Neuropsychiatric factors in sensitive skin

Abstract

Sensitive skin is a syndrome defined by the occurrence of unpleasant sensations (stinging, burning, pain, pruritus, and tingling sensations) in response to stimuli that normally should not provoke such sensations. The worldwide prevalence of sensitive skin is approximately 40%. Clinical, histologic, biochemical, and therapeutic data show that this condition is related to changes in epidermal nerve endings with subsequent hyperreactivity and neurogenic inflammation; hence, sensitive skin is not a psychosomatic disorder, although psychologic consequences are possible.