Characteristics of Self-estimated Enhanced Skin Susceptibility

• Published in: Acta dermato-venereologica Vol. 81; no. 5; pp. 343 - 346
• Main Authors: LÖFFLER, Harald, DICKEL, Heinrich, KUSS, Oliver, DIEPGEN, Thomas L, EFFENDY, Isaak
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Uppsala Acta dermato-venereologica 01.10.2001
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Dermatitis, Irritant - etiology; Dermatitis, Irritant - pathology; Dermatology; Disease Susceptibility; Female; Humans; Linear Models; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Regional Blood Flow; Severity of Illness Index; Sex Distribution; Skin - blood supply; Skin - metabolism; Skin involvement in other diseases. Miscellaneous. General aspects; Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate - adverse effects; Surface-Active Agents - adverse effects; Human; Skin disease; Hydroelectrolytic balance disorder; Water loss; Contact dermatitis; Barrier function; Exploration; Dehydration; Irritation
• ISSN: 0001-5555
• DOI: 10.1080/000155501317140052

A considerable number of people complain about enhanced skin sensitivity. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of subjective statements and objective measurable parameters in subjects with self-estimated enhanced skin susceptibility. Four-hundred-and-twenty volunteers completed a questionnaire form with a self-estimation of skin susceptibility, possible triggering factors and other skin problems. In addition, basal values of transepidermal water loss, cutaneous blood flow and skin hydration were measured. One-hundred and fifty-two volunteers were also patch-tested with sodium lauryl sulphate 0.5% on the forearm and evaluated by bioengineering methods. We found no correlation between self-estimated skin susceptibility and bioengineering values, neither basal nor after sodium lauryl sulphate testing. These findings, along with interpretation of the questionnaire form, suggest that self-estimated enhanced skin susceptibility is a subjective problem mostly reported by women and of all ages.