Expert consensus statement on diagnosis and management of sensitive skin in current clinical practice

Hema Pant; Nina Madnani; Sachin Dhawan; Anchala Parthasaradhi; M. K. Shetty; Maya Vedamurthy

doi:10.18203/issn.2455-4529.IntJResDermatol20214924

Authors

Hema Pant SCULPT Aesthetic and Cosmetic Clinic, Defence Colony, New Delhi, India
Nina Madnani Department of Dermatology, P. D. Hinduja National Hospital and Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Sachin Dhawan Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Skin n Smiles Dermatology and Aesthetics Clinic, Gurugram, Haryana
Anchala Parthasaradhi Department of Dermatology Maheswara Medical College, Patancheru, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
M. K. Shetty Dr. Shetty’s Aesthetics, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Maya Vedamurthy RSV Skin and Laser Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2455-4529.IntJResDermatol20214924

Keywords:

Sensitive skin, Cleanser, Moisturizer, Sunscreen

Abstract

Sensitive skin is a very commonly seen entity in current dermatological practice that has a significant impact on quality of life. The pathophysiology, classification, diagnosis, and treatment of sensitive skin have evolved over the years, with new studies trying to bring about new robust evidence about the same. The current consensus aims at providing a comprehensive overview on evidence and experience-based approaches for sensitive skin. A total of 35 experts in the field of clinical dermatology participated in expert group meetings organized via teleconference webinar. Current evidence elaborating various aspects like classification, diagnosis, and management of sensitive skin along with clinical experience of experts were discussed in detail. The prerequisites for selecting suitable products, importance of cosmeceuticals as adjunctive therapy and the need for avoiding triggering factors in individuals with sensitive skin as well as associated dermatological disorders were also described. In addition to medical history, physical examination and routine investigations, a draft checklist and its clinical relevance in accurately diagnosing sensitive skin were emphasized upon by the experts. The overall management encompasses avoidance of individual trigger factors, thorough topical therapy using mild, non-irritating ingredients along with adjunctive therapies like moisturizers, sunscreens, and cleansers. The “two-week” strategy was described to be a useful approach for treating sensitive skin. This review article provides a consensus clinical viewpoint of expert dermatologists for effective evaluation, differential diagnosis and appropriate pharmacological as well as non-pharmacological management of sensitive skin in Indian subjects.

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