Sensitive skin: correlation with skin surface microrelief appearance

Authors: Sparavigna, Adele¹; Pietro, Antonino²; Setaro, Michele¹

Source: Skin Research and Technology, Volume 12, Number 1, February 2006 , pp. 7-10(4)

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Abstract:

Background/purpose:

Sensitive skin is a condition associated with reduced tolerance to environmental factors and/or the application of topical products, such as cosmetics. Its pathophysiology has not been fully elucidated and few data are available on its prevalence. The aim of this study was to investigate possible correlation between objective sensitivity and skin surface microrelief. Methods:

During an epidemiological survey conducted for a campaign promoted by International Society of Plastic Dermatology in Italy, 243 adult healthy subjects of both sexes with no evident dermatological disorder but positive to the lactic acid stinging test, were submitted to cyanoacrylate stratum corneum stripping from the volar forearm for the determination of the irregularity of the skin surface microrelief (irregularity skin index (ISI)). Results:

A significant correlation was found between intensity of symptoms in stingers and ISI (r_s=−0.47; P<0.001). Conclusion:

Sensitive skin is common in the healthy population. ISI can contribute towards the identification of subjects with sensitive skin and the development of more specific skin treatments for this prevalent condition.

Keywords: sensitive skin; fast Fourier transform; microrelief; skin surface properties

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.0909-725X.2006.00143.x

Affiliations: 1: Derming, Clinical Research and Bioengineering Institute, Monza, Milan, Italy and 2: International Society of Plastic Dermatology, ISPLAD, Milan, Italy

Publication date: 2006-02-01