Sensitive skin

Abstract

Sensitive skin (or reactive, hypereactive, intolerant or irritable skin) is defined 1,3,5,13,19 by the onset of erythema and/or pruritus, prickling, burning or tingling sensations (sometimes pain) due to various factors, which may be physical (UV radiation, heat, cold, wind), chemical (cosmetics, soap, water, pollution), psychological (stress) or hormonal (menstrual cycle). Sensitive skin was initially described on the face, but other locations are possible, mainly the scalp and the hands.12,13 © 2010 Springer-Verlag London.