Abstract
Background/Objectives Scalp dysesthesia is characterised by abnormal cutaneous sensations such as burning, stinging or itching of the scalp in the absence of objective dermatological findings. We hypothesised that the unpleasant sensations are the result of a sensory neuropathy secondary to cervical spine dysfunction and chronic tension of the pericranial muscles. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the use of an exercise protocol consisting of cervical spine range of movement exercises, gentle mobilisation and muscle stretches over 4 weeks. The exercise protocol was designed to relieve cervical nerve compression through the restoration of cervical homeostasis. Methods Results In total, 16 participants, aged 18-71 (average 45 years), diagnosed with scalp dysesthesia were recruited from an outpatient dermatology clinic and given instructions on how to perform a specifically designed exercise protocol twice daily for 4 weeks. Baseline characteristics and a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pruritus were recorded prior to commencement and a VAS for pruritus recorded weekly thereafter. At week 4, 10 participants experienced a satisfactory reduction in their symptoms, four experienced complete resolution and two experienced no benefit, with no adverse effects reported. We conclude that a programme of simple exercises and stretches is an effective treatment for scalp dysesthesia. Conclusions This low-risk treatment is easily implemented, non-invasive and non-pharmacological. Within the limits of this small pilot study, benefits are shown, and we believe further research is warranted.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 318-321 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | Australasian Journal of Dermatology |
| Volume | 59 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Nov 2018 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Cite this
}
Treatment of scalp dysesthesia utilising simple exercises and stretches : A pilot study. / Laidler, Nicholas K.; Chan, Jonathan.
In: Australasian Journal of Dermatology, Vol. 59, No. 4, 11.2018, p. 318-321.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
TY - JOUR
T1 - Treatment of scalp dysesthesia utilising simple exercises and stretches
T2 - A pilot study
AU - Laidler, Nicholas K.
AU - Chan, Jonathan
PY - 2018/11
Y1 - 2018/11
N2 - Background/Objectives Scalp dysesthesia is characterised by abnormal cutaneous sensations such as burning, stinging or itching of the scalp in the absence of objective dermatological findings. We hypothesised that the unpleasant sensations are the result of a sensory neuropathy secondary to cervical spine dysfunction and chronic tension of the pericranial muscles. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the use of an exercise protocol consisting of cervical spine range of movement exercises, gentle mobilisation and muscle stretches over 4 weeks. The exercise protocol was designed to relieve cervical nerve compression through the restoration of cervical homeostasis. Methods Results In total, 16 participants, aged 18-71 (average 45 years), diagnosed with scalp dysesthesia were recruited from an outpatient dermatology clinic and given instructions on how to perform a specifically designed exercise protocol twice daily for 4 weeks. Baseline characteristics and a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pruritus were recorded prior to commencement and a VAS for pruritus recorded weekly thereafter. At week 4, 10 participants experienced a satisfactory reduction in their symptoms, four experienced complete resolution and two experienced no benefit, with no adverse effects reported. We conclude that a programme of simple exercises and stretches is an effective treatment for scalp dysesthesia. Conclusions This low-risk treatment is easily implemented, non-invasive and non-pharmacological. Within the limits of this small pilot study, benefits are shown, and we believe further research is warranted.
AB - Background/Objectives Scalp dysesthesia is characterised by abnormal cutaneous sensations such as burning, stinging or itching of the scalp in the absence of objective dermatological findings. We hypothesised that the unpleasant sensations are the result of a sensory neuropathy secondary to cervical spine dysfunction and chronic tension of the pericranial muscles. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the use of an exercise protocol consisting of cervical spine range of movement exercises, gentle mobilisation and muscle stretches over 4 weeks. The exercise protocol was designed to relieve cervical nerve compression through the restoration of cervical homeostasis. Methods Results In total, 16 participants, aged 18-71 (average 45 years), diagnosed with scalp dysesthesia were recruited from an outpatient dermatology clinic and given instructions on how to perform a specifically designed exercise protocol twice daily for 4 weeks. Baseline characteristics and a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pruritus were recorded prior to commencement and a VAS for pruritus recorded weekly thereafter. At week 4, 10 participants experienced a satisfactory reduction in their symptoms, four experienced complete resolution and two experienced no benefit, with no adverse effects reported. We conclude that a programme of simple exercises and stretches is an effective treatment for scalp dysesthesia. Conclusions This low-risk treatment is easily implemented, non-invasive and non-pharmacological. Within the limits of this small pilot study, benefits are shown, and we believe further research is warranted.
KW - exercise
KW - neuropathy
KW - pruritus
KW - scalp dysesthesia
KW - spinal disorders
KW - treatment
KW - CERVICAL-SPINE DISEASE
KW - NOTALGIA PARESTHETICA
KW - PRURITUS
U2 - 10.1111/ajd.12807
DO - 10.1111/ajd.12807
M3 - Article
VL - 59
SP - 318
EP - 321
JO - Australian Journal of Dermatology
JF - Australian Journal of Dermatology
SN - 0004-8380
IS - 4
ER -