Table 5.

Expert recommendations on clinical diagnostic criteria for sensitive skin.

Expert recommendations on clinical diagnostic criteria for sensitive skin

Most panelists diagnosed sensitive skin primarily through the observation of a constellation of signs and symptoms, which included redness, dryness, scaling, peeling, the appearance of bumps and hives, along with sensations of burning, tightness, itching, stinging, pain, and dysesthesia. The expert group strongly recommends the utilization of a standardized questionnaire to assess self-reported cases of sensitive skin, avoiding direct inquiries to prevent reporting bias and ensure accurate, unbiased symptom assessment. Integrating objective tests, specifically the SLS challenge, TEWL measurement using a Tewameter®*, and the lactic acid sting test, is recommended to enhance the assessment quality for sensitive skin. These tests provide objective, quantifiable data that complements self-reported symptoms. The Pons Guiraud and Muizzuddin classification systems can be incorporated into clinical practice for a comprehensive assessment of sensitive skin, aligning with the physician’s evaluation.

SLS: Sodium lauryl sulfate; TEWL: Transepidermal water loss. *A scientific instrument used to measure TEWL.