Sensitive skin

Abstract

Sensitive skin could be defined as the occurrence of erythema and/or abnormal stinging, burning and tingling sensations (occasionally pain or pruritus) in response to multiple factors, which may be physical (UV radiations, heat, cold and wind), chemical (cosmetics, soaps, water and pollutants) and occasionally psychological (stress) or hormonal (menstrual cycle). The diagnosis, pathophysiology, epidemiology and treatment are still under debate. Sensitive skin is most likely due to neurogenic inflammation after the enhanced activation of sensory proteins in keratinocytes and nerve endings. Skin sensitivity is a very frequent condition because it can be detected in approximately half of the population. The treatment is likely a cautious use of cosmetics or the use of cosmetics without preservatives and surfactants or containing inhibitors of neurogenic inflammation.

Sensitive skin in France: a study on prevalence, relationship with age and skin type and impact on quality of life

“…30,31 More interestingly, the relationship with dry skin is debated. 3,4,[32][33][34] Due to our large sample, our results clearly demonstrate that sensitive skin can occur without any relationship with skin type (dry, normal, mixed or greasy skin) and that skin dryness is not the sole cause of skin sensitivity. Nonetheless, very sensitive skin was more frequently reported by people with dry skin, suggesting that alterations of the skin barrier likely favour contact between the skin and irritant factors.…”

“…menstrual cycle) factors. 1,3,4 In most patients, symptoms occur within 1 h following exposure to trigger factors and may persist for minutes or even hours. 5 The management of sensitive skin is based on the cautious use of well-tolerated and soothing cosmetics.…”

“…5 The management of sensitive skin is based on the cautious use of well-tolerated and soothing cosmetics. 6 Because people with sensitive skin usually present without visible skin lesions, the diagnosis and assessment of sensitive skin are mainly performed by interviewing patients, 1,3,4 and all epidemiological studies to date have been surveys questioning people about the presence of sensitive skin, its severity and its characteristics. Although the diagnosis of this condition is made by the patient itself, not by the physician, the assessment of sensitive skin is related to the declarations of the patient and this is why there are many studies on sensitive skin using surveys.…”

Arguments for neuropathic pain in sensitive skin

“…3 Although the pathophysiology of sensitive skin remains unclear, the underlying mechanism is not immunological or allergic. 2,4 The 'skin tolerance threshold' is abnormally low. The abnormal sensations and vasodilation suggest that the cutaneous nervous system is involved in the pathophysiology of sensitive skin.…”

Development and validation of a new tool to assess the Burden of Sensitive Skin (BoSS)

“…menstrual cycle) factors. [2][3][4][5] In most patients, symptoms occur within 1 h after exposure to triggering factors and may persist for minutes or even hours. 6 The management of sensitive skin is based on the cautious use of well-tolerated and soothing cosmetics.…”