Scalp Pruritus: Classification and Clinical Characteristics
- Author:
Gil Jae PYO
1
;
Seong Hee CHOI
;
Ki Bum MYUNG
;
Seung Hyun CHEONG
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, Konyang University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
2024;62(8):437-446
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Chronic scalp pruritus is a common symptom in dermatology patients. However, few studies have investigated its causes and clinical characteristics.
Objective:We aimed to evaluate in this study the causes of chronic scalp pruritus, classify itching, and the clinical manifestations associated with different causes and classifications.
Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 179 patients with chronic scalp pruritus recruited from the Department of Dermatology at Konyang University Hospital between August 2023 to February 2024. Age, sex, clinical features, Itch Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and treatment response were evaluated using a questionnaire.
Results:The most common cause of chronic scalp pruritus was a dermatologic condition (n=135, 75.4%). Systemic scalp pruritus (n=15, 8.4%) was the second most common cause, followed by neuropathic pruritus (n=14, 7.8%), psychogenic scalp pruritus (n=9, 5.0%), and scalp pruritus of unknown origin (n=6, 3.4%). Patients with systemic pruritus had higher itch NRS scores compared to those with neuropathic pruritus (p=0.033). In addition, patients with dermatological pruritus experienced longer itch duration and treatment courses than patients with neuropathic pruritus (p=0.001 and p=0.005, respectively). Moreover, patients with higher itch NRS scores had higher DLQI scores among patients with dermatological pruritus (p＜0.001).
Conclusion:In this study, we classified the causes of scalp pruritus and identified the itch severity and clinical manifestations. The severity of itching, pruritus duration, treatment duration, and aggravating factors differed for each scalp pruritus classification. Understanding the classification and clinical characteristics of scalp pruritus can facilitate the development of more effective treatments.
