Sensitive skin – background, clinical symptoms and management

Abstract

The prevalence of sensitive skin in various populations is about 25-50% and it is especially common among young women. It’s background can be physiological, iatrogenic, provoked by environmental influences or related to cosmetic „abuse”, medical or aesthetic treatments. It might be essential diagnostic symptom of certain skin diseases (eg. atopic dermatitis, rosacea, perioral dermatitis, seborrhoea), but it can also exist without a dermatological cause and can even accompany internal diseases. The management of any underlying disease, modification of the daily skin care routine, use of appropiate products and avoidance of irritating and sensitizing ingredients are the most important factors in treatment of sensitive skin.