ABSTRACT
Today, hardly any cosmetic preparation without the label “for sensitive skin”
can be found. Indeed, what is “sensitive skin”?
For many patients, “sensitive skin” stands in general for allergic reactions to
common contact allergens, e.g., nickel (de Lacharriere et al., 2001; Francomano
et al., 2000). Their main problems are eczematous skin reactions due to contact
(e.g., in costume jewelry), or by ingestion of food, followed by hematogenic
eczema (Hindsen et al., 2001). Other patients which are particularly affected by
the problem of “sensitive skin” are atopic individuals (Amin and Maibach, 1996;
Basketter et al., 1996; Löffler and Effendy, 1999; Mills and Berger, 1991; Tupker
et al., 1995a). These individuals develop atopic dermatitis caused by numerous
triggers. Exogenous triggers (e.g., chemical or mechanical irritation, allergens,
climatic conditions, wrong skin care, nutrition) are for these patients as relevant
as endogenous ones (e.g., psychological stress, endogenous eruption, predis-
position to dry, xerotic skin) (Diepgen et al., 1989; Tupker et al., 1995a; Tupker
et al., 1995b). The atopic individual describes his skin in the symptom free
intervals as a “sensitive skin” which can be transformed by a combination of
the mentioned triggers to a clinically visible atopic eczema. Indeed, many
patients with acute eczematous problems complain about “sensitive skin.” This
is so far understandable, since all kinds of eczema are frequently accompanied
by a skin barrier disruption leading to the so-called “sensitive skin,” since due
to this barrier disruption or even slight irritations (hand washing) may lead to
a clinically visible skin reaction (e.g., worsening of the underlying dermatitis)
(Effendy et al., 1996). Such a skin reaction may concern individuals with rosacea,
irritant dermatitis, nummular eczema and exsiccation eczema as well (Meding
et al., 2001).
