The Disturbed Microbial Niches of Itchy Scalp

January 2025 in “ Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology ”

Xuejing Li, Fang Yang, Yibing Ma, Mengmeng Zhang, Yan Zhang, Menghui Zhang, Menghui Zhang, Menghui Zhang

Cutibacterium Staphylococcus microbial balance scalp itchiness microbial niches

Studysummary Maintaining a balanced scalp microbiome can help reduce itchiness.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

This study examined the relationship between scalp microbiota and itchiness in 83 itchy and 41 non-itchy subjects, revealing significant microbial composition differences. Itchy scalps showed higher microbial richness but less evenness, with a higher ratio of Cutibacterium to Staphylococcus. Specific bacterial ASVs, such as Acinetobacter guillouiae and Pseudomonas, were linked to itchiness. A 28-day intervention using a basic cleaning detergent on 43 itchy subjects reduced itch severity, suggesting that maintaining a balanced microbial environment and reducing certain low-abundance bacteria can help manage scalp itch. The study was limited to Chinese females, indicating a need for broader research.

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