Sensitive skin etiology

Sensitive skin is a cutaneous condition of subjective hyperreactivity to xenobiotic factors (3). Approximately 40% of population consider themselves to possess the characteristics of sensitive skin (4). The lack of knowledge in understanding mechanisms involved make this concept difficult to define. However, recent investigations seem to confirm, as a probable etiology, the increase on the permeability of the stratum comeum possibly due to an unbalance of the stratum comeiun lipids. This circiunstance will give rise to an increase of the cutaneous penetration of exogenous factors and to an acceleration of the nerve response in the cutaneous receptors present in the epidermis vriiich could cause harmful effects on sensitive skin (5). The current skin hygiene habits facilitate these circumstances and thus, the existence of many cases of sensitive skin. 

Reports of Stoddard solvent as an etiologic agent in the development of aplastic anemia are of questionable validity. Skin exposure may cause dermatitis and sensitization. ... 

Extensive studies have been done on a clearly defined asthma syndrome produced by exposure to western red cedar. ° Plicatic acid has been identified as the etiologic agent. The western red cedar asthma syndrome includes rhinitis, conjunctivitis, wheezing, cough, and nocturnal attacks of breathlessness characterized by a precipitous decline in FEVi. There is no apparent relation between skin sensitivity and respiratory changes. No precipitating IgG antibodies are found in the serum of sensitized individuals, and circulating IgE antibodies are present in about one-third of affected individuals. 

Iododerma, which is thought to be an allergic reaction, starts with an acneiform lesion, localized in the area of the sebaceous glands, which spreads to form verrucous granulomatous lesions (61,62). After discontinuation of iodide, the skin clears over a few weeks. In addition to this typical picture of iodide sensitivity, iodide can cause urticaria and erythema and even hemorrhagic rashes. In order to verify the etiology of the skin conditions in certain cases, sensitivity testing may be required, but is not without risk. 

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