Triggering factors in sensitive skin from the worldwide patients’ point of view: a systematic literature review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Sensitive skin (SS) is a syndrome defined by the occurrence of unpleasant sensations in response to stimuli that normally should not provoke such sensations. In most patients, symptoms occur within 1 h following exposure to trigger factors and may persist for minutes or even hours. Numerous triggering factors (physical, chemical or psychological) are suspected and described in articles. The aim of this article was to perform a systematic literature review to collect data on the triggering factors involved in SS and to then perform a meta‐analysis. Thirteen studies were included in the systematic literature review. Subjects were classified into groups, SS or no sensitive skin (NSS), and triggering factors were researched through responses to different questions. SS could be triggered by numerous factors. The most important triggering factor was cosmetics, with an odds ratio (OR) equal to 7.12 [3.98–12.72]. Other triggering factors were physical (variations in temperature, cold, heat, wind, sun, air conditioning, wet air and dry air), chemical (water and pollution) or psychological (emotional) factors. After cosmetics, the most important factors were wet air, OR 3.83 [2.48–5.91]; air conditioning, OR 3.60 [2.11–6.14]; heat, OR 3.5 [2.69–4.63]; and water, OR 3.46 [2.56–4.77].

Pathophysiology and management of sensitive skin: position paper from the special interest group on sensitive skin of the International Forum for the Study of Itch (IFSI)

“…40 Thirteen studies were included representing 20 486 subjects. A recent literature review with a meta-analysis analysed the role of environmental factors on sensitive skin.…”

“…40 The presence of potentially irritating substances in their composition (alpha-hydroxy acids, propylene glycol, alcohol fragrances, preservatives, surfactants and others) increases the possibility of the occurrence of symptoms. Since only exposure study showed a role of hair dyes on sensitive scalp and facial sensitive skin, 41,65 hair dyes should be avoided, in particular those containing ammonia.…”

“…A recent literature review with a meta-analysis analysed the role of environmental factors on sensitive skin. 40 Thirteen studies were included representing 20 486 subjects. These subjects were recruited in different ways: random sampling, opportunity sampling or stratified sampling.…”

“…In a recent literature review and meta-analysis, cosmetics were the main triggering factors of sensitive skin according to the patientreported outcome. 40 The presence of potentially irritating substances in their composition (alpha-hydroxy acids, propylene glycol, alcohol fragrances, preservatives, surfactants and others) increases the possibility of the occurrence of symptoms. The main advice is to limit the use of cosmetics or to use high tolerance products that contain little or no preservatives and surfactants, as well as no fragrances.…”

“…The role of the environmental factors on sensitive skin has been mainly explored through patient interviews. A recent literature review with a meta‐analysis analysed the role of environmental factors on sensitive skin . Thirteen studies were included representing 20 486 subjects.…”