[Principles of treatment and protection for sensitive skin]

Patients with sensitive skin complain of itching, burning, pricking or stretching sensations of the skin and even pain following application of external agents or exposure to certain environmental factors. In most cases of sensitive skin the cause remains unclear and allergic contact dermatitis, toxic irritant dermatitis or contact urticaria can be diagnosed only in a few patients. After exclusion of known exogenous or endogenous causes patients should be informed on the characteristics of sensitive skin. Potential irritating substances and procedures should be extensively avoided or utilized cautiously.