title: [Sensitive skin: a complex syndrome].
abstract: Epidemiologic studies indicate that ever larger numbers of people report having sensitive skin, for which a European prevalence of 50% is estimated. Sensitive skin is characterized by hyperreactivity, with manifestations varying in relation to many factors. The pathogenesis of this disorder is poorly understood, although studies point to a biophysical mechanism. Objective diagnosis of sensitive skin is difficult, as information comes mainly from the patient's report of symptoms in the absence of effective, strongly predictive tests because of great interindividual variability in skin sensitivity. Substances that trigger a reaction in hypersensitive skin also vary greatly. The impact of this syndrome on quality of life is considerable and patients often present psychiatric symptoms; therefore, dermatologists should explore this possibility when taking a patient's history. Patient cooperation and physician persistence are both essential for treating sensitive skin.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Universitario de Son Espases, Palma de Mallorca, España. jetpalma@hotmail.com
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Escalas-Taberner
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: González-Guerra
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Guerra-Tapia
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015897:Comorbidity; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000009:adverse effects; D003872:Dermatitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D004643:Emollients / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008043:Linseed Oil / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D044469:Racial Groups; D015595:Skin Aging; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents; D003358:Cosmetics; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D004643:Emollients; D008043:Linseed Oil