Background: Skin sensitivity characteristics and triggers have been identified in populations in previous studies. However, few have compared these characteristics among selfreported sensitive skin. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare specific intrinsic and extrinsic triggers of skin sensitivity between individuals with self-reported sensitive skin and nonsensitive skin. Methods: A systematic literature review was undertaken to identify intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with sensitive skin. A 167-item survey was developed on the basis of the literature review. The survey was completed online by a sample of adult participants drawn from the general United Kingdom population. Participants also completed sociodemographic and self-reported health questions. Results: A total of 3050 surveys were completed: 1526 participants with self-reported skin sensitivity and 1524 participants not reporting skin sensitivity. There was a decrease in selfreported skin sensitivity with increasing age (p<0.05), and proportionally more women reported sensitive skin. Smoking also led to a higher frequency of sensitive skin. All signs and symptoms of sensitive skin, such as itch, dryness/flakiness, roughness and flushing/ blushing were more commonly reported by those with self-reported sensitive skin. These were frequently reported in association with external factors (cold/windy weather, clothes and fabrics), as well as internal factors such as pre-existing skin conditions and atopy. Conclusion:The study evaluated self-reported sensitive skin against a non-sensitive skin in order to identify common inherent and external triggers to distinguish between these groups in a large general population study in the United Kingdom. The key symptoms and signs of this syndrome identified in the literature were confirmed to be reported significantly more when compared with those without sensitive skin. However, no correlation or pattern of symptomology could be identified, reinforcing the complexity of this condition. Given the strong differentiation from the non-sensitive group, the results of this research could be utilised for the development of a clinically meaningful screening tool.

ObjectiveSensitive skin is known to have a negative impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and daily activities, but what is not known is to what extent this condition affects individuals’ working life. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of sensitive skin on HRQoL and work productivity.ResultsA total of 3048 participants completed the work productivity and activity impairment (WPAI) and the AQoL-4D online, (1964 females, 64.4%) with almost equal numbers of participants self-reporting sensitive or non-sensitive skin. Self-reported sensitive skin was associated with poorer HRQoL, particularly mental health. HRQOL showed a positive linear relationship with participant age. Self-reported sensitive skin was associated with higher levels of absenteeism (11%); Presenteeism (19%); Work Impairment (25%) and Overall Activity Impairment (20%). On average, participants with self-reported sensitive skin missed 4.55 working hours per week compared to 2.4 hours for those not reporting sensitive skin (p<0.0001). This study demonstrated that sensitive skin has a significant detrimental impact on individuals. It extends previous research that has focussed on quality of life and daily activities, to underline the negative affect of sensitive skin on work productivity, highlighting the burden of sensitive at both a humanistic and economic level.

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