Results from an extended study on the reliability of a questionnaire for the diagnosis of sensitive skin: Confirmations and improvements

Abstract

Objective A recently proposed self‐assessment questionnaire aimed at diagnosing sensitive skin provided promising results in a relatively small population. The main objectives were: (i) to assess the reliability of the aforementioned questionnaire in a larger population and verify the cut‐off score previously found to predict skin sensitivity (defined as positivity to LAST, lactic acid stinging test) and (ii) to define a formula that yields the probability of a positive LAST result. Methods Adult volunteers were included in this observational, cross‐sectional, extended study. Both LAST‐positive subjects, who were considered as having sensitive skin (‘patients’) and negative ones (‘controls’) completed the questionnaire, which concerned sensitivity to possible triggers of unpleasant skin sensations in real life. A cumulative score (questionnaire‐based skin sensitivity score, 0–10) was calculated from the sum of all items. Results Three hundred and sixty‐four subjects were enrolled, 214 patients and 150 controls. The mean questionnaire‐based skin sensitivity score was significantly higher among patients than controls. Using two different methods, cut‐off values of 4 and 5 were defined for the identification of LAST‐positive subjects, with 76.6% and 72.8% accuracy, respectively. Scores below 4 or above 5 showed a high (80% or better) negative or positive predictive value, respectively. The coefficients found that in multivariate analysis for each questionnaire item, gender and age allowed us to calculate the probability of LAST positivity with higher precision taking into account the ‘relative weight’ of each factor. Conclusion With small variations in the results, the self‐assessment questionnaire confirmed its reliability for diagnosing sensitive skin in clinical practice.

Systematic Study of Paeonol/Madecassoside Co-Delivery Nanoemulsion Transdermal Delivery System for Enhancing Barrier Repair and Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy

“…The pathogenesis of sensitive skin is complex and includes impaired skin barrier function, the presence of inflammatory reactions in the epidermis, and abnormalities of the sensory nervous system in the skin. These factors are often mutually reinforcing processes, resulting in a vicious cycle of sensitive skin problems that cannot be easily transformed into normal skin [ 6 , 7 , 8 ]. Therefore, it is crucial to develop skincare products to improve sensitive skin.…”