title: The complex problem of sensitive skin.
abstract: There exists within the population subsets of individuals who display heightened skin reactivity to materials the majority find tolerable. In a series of investigations, we have examined interrelationships between many of the endpoints associated with the term 'sensitive skin'. In the most recent work, 58 volunteers were treated with 10% lactic acid, 50% ethanol, 0.5% menthol and 1.0% capsaicin on the nasolabial fold, unoccluded, with sensory reactions recorded at 2.5 min, 5 min and 8 min after application. Urticant susceptibility was evaluated with 1 m benzoic acid and 125 mM trans-cinnamic acid applied to the volar forearm for 20 min. A 2 x 23-h patch test was also conducted using 0.1% and 0.3% sodium dodecyl sulfate, 0.3% and 0.6% cocamidopropyl betaine and 0.1% and 0.2% benzalkonium chloride to determine irritant susceptibility. As found in previous studies, increased susceptibility to one endpoint was not predictive of sensitivity to another. In our experience, nasolabial stinging was a poor predictor of general skin sensitivity. Nevertheless, it may be possible to identify in the normal population individuals who, coincidentally, are more generally sensitive to a range of non-immunologic adverse skin reactions. Whether such individuals are those who experience problems with skin care products remains to be addressed.
authors: Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre, Unilever Colworth Laboratory, Sharnbrook, Bedford, MK44 1LQ, UK. marie.marriott@unilever.com
authors: Marie
authors: M
authors: Marriott
authors: Jo
authors: J
authors: Holmes
authors: Lisa
authors: L
authors: Peters
authors: Karen
authors: K
authors: Cooper
authors: Matthew
authors: M
authors: Rowson
authors: David A
authors: DA
authors: Basketter
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D017453:Dermatitis, Irritant / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007509:Irritants / Q000633:toxicity*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010328:Patch Tests; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D007509:Irritants