Objective

Define the symptomatology of sensitive scalp and validate the interest of a new scoring system to assess its severity: the 3S score (Sensitive Scalp Score)

Methodology

Opinion poll of a representative sample of the French population of 2,117 subjects (selected according to the quota method)

3S score: scoring of the 5 subjective signs associated with a sensitive scalp (sensations of tightness, burning, tingling, pruritus or pain) according to their impact on quality of life (absent / present but not bothersome / relatively bothersome / sufficiently bothersome to have an impact on daily life / unbearable)

Results

32.22% of subjects reported a sensitive scalp, 35.56% in women and 29.10% in men

The proportion of subjects with a sensitive scalp increases with age

Sensations associated with sensitive scalp were:  

• burning: 11.34%

• pain: 13.11%

• tightness: 16.35%

• tingling: 32.55%

• pruritus: 58.76%

27.27% of subjects reported having a very sensitive scalp, 50.88% a sensitive scalp, and 21.41% a slightly sensitive scalp. The mean 3S score was different in these 3 subgroups (3.53, 2.06 and 1.69 respectively)

Conclusion

• Around 1/3 of a representative sample of the French population claim to have a sensitive scalp

• Women seem to be more affected than men

• Pruritus is the most frequently associated sign

• The 3S score is a simple and relevant score for assessing the severity of sensitive scalp