What causes a sensitive scalp?
Official title: Pathophysiological Study of the Sensitive Scalp
Run by University Hospital, Brest · NCT07156422 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will try to find biological differences in scalp tissue and microbes between adult women who do and do not have a sensitive scalp by taking a small scalp biopsy, microbiota samples, and questionnaires.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Brest Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Brest) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 28, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 2027 |
| Study ends | January 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07156422 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adult women without scalp dermatoses who can give informed consent and are insured, either scoring ≥3/20 on the Sensiscalp scale with itch ≥2/20 (cases) or scoring 0/20 (controls), are eligible.
✕Probably not a fit
People with active scalp skin diseases, pregnant or breastfeeding women, women under legal protection, and men are not eligible and therefore would not benefit from participating.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This single-day interventional study will enroll 40 adult women at CHU Brest, including 20 women with a sensitive scalp and 20 without as controls. Each participant will complete health and symptom questionnaires and undergo a 4 mm punch biopsy in the retroauricular scalp area, with additional collection of scalp microbiota. Researchers will compare tissue features, nerve-related markers, and microbial profiles between groups to identify pathophysiological differences linked to scalp sensitivity. Women with active scalp dermatoses, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those under legal protection are excluded from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the study finds reproducible biological differences, the results could guide better-targeted treatments, prevention strategies, or product recommendations for people with sensitive scalp.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on sensitive skin points to roles for nerve hyperreactivity and skin microbiota, but targeted studies specifically on the scalp are limited and remain largely exploratory.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult women without dermatosis * Collection of free and informed consent * patient affiliated to a social security scheme For the control group: Sensiscalp score = 0/20 Sensitive scalp group: Sensiscalp score ≥ 3/20 with pruritus sensation ≥ 2/20 Exclusion Criteria: * Refusal to take part in the study * Dermatosis of the scalp (psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, etc.) * Pregnant and breast-feeding women * Women under legal protection (guardianship, curatorship)
Where it's running
-
Chu Brest
Brest, France Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Emilie BRENAUT, Dr
- Email: emilie.brenaut@chu-brest.fr
- Phone: 2 98 22 35 90
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.