Sensitive skin: review of an ascending concept

Abstract

Sensitive skin is a condition characterized by stinging, burning and itching sensations. The diagnosis, pathophysiology and treatment of sensitive skin are still under discussion. In the last years, studies on its epidemiology have been performed, showing a high prevalence and impact on quality of life. Brazilian population was also considered in these studies. Cosmetics, climate changes and skin barrier impairment are the main factors that contribute for skin hyperreactivity. New studies are trying to bring new knowledge about the theme. This review will describe data on epidemiology, triggering factors, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment.

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

“…increases the possibility of symptoms. 24 In a study including 400 subjects, SS was present on the face in 85.4% of cases and less often in other locations (hands, 57.7%; scalp, 36.2%; and feet, 34.2%) 25 ; this could be explained by the application of cosmetics, which are more often used on the face. This systematic literature review and meta-analysis have several limitations.…”

A new discussion of the cutaneous vascular reactivity in sensitive skin: A sub‐group of SS?

“…The variety of tests, selection methods and measurement methods have led to explore the potential mechanism of sensitive skin. Reviewing previous literatures, the leading hypothesis has related to impaired barrier function, sensory hyper‐reactivity, inflammatory or vascular responsiveness and atopic predisposition . On account of different discomfort presentation according to different mechanisms, understanding of each of these mechanisms is helpful in identifying the varied classifications of SS.…”

“…They were “low barrier function group”, “inflammation group” with normal barrier function (hyper‐reactivity group) and “pseudo‐healthy group” in terms of normal barrier function and no inflammatory changes . Obviously, “delicate skin” should be the main type of SS since there are the strongest evidence refers to an impaired skin barrier function as the main pathophysiology of SS . Analysis of these literatures also reveals this impaired barrier function which leads to the exposure of immune system cells and sensitive nerves, may trigger both vascular hyper‐reactivity and sensory perceptions .…”

“…the main type of SS since there are the strongest evidence refers to an impaired skin barrier function as the main pathophysiology of SS (1,3,4,8,10,18,19). Analysis of these literatures also reveals this impaired barrier function which leads to the exposure of immune system cells and sensitive nerves, may trigger both vascular hyperreactivity and sensory perceptions (8,10).…”

“…Sensitive skin (SS) is a complex condition of subjective cutaneous hyper‐reactivity to various factors. It is self‐diagnosed and typically unaccompanied by any obvious physical signs of irritation . Patients with sensitive skin often present with subjective complaints of severe facial burning, stinging, itching and/or tight sensation.…”