Scalp sensitivity exists and occurs frequently

Misery L. et al. Contact Dermatitis 2008: 58: 234–238.

In brief

Scalp sensitivity exists, occurs frequently and has various triggering factors such as pollution, heat, emotions and shampoos. Scalp sensitivity is more associated with scalp diseases, hair loss, greasy or dry scalps and atopic dermatitis. Scalp sensitivity differs from facial skin sensitivity.

Introduction

Sensitive skin is a common condition that affects the quality of life.
Sensitive skin is defined as the onset of prickling, burning, or tingling sensations (possibly pain or pruritus) caused by various factors (ultraviolet radiation, heat, cold, and wind, cosmetics, soap, water, pollution, stress or hormones). Sensitive skin is reported in the face and in other localizations such as hands and scalp.

Scalp sensitivity

An epidemiology study was conducted on 1011 subjects, drawn from a representative national sample of the French population aged 15 or older, according to the quota method (sex, age, occupation of household head, type of geographical area, and region). Among this sample, 444 (44.22%) reported suffering from a sensitive or a very sensitive scalp (Figure 1). Scalp sensitivity was more frequent in women but was not related to age.

Figure 1. Declared scalp sensitivity.

Overall, scalp sensitivity was associated with :

• itching sensation
• prickling sensation
• burning sensation
• scalp disease or hair loss
• greasy or dry scalps
• atopic dermatitis
• skin sensitivity

Triggering factors of symptoms were heat, cold, pollution, emotions, dry air, wet air, water, and mainly shampoos. For patients with hair loss, cold was the main triggering factor of sensitive scalp. No specific information on dandruff was available.

Conclusion

Scalp sensitivity exists, occurs frequently and has several triggering factors. Scalp sensitivity belongs to skin sensitivity syndrome but differs from facial skin sensitivity.