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

January 2022 in “ Journal of Skin and Stem Cell ”

Mohammed Abu El‐Hamd, Mohammed Abu El‐Hamd

trichodynia hair shedding neuropeptide substance P nutritional deficiencies L-cystine topical corticosteroids low-dose antidepressants propranolol botulinum toxin stress hair loss Botox

Studysummary This review discusses trichodynia, its potential causes, and treatment options, but reports no new clinical findings. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

Trichodynia is a painful scalp condition often linked to hair shedding and more common in women. Its causes may include neuropeptide substance P, psychiatric issues, and nutritional deficiencies. Diagnosis is clinical, and treatments range from L-cystine supplements to topical corticosteroids, low-dose antidepressants, propranolol, and botulinum toxin. The condition has been exacerbated by stress, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. The review underscores the need for targeted treatments rather than just symptom management.

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Trichodynia and Telogen Effluvium in COVID-19 Patients: Results of an International Expert Opinion Survey on Diagnosis and Management

research Trichodynia and Telogen Effluvium in COVID-19 Patients: Results of an International Expert Opinion Survey on Diagnosis and Management

39 citations , August 2021 in “JAAD International”

This study found that telogen effluvium and trichodynia are common in patients after COVID-19, and their severity may be influenced by the severity of the COVID-19 infection.

research The Role of Sleep in Telogen Effluvium and Trichodynia: A Commentary in the Context of the Current Pandemic

6 citations , January 2021 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

This article discusses the potential association between stress, poor sleep, and telogen effluvium during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the possible role of substance P, but reports no new clinical results.

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 Indications for Peripheral and Central Sensitization in Patients With Chronic Scalp Pain (Trichodynia)

16 citations , December 2012 in “The Clinical Journal of Pain”

This study found that trichodynia is associated with both peripheral and central sensitization, potentially linked to hair cycle abnormalities and chronic pain through proinflammatory agents.

research Evaluation of Anxiety and Levels of Serum B12, Folate, TSH, Ferritin, and Zinc in Telogen Alopecia Patients with Trichodynia

10 citations , January 2012 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This study found no significant association between serum levels of vitamin B12, folate, TSH, ferritin, zinc, or anxiety scores and trichodynia in telogen alopecia patients.

research The Role of Psychological Factors and Serum Zinc, Folate, and Vitamin B12 Levels in the Aetiology of Trichodynia: A Case-Control Study

33 citations , April 2009 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

This study observed that psychological factors and serum levels of zinc, folate, and vitamin B12 may contribute to the development of trichodynia.

research Trichoscopy in the Healthy Female: Method Standardization and Norms for Measurable Parameters

46 citations , April 2009 in “Journal of Dermatological Case Reports”

This study established standard trichoscopy norms for adult white females, providing benchmarks for hair thickness, percentage of thin hairs, and pilosebaceous units with single hair across different scalp areas.

research Trichodynia Is a Distinguishing Symptom of Telogen Effluvium

24 citations , March 2009 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This paper highlights trichodynia as a distinguishing symptom of telogen effluvium, but it does not present new clinical findings.

research The Presence of Trichodynia in Patients With Telogen Effluvium and Androgenetic Alopecia

46 citations , September 2003 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that trichodynia is common among patients with telogen effluvium and androgenetic alopecia, and it often coexists with psychological issues like depression and anxiety.

research Nutritional Factors and Hair Loss

239 citations , July 2002 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

This review explores the role of nutritional factors in hair loss, noting that iron and l-lysine supplementation may benefit some individuals, while excessive supplements can lead to hair shedding.

research Hair Pain (Trichodynia): Frequency and Relationship to Hair Loss and Patient Gender

48 citations , January 2002 in “Dermatology”

In this study, hair pain (trichodynia) was reported by a significant portion of patients with hair loss, but it did not correlate with the cause or activity of the condition.

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.