What causes a sensitive scalp?
Pathophysiological Study of the Sensitive Scalp
NA · University Hospital, Brest · NCT07156422
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
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Brest (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Brest) |
| Trial ID | NCT07156422 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Brest
- Chu Brest — Brest, France (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Emilie BRENAUT, Dr
- Email: emilie.brenaut@chu-brest.fr
- Phone: 2 98 22 35 90
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Sensitive Scalp, sensitive scalp