Association of sensitive skin with sensitive corneas and sensitive eyelids.

BACKGROUND: Sensitive scalp or irritable bowel syndrome has been previously shown to be associated with sensitive skin. We wondered whether sensitive eyelids and sensitive eyes could also be associated with sensitive skin. METHODS: A cross-sectional epidemiological study was carried out on a representative sample of French people, according to the quota method, using a questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 2048 subjects were included in the present study. Notably, 52.2% declared sensitive eyes, which was more frequent in women than in men. The subjects who reported sensitive eyes were more numerous according to the severity of skin sensitivity, the severity of sleep disorders and the presence of bright eyes. More than half of the subjects with sensitive eyes thought that they were sensitive to sun exposure, dust, computer or touch pads or dry air. The presence of sensitive eyelids was reported by 18.65% (more frequent in women) and was associated with sensitive skin and sensitive eyes, sun exposure and exposure to dust. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to investigate sensitive eyelids or sensitive eyes. Sensitive eyelids can be considered a localization of sensitive skin. The concept of sensitive eyes is not commonly used by ophthalmologists and remains to be more precisely defined.