Presence of Trichodynia Symptoms in Hair Diseases and Related Factors

Abstract

Background: Trichodynia can be described as a feeling of discomfort in the scalp. Studies on trichodynia also have different data. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and associated factors of trichodynia. Methods: A questionnaire was applied to 249 patients who were admitted to the Hair Diseases Unit of Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa Hospital. We recorded the age, sex, hair loss duration, diagnosis, and whether or not patients had trichodynia symptoms. Results: Out of a total of 249 patients, 89 patients (35.7%) had trichodynia. We found that the mean age of patients with trichodynia was higher than the mean age of those without trichodynia. Trichodynia was more common in women than in men. In addition, it was more common in the cicatricial alopecia group than the other disease groups. Discussion: The frequency of trichodynia was significantly higher in women in comparison to that in men. Symptoms of trichodynia were significantly more common in patients with cicatricial alopecia in comparison to that in the other 4 diagnostic categories. There was no significant difference between the 4 diagnostic categories in terms of trichodynia severity.