title: Characteristics of self-estimated enhanced skin susceptibility.
abstract: A considerable number of people complain about enhanced skin sensitivity. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of subjective statements and objective measurable parameters in subjects with self-estimated enhanced skin susceptibility. Four-hundred-and-twenty volunteers completed a questionnaire form with a self-estimation of skin susceptibility, possible triggering factors and other skin problems. In addition, basal values of transepidermal water loss, cutaneous blood flow and skin hydration were measured. One-hundred and fifty-two volunteers were also patch-tested with sodium lauryl sulphate 0.5% on the forearm and evaluated by bioengineering methods. We found no correlation between self-estimated skin susceptibility and bioengineering values, neither basal nor after sodium lauryl sulphate testing. These findings, along with interpretation of the questionnaire form, suggest that self-estimated enhanced skin susceptibility is a subjective problem mostly reported by women and of all ages.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Philipp-University of Marburg, Germany. Harald.Loeffler@mailer.uni-marburg.de
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Löffler
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Dickel
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Kuss
authors.forename: T L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Diepgen
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Effendy
mesh_terms: D017453:Dermatitis, Irritant / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply / Q000378:metabolism; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D013501:Surface-Active Agents; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate