Sore sensitive skin: what to know

Sensitive skin may sting, burn, itch, feel tight, or hurt after products, weather changes, heat, friction, or washing. Dryness and a disrupted outer barrier allow irritants to reach more sensitive nerve endings. Redness, scaling, cracks, or a rash may instead suggest dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis commonly causes itchy, inflamed, dry skin; perioral dermatitis affects the area around the mouth; and rosacea may cause facial flushing, burning, and sensitivity. The location, appearance, timing, and triggers are more useful than the sensation alone.

Pause newly introduced products, exfoliating acids, scrubs, essential oils, and fragranced cosmetics. Cleanse with lukewarm water and a gentle, non-perfumed product, then apply a plain moisturiser while the skin is slightly damp. Reduce rubbing, heat, and wind exposure, and use shade or a well-tolerated sunscreen outdoors. Reintroduce products one at a time only after the skin is settled. A clinician can check for dermatitis, rosacea, allergy, infection, or another cause and choose treatment that matches the affected area.

Arrange a review if soreness keeps returning, lasts despite stopping an irritant, spreads, or interferes with sleep or daily activities. Seek urgent help for rapidly increasing swelling, widespread blistering, skin peeling, breathing difficulty, eye pain, or swelling of the lips or tongue. Facial redness with warmth, pus, fever, or rapidly expanding tenderness can indicate infection and should be assessed promptly. Do not use a leftover steroid or strong active on the face without guidance, because the wrong product can worsen some rashes.

Which ingredients or exposures could be irritating my skin? Does the pattern fit atopic dermatitis, perioral dermatitis, rosacea, or contact irritation? What cleanser and moisturiser suit this area? Should I stop any current treatment, and what symptoms would mean I need an earlier review?