Sensitive scalp is associated with excessive sebum and perturbed microbiome

Sensitive scalp, one of the most frequent complaints among sensitive skin syndrome, has been described as abnormal and unpleasant sensory reactions of the scalp to environmental stimulus. However, the symptoms are usually objective and hard to diagnose.

This study aimed to reveal the biophysical properties and etiology of sensitive scalp.

Sixty-two healthy female subjects were enrolled and divided into nonsensitive scalp (NS) and sensitive scalp (SS) groups according to questionnaires. Noninvasive instruments were used to measure biophysical properties. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography mass spectrometry were introduced to quantify skin lipids profiles, and 16S rRNA sequencing was used to detect the composition of bacteria.

Sensitive scalp showed elevated pH level, more irritated skin, and more fluorescence of porphyrins. Increased sebum production was found in SS group at occiput, among which free fatty acids, cholesteryl ester, and squalene were significantly in higher amount compared with NS. SS also had significantly higher percentage of Propionibacterium, and lower bacterial diversity.

Taken together, sensitive scalp showed disrupted barrier function, abnormal sebum amount and composition, as well as perturbed microbiome, which might be the direct cause. Products targeting these features could be helpful for the treatment of sensitive scalp.