Scalp Dysesthesia: Emerging Pathophysiologic Insights and Therapeutic Implications

September 2026 in “ International Journal of Dermatology ”

Aditya K. Gupta, Jaspreet Kaur, Amanda Liddy, Paradi Mirmirani, Vincent Piguet

scalp dysesthesia corticosteroids antidepressants gabapentinoids neuropathic origins

Studysummary This review discusses the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of scalp dysesthesia, highlighting a potential neuropathic component and the inconsistent efficacy of various management strategies without reporting new clinical results.

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

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research Sensitive Scalp And Trichodynia: Epidemiology, Etiopathogenesis, Diagnosis, And Management

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This review discusses the characteristics, potential triggers, and challenges in diagnosing and treating sensitive scalp, reporting no new clinical results, and noting the need for further investigation.

research Trichodynia: An Update on Definition, Etiopathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment

January 2022 in “Journal of Skin and Stem Cell”

This review discusses trichodynia, its potential causes, and treatment options, but reports no new clinical findings.

research Cervical Spine Imaging and Treatment Outcomes in Scalp Dysesthesia: A Retrospective Cohort Study

3 citations , August 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study observed that patients with scalp dysesthesia frequently exhibited cervical spine degenerative changes, which localized predominantly in the lower cervical spine, and reported modest symptom improvement with neuropathic pain medications and physical therapy.

research Refractory Trichodynia Treated Using Onabotulinumtoxin-A

8 citations , March 2020 in “Pain Medicine”

This case report describes a woman with refractory trichodynia who became asymptomatic after receiving botulinum toxin type A injections, suggesting potential efficacy of this treatment for persistent trichodynia.

research Hair Pull Test: Evidence-Based Update and Revision of Guidelines

36 citations , December 2016 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study, researchers evaluated the hair pull test and found that normal values should be reduced to two hairs or fewer, with no significant impact from hair washing, brushing, or lifestyle factors such as hair texture and medication use.

research Trichodynia: A Review of the Literature

26 citations , December 2015 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This abstract reviews the symptom of trichodynia, a painful scalp sensation linked to hair loss, and highlights its potential connection to inflammation but reports no new research findings.

research Sensitive Skin

29 citations , November 2013 in “Expert Review of Dermatology”

This article reviews potential causes and treatments for sensitive skin and reports no new clinical results; the authors emphasize neurogenic inflammation and cosmetic choices as key factors in managing the condition.

research Scalp Dysesthesia Related to Cervical Spine Disease

33 citations , November 2012 in “JAMA Dermatology”

In this study, 14 out of 15 women with scalp dysesthesia also had cervical spine disease, and gabapentin improved symptoms for some patients.

research Scalp Dysesthesia: A Study on Chronic Pain and Itchiness

63 citations , March 1998 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This study describes a new condition called scalp dysesthesia in 11 women, most of whom experienced symptom improvement with low-dose antidepressants.