Abstract
ObjectiveThe mechanisms behind building-related symptoms have remained unknown despite many years of research. It is known that environmental and psychosocial factors are of importance. Some receptors in the Transient Receptor Potential family elicit the same symptoms when stimulated, as reported by those suffering from building-related symptoms. The aim of this study was to compare capsaicin sensitivity between people with and without skin symptoms. A second aim was to investigate perceived stress among individuals with different levels of capsaicin sensitivity.MethodsPeople referred to an occupational health care unit and judged to have building-related symptoms by a physician answered a questionnaire regarding their symptoms. Solutions with different capsaicin concentrations were applied to participants’ nasolabial folds. Self-reported stress and burnout were assessed using two questionnaires: the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Shirom-Melamed Burnout Questionnaire (SMBQ).ResultsWe found that people who reported facial erythema or itching, stinging, tight or burning facial skin were more sensitive than those without symptoms and similarities with Sensitive Skin are discussed. We also found that participants who reacted to the lowest capsaicin concentrations scored significantly higher on scales for stress and burnout.ConclusionsWe found associations between sensitivity to capsaicin and skin symptoms among people with building-related symptoms, as well as associations between capsaicin sensitivity and perceived stress/burnout.
Highlights
The occurrence of building-related symptoms (BRS), that some people perceive when they stay in certain buildings has been known for a long time, as well as different risk factors like low ventilation (Fisk et al 2009; Ige et al 2018), dampness and mould (Sauni et al 2015) and inadequate cleaning (Kemp et al 2004; Skulberg et al 2004)
Participants who reported to have itching/stinging/tight/burning facial skin and those with facial erythema were more sensitive to capsaicin than those without symptoms
There was no significant difference between the groups for dry facial skin or body itch (Table 2)
Summary
The occurrence of building-related symptoms (BRS), that some people perceive when they stay in certain buildings has been known for a long time, as well as different risk factors like low ventilation (Fisk et al 2009; Ige et al 2018), dampness and mould (Sauni et al 2015) and inadequate cleaning (Kemp et al 2004; Skulberg et al 2004) All these factors affect indoor air quality and chemical content of the air, but the mechanisms resulting in symptoms remain unknown. The possible effects of stress on epidermis and the association to symptoms mediated by TRPV1 makes the receptor to an interesting object to study as a candidate to mediate building-related skin symptoms. The second aim was to investigate if individuals with high sensitivity to capsaicin report higher levels of stress (both short term and long term) than individuals with low capsaicin sensitivity
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