Pathophysiology and management of sensitive skin: position paper from the special interest group on sensitive skin of the International Forum for the Study of Itch (IFSI)

• Published in: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Vol. 34; no. 2; pp. 222 - 229
• Main Authors: Misery, L., Weisshaar, E., Brenaut, E., Evers, A.W.M., Huet, F., Ständer, S., Reich, A., Berardesca, E., Serra‐Baldrich, E., Wallengren, J., Linder, D., Fluhr, J.W., Szepietowski, J.C., Maibach, H., Honari, Golara, Le Gall‐Ianotto, Christelle, Takamori, Kenji, Richters, Renée
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Wiley 01-02-2020
• Subjects: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology; Cell Behavior; Cellular Biology; Clinical Medicine; Dermatologi och venereologi; Dermatology; Dermatology and Venereal Diseases; Hematology; Human health and pathology; Humans; Klinisk medicin; Life Sciences; Medical and Health Sciences; Medicin och hälsovetenskap; Molecular biology; Pain; Paresthesia; Pruritus - drug therapy; Public Opinion; Skin Diseases
• ISSN: 0926-9959; 1468-3083
• DOI: 10.1111/jdv.16000

The special interest group on sensitive skin of the International Forum for the Study of Itch previously defined sensitive skin as a syndrome defined by the occurrence of unpleasant sensations (stinging, burning, pain, pruritus and tingling sensations) in response to stimuli that normally should not provoke such sensations. This additional paper focuses on the pathophysiology and the management of sensitive skin. Sensitive skin is not an immunological disorder but is related to alterations of the skin nervous system. Skin barrier abnormalities are frequently associated, but there is no cause and direct relationship. Further studies are needed to better understand the pathophysiology of sensitive skin – as well as the inducing factors. Avoidance of possible triggering factors and the use of well‐tolerated cosmetics, especially those containing inhibitors of unpleasant sensations, might be suggested for patients with sensitive skin. The role of psychosocial factors, such as stress or negative expectations, might be relevant for subgroups of patients. To date, there is no clinical trial supporting the use of topical or systemic drugs in sensitive skin. The published data are not sufficient to reach a consensus on sensitive skin management. In general, patients with sensitive skin require a personalized approach, taking into account various biomedical, neural and psychosocial factors affecting sensitive skin.