A Retrospective Study Comparing Patient Self Reported Percepts using aValidated Sensitive Scale Questionnaire between Dermatologist Diagnosed SkinConditions in a Private Clinic Setting including Sensitive Skin Syndrome

Abstract

Sensitive skin syndrome; albeit reported in many countries worldwide; remained a condition of unknown etiology and pathogenesis. Some authorities speculate it as a skin condition continuum from mild to severe, its severity is difficult to assess. Our retrospective study aimed to draw a one- year new patient’s attendee clinical data comparing the patient self -reported percepts using a validated sensitive scale questionnaire between dermatologist diagnosed skin conditions in a private clinic setting including sensitive skin syndrome. The results suggested that allergic contact dermatitis, herpes zoster and sensitive skin syndrome diagnosed patients reported a similar mean Sensitive Scale-10 scores {46.07 (N= 91), 40.72 (N=35) and 41.38 (N=84); p >0.05} respectively. The mean SS 10 score was statistically significantly different from other skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and seborrhea dermatitis and control. The patterns of percepts distribution in terms of skin irritation, general discomfort, skin itchiness, tautness and pain between allergic contact dermatitis, herpes zoster and sensitive skin syndrome were similar. Though pain is more commonly reported it herpes zoster than itch. As how a patient perceives their somatic symptoms is one of the major reasons for their dermatology health seeking behavior, our study suggested that extreme acute form of sensitive skin syndrome may have a patient percepts similar to allergic contact dermatitis, herpes zoster psychosocially significantly affecting quality of life of the sufferers.