Sensitive skin in Brazil and Russia: An epidemiological and comparative approach

Abstract

Sensitive skin in Brazil and Russia: An epidemiological and comparative approachBackground: Sensitive skin is characterized by the occurrence of sensations of tingling, prickling, heat, burning, pain or itching and, on occasion, erythema, in response to multiple physical, chemical or hormonal factors that do not have irritant properties by themselves. Objective: We chose here to evaluate sensitive skin in two countries with very different populations, climates and lifestyles: Russia and Brazil. Method: Representative nationwide samples of the Russian and Brazilian populations aged 15 and over were selected. The same methodology was used: the individuals were questioned by telephone and selected as per the quotas method (sex, age, householder profession, rural/urban location and region). Results: In the Brazilian population, 22.3% versus 45.7%, in favour of women, reported having a "sensitive" skin. Significant differences were only observed by geographic residence. In the Russian population, 25.4% versus 50.1%, in favour of women, reported having a "sensitive" skin. Significant differences were observed in skin sensitivity according to social-professional categories, region of residence and subject age. The same results were found in both populations for sensitivity to cosmetics and food intake. Conclusion: Respondents with rather sensitive or very sensitive skin are 2 or 3 times more reactive to climatic, environmental factors, cosmetics and food intake.

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

“…In particular, some studies included only women, 10 whereas other studies used quota methods and included as many men as women. 7,12,13,22 Some linguistic or cultural differences could also explain these variations and differences in the distribution of phototypes. For example, SS affected 66% of women and 51% of men in a recent study of 5000 persons.…”

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

“…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. The first epidemiological study of sensitive skin was conducted in the United Kingdom in 2001; then, studies were conducted in many countries throughout the world, including Belgium, China, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the United States of America, Brazil, Japan and Russia . All these studies used similar methodologies that were based on surveys of samples of the population aged 15 years and older but were not always performed in accordance with representative sampling; relevant information collected included gender, age, head of household's occupation, type of geographical area (metropolis, town, countryside) and region.…”

“…The first epidemiological study of sensitive skin was conducted in the United Kingdom in 2001 7 ; then, studies were conducted in many countries throughout the world, including Belgium, China, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the United States of America, Brazil, Japan and Russia. [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] All these studies used similar methodologies that were based on surveys of samples of the population aged 15 years and older but were not always performed in accordance with representative sampling; relevant information collected included gender, age, head of household's occupation, type of geographical area (metropolis, town, countryside) and region. The relatively low nonresponse rate to the question 'Do you have sensitive skin?'…”

Epidemiology of fragile skin: Internet-based surveys in Mexico and Russia

“…Although there are currently limited data on the perceived prevalence of fragile skin in general adult populations, previous studies have evaluated the prevalence of reactive (sensitive) skin in individuals from a range of different populations, including the UK,18 France,19 Europe,20 Japan,21 Brazil and Russia,22 and the USA 23. Individuals reported a high prevalence of perceived reactive skin in these studies and, in general, reactive skin appeared to be reported more frequently in females than in males 24.…”