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The complex problem of sensitive skin
Author(s) -
Marriott Marie,
Holmes Jo,
Peters Lisa,
Cooper Karen,
Rowson Matthew,
Basketter David A.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
contact dermatitis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0536
pISSN - 0105-1873
DOI - 10.1111/j.0105-1873.2005.00653.x
Subject(s) - benzalkonium chloride , sensitive skin , dermatology , medicine , menthol , population , patch test , forearm , benzoic acid , irritant contact dermatitis , allergy , contact dermatitis , chemistry , surgery , pathology , immunology , biochemistry , environmental health , organic chemistry
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 × 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.