Scalp Burning Syndrome

Scalp Burning Syndrome

Burning syndrome of the scalp is scientifically known as tricdynia or dysesthesia of the scalp. It commonly affects people suffering from hair loss conditions such as antrogenic alopecia or telogenic effluvium. Burning of the scalp syndrome is characterized by a painful burning sensation in the scalp and around the hair root. Although a clinical cause has not been determined, scientists believe that "substance P", a neuropeptide manufactured by nerve cells, could be the culprit. The burning syndrome of the scalp can be incredibly painful and although there is no perfect cure, dermatologists have been successful in treating this condition with antidepressants.

Symptoms

People who suffer from burning syndrome in the scalp complain of burning, itching and shooting pain in the scalp. These symptoms are often triggered or made worse by physical or psychological stress. Trichodinia, unlike scalp dysesthesia, is also characterized by painful sensations in the same hair, which become more intense when touched.

Incidence

According to "Clinical Management in Psychodermatology", 34% of people suffering from chronic symptoms of hair loss experience the burning syndrome in the scalp. Pain appears without physical pathological findings and is thought to be a somatization disorder. Somatization disorders are psychological disorders in which physical symptoms appear or are felt with an unforeseeable or unknown medical cause.

Cause

According to the website keratin. com, doctors do not precisely understand the cause of the scalp burning syndrome. However, research has shown that neuropeptides may be involved in the skin and hair follicles. Substance P fluctuates in quantity as the follicles grow and die. It has been shown to create pain sensations and is thought to become more prevalent as the follicle dies. Another explanation for the burning disorder in the scalp is that cellular activity caused by androgenetic alopecia or telogenic effluvium produces inflammation, which results in pain. There may also be underlying psychological problems that cause the disorder.

Psychology

According to the "Clinical Management in Psychodermatology", a little more than three fourths of patients with scalp burning syndrome also have psychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety disorders or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Scalp burning syndrome can also be related to hair loss and this fear can produce pain in the scalp.

Treatment

According to the website keratin. com, the scalp burning syndrome is sometimes treated with tricyclic antidepressants. While they are generally taken to relieve depression, it has been proven that these medications help reduce the levels of the substance P. It is believed that reducing the levels of this substance help to alleviate the sensation of pain. Other treatments for scalp burning syndrome include cortecosteroids, capsaicin, anesthetic agents, and mild shampoos.

Video Tutorial: Burning Scalp Medical Course.

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