Trichodynia: a review of the literature

Abstract

Trichodynia designates a painful sensation on the scalp sometimes reported by patients with hair loss. Its best description dates back to 1960, when Sulzberger et al. (Arch Dermatol 1960; 81: 556-560) reported it in a proportion of women complaining of an unexplained diffuse alopecia. Sulzberger et al.'s remark that trichodynia may also be circumscribed ("spotty") is an important detail missed by most ensuing observers. Women are mostly affected or, at least, more likely to report it. The quality and intensity vary greatly, the "burning" variety being most severe. Whether trichodynia is prevalent in telogen effluvium or it may also be present in androgenetic alopecia remains a crucial question. Hairs shed only from painful sites, and this observation suggests that the severity of trichodynia is directly related to hair shedding and intensity. Trichodynia seems to be related to the release of substance P and is present in alopecia areata. Both observations suggest that peripilar inflammation may be a causative agent.

Telogen Effluvium: A Review of the Literature

“…Topical corticosteroids are employed by dermatologists in the treatment. If the patient reports decreasing trichodynia after the application of topical corticosteroids, it is a sign of the therapy being effective [27].…”

Presence of Trichodynia Symptoms in Hair Diseases and Related Factors

“…Trichodynia is a term used to describe the sensation of discomfort on the scalp, which is reported by some patients presenting with hair loss [1]. The etiology of trichodynia is still unknown, and it may be a multietiological condition [2].…”

Proposing a Simpler Classification of Telogen Effluvium

“…Typically, the patient is a woman who claims having had a ‘full head of hair' but noticed that it ‘began suddenly' to ‘come out by the handful'. Usually, and in contrast to AGA, the patient is precise in specifying the date of onset of hair shedding and often complains of a ‘pain in the hair' (trichodynia) [4,17]. She is in good health and without signs of anorexia or nutrient deficiencies.…”