Statistical Observation of Sensitive Skin and Evaluation of Subjective Irritation Using Lactic Acid Sting Test.
- Author:
Hyo Sub RYU
1
;
Do Won KIM
;
Seok Jong LEE
;
Gun Yeon NA
;
Sang Lip CHUNG
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Taegu, Korea. kimdw@knu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Sensitive skin;
Subjective irritation;
Lactic acid sting test
- MeSH:
Bites and Stings*;
Cheek;
Epidemiologic Studies;
Female;
Humans;
Incidence;
Irritants;
Lactic Acid*;
Male;
Patient Selection;
Prevalence;
Seasons;
Self Concept;
Self-Assessment;
Skin*;
Volunteers;
Surveys and Questionnaires
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
2002;40(8):874-885
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Sensitive skin has been described as a skin type showing higher reactivity than normal skin and developing exaggerated reactions when exposed to internal stimulants and external irritants. The lactic acid sting test is widely accepted as a marker of skin sensitivity and employed for the selection of subjects experiencing invisible sensory irritation. OBJECTIVE: To carry out an epidemiological study to assess the prevalence and possible related factors of sensitive skin in a regional population, and to examine the relationship between sensitive skin and subjective irritation using the lactic acid sting test. METHODS: A total of 514 people responded to self-assessment questionnaires composed of questions about the self-perception, related factors, symptoms and signs of sensitive skin. We assessed subjective irritation using the lactic acid sting test in 54 volunteers. RESULTS: The results are summarized as follows: 1. The incidences of self-reported sensitive skin were 55.7% for women, 38.9% for men and 51.0% for all responders. 2. The family history and seasonal variation of sensitive skin were significantly more common in sensitive skin group. 3. The face especially the cheek area was the most sensitive portion of body, cosmetics were common irritants. 4. The lactic acid stinging scores were significantly higher in the sensitive skin group. CONCLUSION: Our survey indicated that sensitive skin is a common problem for people and a complex problem with genetic, individual, environmental implications and the lactic acid sting test is a valuable method to define skin sensitivity.
