Pathophysiological Study of Sensitive Skin.
Sensitive skin is a clinical syndrome characterized by the occurrence of unpleasant sensations, such as pruritus, burning or pain, in response to various factors, including skincare products, water, cold, heat, or other physical and/or chemical factors. Although these symptoms suggest inflammation and the activation of peripheral innervation, the pathophysiogeny of sensitive skin remains unknown. We systematically analysed cutaneous biopsies from 50 healthy women with non-sensitive or sensitive skin and demonstrated that the intraepidermal nerve fibre density, especially that of peptidergic C-fibres, was lower in the sensitive skin group. These fibres are involved in pain, itching and temperature perception, and their degeneration may promote allodynia and similar symptoms. These results suggest that the pathophysiology of skin sensitivity resembles that of neuropathic pruritus within the context of small fibre neuropathy, and that environmental factors may alter skin innervation.
Laboratory of Neurosciences of Brest (EA4685), University of Western Brittany, Avenue Camille Desmoulins, 29238 Brest Cedex, France.
Virginie
V
Buhé
Katell
K
Vié
Christelle
C
Guéré
Audrey
A
Natalizio
Céline
C
Lhéritier
Christelle
C
Le Gall-Ianotto
Flavien
F
Huet
Matthieu
M
Talagas
Nicolas
N
Lebonvallet
Pascale
P
Marcorelles
Jean-Luc
JL
Carré
Laurent
L
Misery
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D001706:Biopsy; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000032:analysis; D008875:Middle Aged; D036421:Nerve Fibers, Unmyelinated / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology*; D010146:Pain / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011537:Pruritus / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012867:Skin / Q000294:innervation*
D015415:Biomarkers; D018836:Inflammation Mediators