[Neuropeptides and their receptors as a molecular explanation for sensitive skin].

The concept of sensitive skin represents a symptom of physiological reactions rather than a disease entity. According to epidemiological studies, up to 50% of adults report on sensitivity of the face with various distinctive symptoms such as prickling, burning, tingling, pain or itching. These sensations can be mediated by receptors expressed on neurons and keratinocytes. The heat receptor TRPV1 is for example involved in nociception and mediates not only warmth but also burning. Furthermore, neurotrophins and exogenic factors such as stress may have a biological role as discussed in this review.