The burden of sensitive skin

Abstract

Sensitive Skin Syndrome (SSS) is a highly prevalent dermatological disease in many ethnic groups. It affects more likely women than men. It tends to improve when aging. SSS may be associated with other skin diseases such as seborrheic dermatitis, atypical psoriasis, rosacea, perioral dermatitis and atopic dermatitis. Extrinsic factors may worsen it, such as inadequate use of cosmetics, but also environmental factors or lifestyle. Physiopathology of SSS is not completely elucidated, but it appears that the major causative factors are defects in the skin barrier function, but also increased neurosensorial stimulation. Diagnosis must be careful, as it depends merely on the patient’s assertions. After eviction of other concomitant dermatitis, the questionnaire is important, and a battery of physical trials may help in establishing the diagnosis. Allergic conditions, which may feature similar symptoms as those of SSS, must also be discarded. Medical treatment consists of topical glucocorticoids or inhibitors of calcineurin in acute phase, whilst cosmetic treatment must be emphasized, focusing on cosmetics specially formulated for sensitive skin, hydration and sun protection.