Sensitive Skin Syndrome: A Low-Noise Small-Fiber Neuropathy Related to Environmental Factors?

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

Patients frequently complain of mild, transient, unpleasant skin sensations that cannot be diagnosed as common neuropathies. Dermatologists have termed these symptoms "sensitive skin syndrome." This narrative review was performed for a better knowledge by other specialists.

DATABASES AND DATA TREATMENT: Publications on pain in sensitive skin syndrome were obtained from PubMed.

RESULTS

There is a growing body of data supporting the concept that sensitive skin is a type of small-fiber neuropathy. The arguments are based on clinical data, a decrease in intra-epidermal nerve fiber density, quantitative sensory testing abnormalities and an association with irritable bowel syndrome and sensitive eyes. Sensitive skin is triggered by environmental factors. Sensitive skin is a frequent condition, with a lifetime prevalence of ~50% according to self-reports.

CONCLUSIONS

Mild levels of skin pain or itch are frequently experienced by patients, who rarely report them. There is a need for a better knowledge of sensitive skin because it can be the first level of small-fiber neuropathies.