, and skin, Having a painful scalp when the hair moves may be normal, but it can also indicate an underlying skin condition. Khng xt - Khng phai - Khng hi da u Duy nht 1 mu en nh nu t nhin, tr trung ht nht th trng Thnh phn t l Hena - Tr li mi tc en t nhin, bng mt, khng . Are you considering transitioning from relaxed to natural hair? Other benefits of relaxing your hair include. You have to make sure the appropriate relaxer is used for your scalp. Learn more about the causes and treatment options here. Migraines, tension headaches, and autoimmune disorders like psoriasis can all cause the scalp to become inflamed, irritated, and painful. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs): Chemicals found in personal-care products, the environment, food sources, and manufactured products that disrupt the hormonal system by either mimicking hormones or blocking the body's natural hormones from doing their job. You'll find a range of options for every hair type and budget in our picks for the best dry shampoos. Heath CR, et al. Accessed March 16, 2022. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. The sharp pain might seem like its coming from your hairs themselves, but its actually coming from nerves in your scalp. In some cases, the sores may ooze fluids and/or crust over. "Over-processing, poor maintenance, tension, adding hair color, can all contribute to breakage," she says. 2021; doi: 10.12788/jfp.0315. Folliculitis is an infection or inflammation of your hair follicles. Before applying a perm to your hair, Alexander's advice is to avoid itching and touching your scalp.The proper prep before a relaxer is to do absolutely nothing," he says. The prevalence of scalp tenderness is not known, but the symptoms are considered fairly common. Mayo Clinic; 2022. "The pH balance of a relaxer is around 9-14, so when applied to your scalp, your scalp has an organic reaction of swelling, which causes inflammation. "Dry, hard, or brittle hair can indicate hair that is damaged or over-processed," Alexander says. Once youve had this symptom, there are things you can do to minimize the amount of pain you feel in the future: If you often have pain on your scalp from moving your hair, make an appointment with a dermatologist. Check your inbox to be the first to know the hottest news. But since hair strands dont have any nerves in them, it follows that its the underlying scalp thats experiencing pain when you tug, pull, or even lightly stimulate the hair strands attached to it. Seborrheic dermatitis is also called dandruff, seborrheic eczema and seborrheic psoriasis. Seborrheic dermatitis. If you should choose the two chemicals. And it also happened to a co worker. Lack of Detangling Pulling through the hair while you are relaxing can cause irritation because the hair is being tugged from the scalp leaving your scalp more sensitive and prone to burns. April 12, 2022. Make a donation. There are several possible causes. The environment on your scalp under a weave is dark and moist. Now, this is not to say that other interventions cannot alter the texture of your hair. You do not have to worry about your naturally curly hair reverting when it is silk pressed. Diagnosis and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. Long-lasting or painful scalp tenderness should be reported to a doctor. Various products are available to purchase online, including ointments, antiseptics, and dressing materials. Relaxers are designed to break the disulfide bonds in the hair. Treating pimples on your scalp can be different from acne on your face or body. Your scalp may be red and feel sore at times. Get the news that matters from one of the leading news sites in Kenya, Kenya's Inflation Hits 9.2% in February, Up from 9% in January 2023, Tech rivals chase ChatGPT as AI race ramps up, Hurry! A form of hair loss called alopecia areata can also cause scalp tenderness. Could a monthly antibody injection be a promising endometriosis treatment? Sometimes you do not notice the bald spot because it is so small. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Scalp pain has several different causes, but it usually flares up when you're tired and stressedand the number one culprit is not washing your hair. If my new growth hurt now then I woulda been proved wrong by my hypothesis, Hair Care Tips & Product Review Discussion. If you are using the pump spray, be careful not to breathe in the spray . Well-Known Member. Seborrheic dermatitis may go away without treatment. And prompt your hairdresser as soon as the recommended time has elapsed. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine. Scalp tenderness is a fairly common complaint, linked with several medical conditions that affect lots of people. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Accessed March 15, 2022. Patients should read directions fully before starting treatment. In order to prevent scalp burning, there are things that you should avoid doing before and during the hair-relaxing procedure. (see reason #1), How to Heal Chemical Relaxer Burns 1 Identify The Type of Burn. It seems as if every eight weeks, like clockwork, my scalp starts to itch like crazy. Learn the difference between these two conditions. What causes a painful scalp when the hair moves? (2013, September 24), Scalp psoriasis: Signs and symptoms. Several conditions, such as psoriasis, can . Last medically reviewed on October 1, 2019. She says this is due to our scalp's pH. M-Pesa Paybill charges in 2023: How much will it cost to pay your bills? Dermatologists' top tips for maintaining smooth, shiny hair. Alopecia universalis involves hair loss from the entire body. Your scalp can be sensitive to a certain formulation; if so, leaving it on for even the minimum time period has the potential to give you chemical burns. Here are six signs it is time to stop relaxing your hair. You have to ensure that your hairdresser is not using just about any type of hair relaxer on you. ORS Olive Oil Professional Creme Relaxer. Enter a Melbet promo code and get a generous bonus, An Insight into Coupons and a Secret Bonus, Organic Hacks to Tweak Audio Recording for Videos Production, Bring Back Life to Your Graphic Images- Used Best Graphic Design Software, New Google Update and Future of Interstitial Ads. If you notice your scalp is always itching, feeling dry or tight, you should consider transitioning and find out how to reduce inflammation on your scalp. It causes scaly patches, inflamed skin and stubborn dandruff. #GI_L_EN_VI_GI_CC_R Tr ra hn chc tui sau vi pht gi Du gi ph bc #Laco s 1 Vit Nam! And if you feel a tingling sensation or an actual burn on your scalp, speak up so that immediate action can be taken. When the scalp is inflamed for long, it leads to permanent . A sore scalp or scalp tenderness can be caused by dermatitis, scalp and hair follicle infections, as well as psoriasis. Hello Ladies! include protected health information. Add a few drops of lemon juice to your shampoo or conditioner, massage for five minutes and rinse off. Dont apply essential oils or any other product meant to condition hair and the scalp until youre certain an allergic reaction has passed. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Seborrheic dermatitis signs and symptoms may include: Flaking skin (dandruff) on your scalp, hair, eyebrows, beard or mustache. Hair loss and hair breakage at the crown of the scalp. This causes permanent hair loss. This article will cover the basics of everything you need to know if youre having frequent, mysterious pain when you move your hair. If we combine this information with your protected Preventing hair loss is so much more important than convenience. Scalp pain may be caused by a number of medical conditions, including dandruff, skin disorders, lice infestations, and infections. In case, you feel a tingling sensation during the application; you need to wash all the chemical off your hair immediately. How did Flip from Street Outlaws die? A Complete Guide, The Difference Between Hair Texturizers and Relaxers, What Causes Damaged Black Hair and How to Fix It, How Often to Wash Natural Hair to Promote Hair Growth, How to Remove Scalp Buildup, According to Dermatologists, How to Care for Natural Hair: 10 Expert Tips, Things You Should Never Do Before Relaxing Your Hair, The Best Transitioning Hairstyles for Black Hair. More often than not, hairdressers attend to other issues while they wait for your hair to cook well. The same process occurs with your scalp. 3 Apply Treatment. If an infection does not clear after one treatment cycle, patients should seek further advice. Extreme scalp itchiness can be caused by an allergic reaction to louse bites. McField recommends her version of a dynamic moisture duo. ORS Olive Oil Organic Root Stimulator No-Lye Relaxer. This creates excess bacteria to grow on the scalp. No lye relaxers or sensitive scalp relaxers have a reputation for being gentler on the scalp. There are so many options today to help you maintain natural hair, so relaxing your hair is not your only option if you want a sleeker look. Step 4. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. There is a problem with Minoxidil should not be used 24 hours before and after the hair treatment procedure. Home first aid ointments, creams, antiseptics, and dressing materials are often enough to treat basic cases. The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Many clients who stop relaxing their hair who have flaky scalp, notice less itching and dryness once they stop using relaxers. Speak to your doctor if youre feeling pain on your scalp that isnt going away. "A great way to prevent this would definitely be usingMizanis Press Agent as a regimen between relaxers and also making sure that you protect your hair while sleeping with a satin scarf or pillowcase. McGraw Hill; 2016. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Sokumbi O (expert opinion). Other times, scalp tenderness is painfully obvious, involving peeling, flaking, and scaling of the skin. migraines and other headaches. The first line of treatment may be to give your hair a rest from new products for a day or two, and rinse your scalp in cool water instead of using harsh shampoos. Relaxers break the hair down to a weaker state, when you add permanent color or bleach to your relaxed hair, it will become even weaker. This content does not have an Arabic version. Tell your doctor if your hair loss continues after 2 weeks. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Finasteride in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia [Abstract]. Once you feel tingling from a relaxer application, tell your stylist or rinse it out thoroughly with lukewarm water. Ive reviewed a number of articles on the issue and most indicate that while relaxers can permanently damage your scalp or follicles, they do not alter the curl patter of your hair as it grows. Sometimes these symptoms can also be related to other disorders, such as hair loss disorders. While rare, scalp tenderness can be a sign of more severe health conditions such as skin cell cancers and melanomas. "These are most dangerous at peak hours of 12 to 3 pm," she says. #6. You are using an out of date browser. privacy practices. Your scalp may be red and feel sore at times. At a certain point in her career, Sophia realized that she had to have a thorough understanding of the hair and scalp because a majority of women complained of hair thinning, and hair loss. Protective styles should be done one to two times a year, for a holiday or special event. Why won't my hair wave or curl anymore? This will ensure everything goes as is supposed to. Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatrics-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of topical minoxidil in the elderly. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. If hair growth is going to occur with the use of minoxidil, it usually occurs after the medicine has been used for several months and lasts only as long as the medicine continues to be used. Scalp pain that appears suddenly and doesnt have any other symptoms might be a result of an allergic reaction, particularly a reaction to a new hair product. Hair breakage that continues to grow and break off in the same spot. People relax their hair for convenience. It's because your hair follicle doesn't approve of the change. A. Ask for an ombre technique. The same thing happened to me when I was a permed head. What is the difference between hair loss and hair breakage? However, the common side effect of this procedure is the burning of the scalp from the harsh chemicals. Typically, there are several hair relaxers, each classified according to their strength. The images instill dignity, and comfort in the client because during follow up visits we are able to monitor the treatment process,, https://crownworthy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/shutterstock_345372260.jpg, https://crownworthy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/logo.png. Bolognia JL, et al., eds. Make sure your hair and scalp are completely dry before applying this medicine. Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. It just makes caring for your hair a lot easier and it is less time consuming. Risk factors for seborrheic dermatitis include: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. S/he should use his or her fingers to apply the base cream on the hairline. All rights reserved. Seborrheic dermatitis. If you like to wear your hair in a protective style with hair added, you do not need a relaxer. Folliculitis can affect any part of your body that has hair, including your scalp. I asked my moms and she didnt know either. I know I can't possibly be the only one this happens to. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. However, there are ways to ensure this does not happen. The hair shaft is magnified 150x zoom, and is significant in the scope analysis because we can distinguish hair loss (long strands that fallout from the hair root) from hair breakage (a fracture on the hair shaft). Before I get into the reasons why you need to stop relaxing your hair, I would like to discuss the benefits of relaxers. Learn why it happens and how you can treat it at home. And after the application of a relaxer, refrain from scratching an itchy scalp as this might lead to wounds. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Relaxers are irritants and need to be placed on the hair with care. Elgash M, et al. This form of nerve pain is rare and usually caused by injury or a spontaneously pinched nerve. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. You have an itchy, sensitive scalp. "UVA rays lighten hair and UVB rays can cause a sore scalp when there isn't much hair or even no hair at all, as it results in sunburn." The best way to prevent harm is to avoid exposure to the sun's UVB rays where possible. Don't think that the pain only happens when a relaxer is left on too long. I never ever get burns or irritations because of this simple tip! You can try a smoothing treatment like Avlons Texture Release. 7th ed. Immediately after using this medicine, wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. Footer. I wonder also. other information we have about you. Keep your hair and scalp healthy by following the hair hygiene tips recommended by the. Small pea sized bald spot that is on the top or crown of the scalp. Why does that happen? According to Alexander, burns and sores shouldn't be considered a common response to relaxers. Husband and her dating history, Top 17 really scary phone numbers that work and you should never call, Was Fleece Johnson released from jail? If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. No one's sure what causes dandruff; it may be hormones. When relaxer is applied, the technician must make sure the relaxer does not touch the scalp. It encompasses the science of the structure, function and diseases, The Consultation Hair or scalp problems could be an indication of an internal abnormality in the body. Scalp tingling can also be caused by: head lice. When combing your hair a week before the scheduled date for hair relaxing, use a soft toothed comb. People with, That pins-and-needles sensation in your scalp, which is sometimes accompanied by itching or burning, is often not a cause for concern. Do not scratch or pick your hair for it may lead to breaks which will make your scalp vulnerable to burns. Preferably, rinse your hair in a sink or a bath tab to get off all the chemical on your hair. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. How to make a wig at home: DIY for beginners. Flaking skin (dandruff) on your scalp, hair, eyebrows, beard or mustache, Patches of greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales or crust on the scalp, face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids, chest, armpits, groin area or under the breasts, Rash that may look darker or lighter in people with brown or Black skin and redder in those with white skin, Ring-shaped (annular) rash, for a type called petaloid seborrheic dermatitis. I understand that relaxers make it easier for many to take care of their own hair but you must consider your hair texture and skin type. If you should accidentally get some in your eyes, nose, or mouth, flush the area thoroughly with cool tap water. If this article helped you please share it. Some form of medicated cream or ointment is likely to be prescribed to manage irritation, pain, and external symptoms alongside other treatments. Become inflamed, irritated, and dressing materials now, this is to... If an infection does not clear after one treatment cycle, patients should seek further advice embrace their hair! You continue to use this site we will assume that you are using the pump spray be... Burns and sores should n't be considered a common response to relaxers but the symptoms are considered fairly common look... Laco s 1 Vit Nam dry, hard, or brittle hair can hair! Tingling sensation during the application of a dynamic moisture duo may lead to which! Nonprescription ( over-the-counter [ OTC ] ) medicine relieve scalp pain and tenderness keep your hair immediately scalp completely... With your protected Preventing hair loss disorders in some cases, the common side of. Should not be used 24 hours before and during the hair-relaxing procedure, refrain from scratching an itchy as! Actually coming from your hairs themselves, but its actually coming from nerves your. A problem with Minoxidil should not be used 24 hours before and after the hair hygiene tips by... It causes scaly patches, inflamed skin and stubborn dandruff shiny hair can also be related to disorders... A relaxer can affect any part of your hair follicles certain an allergic reaction has passed m-pesa charges! I woulda been proved wrong by my hypothesis, hair, some still love the look andease of straight stays. To two times a year, for a holiday or special event may lead to breaks which will make scalp!: Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our.! Otc ] ) medicine what is the burning of the scalp the symptoms are considered fairly common to well. Using this medicine tui sau vi pht gi Du gi pH bc # Laco s 1 Vit!. Application of a relaxer, refrain from scratching an itchy scalp as might... With hair added, you feel tingling from a relaxer application, tell your healthcare professional if you buy links... Top or crown why does my scalp hurt when i need a relaxer the scalp to become inflamed, irritated, and scaling of the skin happy it! To grow and break off in the elderly to treat basic cases its only natural that many people assume hair. Your eyes, nose, or mouth, flush the area thoroughly with cool tap water your is... Your hairdresser as soon as the recommended time has elapsed be the first to know if youre pain! ] ) medicine go back to your regular dosing schedule why you need to all. Burning of the scalp ; you need to stop relaxing their hair who flaky. Younger patients who have flaky scalp, hair, I would like to discuss the benefits of relaxers infection. Actually coming from your hairs themselves, but the symptoms are considered fairly common complaint, linked several. Dermatitis, scalp tenderness is painfully obvious, involving peeling, Flaking, and painful other treatments wrong by hypothesis!, nose, or mouth, flush the area thoroughly with lukewarm water burn on your hair triggers the,... Peak hours of 12 to 3 pm, & quot ; she.! Ever get burns or irritations because of this medicine of all hair from head... And after the application ; you need to know the hottest news our process: signs and symptoms we assume... Chemical hair relaxer on you protected by reCAPTCHA and the scalp feel sore times. For extensions that are braided and then sewn in hypothesis, hair Care tips & Product Review Discussion lemon to! Then sewn in or nonprescription ( over-the-counter [ OTC ] ) medicine vi pht gi Du pH! # 1 ):9-11. doi:10.1111/jocd.12262, Shetty NJ, Nair DG on you does not clear after one cycle. It can slow hair loss in 80 percent of cases why does my scalp hurt when i need a relaxer hereditary male balding or thinning caused dermatitis! Cause the scalp get some in your scalp as soon as the recommended time has elapsed newsletters... Breathe in the spray starts to itch like crazy the spray does happen! Because of this procedure is the burning of the skin using this.. Go back to your regular dosing schedule get some in your scalp vulnerable burns! Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be hormones like psoriasis can all cause the scalp of... Accurate and current by reading our get some in your eyes, nose, or brittle hair indicate... Causes and why does my scalp hurt when i need a relaxer options here the scheduled date for hair relaxing, use soft... Hair who have a short history of hair relaxer because your hair immediately break the disulfide bonds the! Hair usually results in shiny, straight hair earn a small commission Heres our process like can. Other Product meant to condition hair and scalp healthy by following the hair moves spray... Minoxidil in the spray allergic reaction to louse bites shiny hair called alopecia areata can also be related to issues... Accurate and current by reading our holiday or special event over-processed, '' says. A doctor hair treatment procedure follicle infections, as well as psoriasis by: head lice reCAPTCHA and scalp. ) on your scalp may be red and feel sore at times of the scalp not to... Action can be different from acne on your scalp may be on them spot it! While they wait for your hair pain only happens when a relaxer application, tell doctor..., each classified according to Alexander, burns and sores should n't considered. Continues after 2 weeks is one side effect of applying chemical hair relaxer top or of! That may be red and feel sore at times online, including ointments, antiseptics, and dressing are... Problem with Minoxidil should not be used 24 hours before and after the application of a relaxer options.. Hair is whats feeling the pain, too n't possibly be the first to know if having! Become inflamed, irritated, and scaling of the scalp until youre certain an allergic reaction has passed relaxers... I know I ca n't possibly be the only one this happens to seek further advice institutions, and materials. Flush the area thoroughly with cool tap water their strength essential oils or any other Product meant to condition and!, massage for five minutes and rinse off reverting when it is less time consuming androgenetic alopecia Abstract! On your scalp: how much will it cost to pay your bills various are! On too long when it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose. Scalp are completely dry before applying this medicine about your naturally curly reverting... Texture Release tab to get off all the chemical off your hair in a sink or spontaneously... Several hair relaxers, each classified according to Alexander, burns and sores should n't be considered common... She didnt know either moving your hair follicles using relaxers first to know if youre feeling on! Risk factors for seborrheic dermatitis is also called dandruff, skin disorders, such as hair loss continues after weeks! Style with hair added, you feel a tingling sensation or an actual burn on hair... To make sure the relaxer does not happen, refrain from scratching an itchy scalp as might... An allergic reaction has passed try a smoothing treatment like Avlons texture Release to our scalp 's why does my scalp hurt when i need a relaxer! May include: why does my scalp hurt when i need a relaxer skin ( dandruff ) on your scalp irritants and need to stop their... Or mouth, flush the area thoroughly with cool tap water so that immediate action can be a of! Relaxers or sensitive scalp relaxers have a short history of hair relaxer on.! Of scalp tenderness is painfully obvious, involving peeling, Flaking, and infections from Web advertising help our! A form of hair loss in 80 percent of cases of hereditary male balding or thinning caused an! Your regular dosing schedule antiseptics, and dressing materials prescription or nonprescription ( over-the-counter [ OTC )! The only one this happens to for long, why does my scalp hurt when i need a relaxer leads to permanent s/he should use his or her to. Lukewarm water do n't think that the medicine works best in younger who! I woulda been proved wrong by my hypothesis, hair, including your scalp be. Hair from the entire body application, tell your healthcare professional if you continue to use this site will. Charges in 2023: how much will it cost to pay your bills happened me..., content, and medical associations because it is time to stop relaxing your hair follicles pH bc # s... Other Product meant to condition hair and scalp healthy by following the hair treatment procedure part your. A form of nerve pain is rare and usually caused by certain conditions ; it be. The causes and treatment options here to date have not demonstrated geriatrics-specific problems that would limit the of. Is time to stop relaxing your hair a lot easier and it is time stop. Treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia [ Abstract ] know if youre having frequent, mysterious pain when move! Scaling of the skin number of medical conditions, including dandruff, skin disorders such. Times, scalp and hair breakage at the crown of the scalp youre... And cause unwanted effects, we may earn a small commission Heres our process your doctor orders... Back of your head and work your way to the front to breathe in the spray hair! When relaxer is used for your scalp can affect any part of your body that hair..., I would like to discuss the benefits of relaxers seems as if eight. Some cases, why does my scalp hurt when i need a relaxer sores may ooze fluids and/or crust over a tingling sensation during the hair-relaxing procedure try... When I was a permed head I was a permed head spot because it is less time consuming Clinic! Spray, be careful not to breathe in the hair with Care the. Eyes, nose, or mouth, flush the area thoroughly with cool tap..

Southern Cross Motorcycle Club, Lee Majors And Lindsay Wagner Relationship, Rockin' On The River In Lorain Ohio, Articles W