By Allison Sit
Dermatology Advisor and Physician’s Weekly each shared a HealthDay article about a JDD study on a possible relationship between hyperhidrosis and sensitive skin. The study, “Primary Hyperhidrosis and Sensitive Skin: Exploring the Link with Predictive Machine Learning-Based Classification Models,” was conducted by researchers at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Virginia Tech University. Researchers hypothesized that cholinergic stimulation may contribute to sensitive skin flares, since sweat, stress and hot temperatures are known to exacerbate sensitive skin. Since cholinergic stimulation contributes to the pathophysiology of primary hyperhidrosis, the researchers conducted a study to determine if there is a relationship between the conditions.
The International Hyperhidrosis Society publicized the survey, which had more than 600 respondents who reported symptoms of primary hyperhidrosis. Researchers found sensitive skin occurred in 90 percent of respondents with primary hyperhidrosis. In addition, researchers found a correlation between increased hyperhidrosis and sensitive skin scores. Participants reported sensitive skin on areas of the body that experienced hyperhidrosis as well as areas of the body that did not. The authors wrote that screening patients with primary hyperhidrosis for sensitive skin may be necessary.
HealthDay also wrote about a JDD report on poppers dermatitis. The brief communication, “A Brief Report of 13 Cases of Poppers Dermatitis,” sought to gather details from published reports in order to help dermatologists recognize and manage this condition. Commonly used during sexual intercourse among men who have sex with men, poppers are psychoactive inhalants that can relax anal sphincter muscles. Poppers consist of alkyl nitrite compounds that can cause irritant contact dermatitis, and previous sensitization can induce allergic contact dermatitis. The authors found poppers dermatitis most commonly presents as erythematous, crusted, impetiginized and vesicular lesions in the perinasal and perioral regions. Spillage can also lead to lesions in other areas of the body, including the thigh, ankles, penis and scrotum. The authors recommend considering bacterial cultures and antibiotics when needed as there is an increased risk for concurrent skin and soft tissue infections. The authors also recommend patch testing with aqueous 2% alkyl nitrite when poppers dermatitis is suspected. The authors acknowledge that the popularity of poppers among men who have sex with men makes discontinuing use an unpopular recommendation, so dermatologists should provide poppers dermatitis patients with strategies for managing symptoms, including topical steroids and emollients.
Dermatology Times wrote about a JDD study on skin cleansing advances. The study, “Efficacy and Tolerance of a Polymeric Surfactant Technology-Based Cleanser for Clinically Diagnosed Sensitive Skin,” was conducted by Zoe D. Draelos, MD, FAAD, and researchers with Johnson & Johnson. The four-week clinical study of 85 subjects evaluated a cosmetic foaming facial gel cleanser with polymeric surfactant technology in a diverse population with sensitive skin. The cleanser was well-tolerated and subjects saw a reduction in stinging, itching, burning, tightness and overall sensitivity at 2 and 4 weeks. The investigator and subjects observed improvements in smoothness, softness, clarity, radiance and overall skin appearance at 2 and 4 weeks. The authors wrote that the new technology allows the production of a high-quality foam cleanser that does not lead to surfactant-induced skin irritation in people with sensitive skin.
