Evaluation of the severity and triggering factors of sensitive scalp in Chinese females

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2016 Sep;15(3):219-25. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12203. Epub 2015 Dec 23.

Abstract

Background: Sensitive scalp which has been recently proposed and assessed by several questionnaires is one of the most cosmetic concerns in sensitive skin syndrome by consumers.

Objective: This study is to investigate the prevalence and factors related to the scalp sensitivity in China.

Methods: Two well-known questionnaires including four-grade self-assessment and 3S, and a new questionnaire we proposed (10Q), were used to evaluate the severity and symptoms of sensitive scalp.

Results: The proportions of sensitive scalp according to self-assessment and 3S were 35.77% and 57.45%, respectively. Distributions of severity and tendency of proportion along ages were significantly different between the two methods. The 10Q questionnaire which we designed could discriminate different grade of severity of sensitive scalp with superior reliability. Moreover, triggering factors which have significant impacts on the symptoms of sensitive scalp were elucidated by logistic regression analysis, including air dryness, exercises, humidity, heat, and sun.

Conclusion: Questionnaires with more dimensions and details such as 10Q and 3S should be used for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment monitoring on sensitive scalp in Chinese female.

Keywords: itching; questionnaires; sensitive scalp; severity; symptom.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • China / epidemiology
  • Diagnostic Self Evaluation
  • Exercise
  • Female
  • Hot Temperature / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Humidity / adverse effects
  • Hyperesthesia / diagnosis
  • Hyperesthesia / epidemiology*
  • Hyperesthesia / etiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Scalp
  • Scalp Dermatoses / diagnosis
  • Scalp Dermatoses / epidemiology*
  • Scalp Dermatoses / etiology*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sunlight / adverse effects
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult