Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Using Facial Electromyography to Assess Facial Muscle Reactions to Experienced and Observed Affective Touch in Humans
Published on: March 15, 2019
Psychiatric factors in patients with sensitive skin
E Zafiriou1, N V Angelopoulos, E Zintzaras
1Department of Dermatology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.
Abstract:
The term sensitive skin has been used to describe a clinical phenomenon of skin hyperreactivity induced after exposure to different external factors. The diagnosis is mainly based on patient's self-assessment because of the lack of objective clinical signs of the disease. The aim of this study was to investigate psychiatric factors in patients with sensitive skin and to estimate the possible need for psychological intervention to these patients. Thirty-seven patients with sensitive skin and 38 individuals with nonsensitive skin were studied. The psychometric instruments used were the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) and the Delusions-Symptoms-States Inventory/states of Anxiety and Depression (DSSI/sAD). Statistically significant differences in subjects with sensitive skin compared to those with nonsensitive skin were observed in the SCL-90 subscales of somatization, phobic anxiety, hostility, interpersonal sensitivity and the DSSI/sAD subscale of anxiety. Our findings suggest that somatization, anxiety, phobic anxiety, hostility and interpersonal sensitivity symptoms may be associated with hypersensitivity of human skin. Psychological factors should be taken into consideration in the treatment of patients with sensitive skin.
Related Concept Videos
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within the...
Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Staphylococcal Skin Infections

