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Intravital Two-Photon Imaging of Touch Sensory Axon Morphology in Mouse Skin
Published on: December 30, 2025
Putative neuronal mechanisms of sensitive skin
Sonja Ständer1, Stefan W Schneider, Carsten Weishaupt
1Department of Dermatology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany. sonja.staender@uni-muenster.de
Experimental Dermatology
|April 22, 2009
Summary
Sensitive skin, affecting up to 50% of adults, involves prickling, burning, and itching. This review explores neuronal mechanisms, including sensory receptors and neurotrophins, potentially causing sensitive skin reactions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology and Neuroscience
Background:
- Epidemiological studies indicate up to 50% of adults experience facial sensitivity.
- Sensitive skin is characterized by symptoms like prickling, burning, tingling, pain, or itching.
- It is recognized as a physiological reaction syndrome, not a distinct disease entity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on sensitive skin syndrome.
- To describe the potential underlying neuronal pathomechanisms involved in sensitive skin.
- To explore the role of specific sensory receptors, neurotrophins, and stress in sensitive skin.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiological studies and scientific publications.
- Analysis of research on neuronal pathways and sensory receptors.
- Discussion of the influence of neurotrophins and psychological stress.
Main Results:
- Sensitive skin is a common condition with diverse symptoms.
- Neuronal mechanisms involving sensory receptors like TRPV1 and endothelin receptors are implicated.
- Neurotrophins and stress are considered potential contributing factors to sensitive skin.
Conclusions:
- Sensitive skin involves complex neuronal pathways.
- Sensory receptors on nerve fibers and keratinocytes may play a key role.
- Further research into neurotrophins and stress is warranted to understand and manage sensitive skin.
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