Scalp dysesthesia is a cutaneous condition characterised by pain and burning sensations without objective physical examination findings.[1]: 64 The pain sometimes is described as burning. Often there is an underlying psychosomatic cause, such as stress, depression or anxiety.[2]
| Scalp dysesthesia | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Trichodynia |
| Specialty | Dermatology |
Only a few studies have been conducted on this condition. A theory behind the condition is that nerves innervating scalp hair follicles send pain messages back to the brain when the follicle no longer has a hair in it, in a similar way to phantom limb pain. Another theory is that people who have this condition (sometimes called "ponytail syndrome") have super-sensitive nerves in their scalp.[citation needed]
In a recent study it was hypothesised that the unpleasant sensations experienced in scalp dysesthesia are the result of a sensory neuropathy secondary to cervical spine dysfunction and chronic tension of the pericranial muscles. 16 patients were treated with a physiotherapist‐designed exercise protocol, 10 patients experienced a subjectively satisfying improvement and four had complete resolution of symptoms.[3]
The condition is also known to be caused by meningioma.[4]
A possible treatment is to halt hair loss in the patient, however it is important to understand and address any underlying psychologic comorbity.[citation needed]
Use of antidepressants in treatment has been described.[5]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ James, William D.; Berger, Timothy G.; et al. (2006). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. Saunders Elsevier. ISBN 978-0-7216-2921-6.
- ^ Kivanc-Altunay, Ilknur; Savas, Canan; Gokdemir, Gonca; Koslu, Adem; Ayaydin, Esber Baki (September 2003). "The presence of trichodynia in patients with telogen effluvium and androgenetic alopecia". International Journal of Dermatology. 42 (9): 691–693. doi:10.1046/j.1365-4362.2003.01847.x. PMID 12956679.
- ^ Laidler, Nicholas K.; Chan, Jonathan (2018). "Treatment of scalp dysesthesia utilising simple exercises and stretches: A pilot study". Australasian Journal of Dermatology. 59 (4): 318–321. doi:10.1111/ajd.12807. ISSN 1440-0960. PMID 29577244.
- ^ McConnell, Ramsay D.; Duprat, Gabrielle E.; Cohen, Jeffery A.; Pace, Nicole C. (2022-01-06). "Scalp dysesthesia, more than skin deep". JAAD Case Reports. 22. Elsevier: 82–84. doi:10.1016/j.jdcr.2021.12.001. PMC 8938621. Retrieved 2025-08-08.
- ^ Hoss, D.; Segal, S. (Mar 1998). "Scalp dysesthesia". Arch Dermatol. 134 (3): 327–330. doi:10.1001/archderm.134.3.327. PMID 9521031.
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