Perceptions of sensitive skin: women with urinary incontinence

Abstract

Urinary incontinence is common among women, and these individuals may have different perceptions about sensitive skin than the general population. We used an epidemiological approach to determine patterns of perceived sensitive skin among incontinent women. In addition, perceptions about sensitivity to certain products and environmental factors were evaluated. A total of 29 women over the age of 50 suffering from light urinary incontinence filled out questionnaires designed to evaluate perceptions of sensitive skin in general, and at specific body sites (face, body and genital area). Results were compared to age- and gender-matched control subjects. A significant difference was found between incontinence and controls for perceived sensitivity in general, however, no significant differences were found for perceived sensitivity at the three specific body sites, i.e., face, body and genital area. The majority of participants in both the control and incontinent groups were fairly consistent with the perception of sensitive skin in general and sensitive skin of the face and body. Both groups were less consistent in describing the skin of the genital area. Responses of the two groups were similar regarding the perception of the certain environmental factors and products cause irritation. A significantly higher percentage of subjects with urinary incontinence describe their skin overall as "sensitive". Incontinents tended to describe the skin of the genital area as less sensitive than skin overall, whereas the controls tended to the genital area as more sensitive.