Alopecia and burning scalp ...

Okay ladies! I haven't had a relaxer in God only knows how long. It has to be at least a year and a half. Since the birth of my son, my hair has not been "well" and a couple years ago I found out I have Alopecia. I tried many different things but nothing seemed to work. Eventually, frustrated with the thinning and burning I cut my hair off only to be even more frustrated with my inability to maintain my short do. And when I couldn't find someone else to do it, I had it braided and kept it braided until about 2 weeks ago. You see after the last take-down and re-braiding occurred, I noticed pain in my scalp and the longer they were in the more I hurt. So after a little over a year, I'm without braids and probably 90% natural. My hair is at my shoulders roughly and still a source of great distress. Nothing I try seems to work in terms of styles and don't get me started on products - being/going natural is mind boggling !! But what's most bothersome is that regardless of what moisturizing products I try and I can't seem to shake this burning itch on my scalp. If anyone has any ideas on what I could do to alleviate this problem, I would be ever so grateful!! Oh, and feel free to throw in some helpful hair tips because it was 82 degrees today in NC and hats will not do!

Thanks in advance!!

I think most of us could offer many suggestions, probably a number of which you have already tried, but I think the most appropriate question is have you been evaluated by either a tricologist and/or dermatologist?

Dermatologist - yes, but not since removing braids. Tricologist - no, never even heard of that one before. I'm just trying to avoid the costly expenses that go along with the doctor's visit. It they could alleviate the problem in one visit - I'd have been there already. Guess, I just have to suck it and dish out the dough!! Thanks though!!