Evaluation of sensitive skin syndrome and affecting factors in children

Aim: Sensitive skin syndrome (SSS) is known as a syndrome characterized by increased skin sensitivity to environmental factors and chemical stimuli, characterized by the emergence of unpleasant sensations (stinging, burning, etc.). There are not enough studies in children in the literature. In addition, SSS seriously affects the quality of life of patients. The aim of this study is to try to determine the frequency of sensitive skin syndrome in children, compare it with literature information, and evaluate sociodemographic factors and other environmental factors that may contribute. Method: Our study investigated the frequency of sensitive skin syndrome in healthy children without any underlying chronic disease who were admitted to the General Pediatric Outpatient Clinic of Dicle University Faculty of Medicine for routine follow-up between April and October 2024. The study was based on questionnaires filled out by the patients' mothers. Results: Of the 176 participating mothers who filled out our survey, 31.8% were college graduates. The proportion of male participant children was determined as 53.4% and the average age was determined as 6.1±4.5 years. Sensitive skin was found in 76.7%, irritation-prone skin in 62.5%, reactive skin in 39.2%, and facial skin was more sensitive than other body parts in 48.9% of the participant children. These characteristics were statistically significantly higher in children with RDS (p<0.001). In addition, significantly higher reaction levels to substances containing chemicals (p=0.014) and history were found in children with sensitive skin (p=0.005). It was also found that children with sensitive skin were more affected by all weather changes and freezing weather (p<0.05). Conclusion: In our study, similar to the literature, a higher reactivity to chemical products, weather conditions and physical irritants was found in children with sensitive skin. In addition, the number and scope of studies on SSS in the literature are generally insufficient. More extensive studies are needed on this subject, especially for children. Keywords: Sensitive, Skin, Irritant, Reaction