Skin Sensitivity: Why Does My Skin React Differently?

Q: Skin Sensitivity: Why Does My Skin React Differently?

Hello： To be frank, it may be necessary to see a psychiatrist for appropriate treatment. <br>Wishing you peace and well-being.

I feel like my skin all over my body has become thinner and more sensitive?

Hello Doctor, my question is quite long as I have encountered many situations that make me feel my skin is more sensitive or thinner than others.
Here are the situations that lead me to this thought:
1.
When I consume cooler throat lozenges, the inner skin of my lips hurts unbearably.
Sometimes, when I wake up in the morning, the inner skin of my upper lip inexplicably hurts.

2.
Occasionally, during group activities, the leader asks everyone to sit in a circle on the ground.
I really dislike sitting on the ground because after a while, my whole body starts to itch, which worsens my mood.

3.
Similar to the second point, I feel uncomfortable sitting on chairs in public places, especially fabric chairs (like those in movie theaters).
Every time I go to the movies or sit in classrooms with fabric chairs, I feel itchy all over after sitting down, as if I am covered in something irritating.
This ultimately affects my mood negatively, and I prefer not to go out.
Now, when I go out, I almost completely avoid touching anything because I feel public places are unclean.
Therefore, I cannot understand why others can sit anywhere, on carpets or fabric chairs in public places, without feeling itchy.
Why is my reaction so extreme?
4.
The fourth issue is currently my biggest concern.
When I lived in Taiwan (now I am in the U.S.), I had eczema in my genital area due to the humid climate.
I visited a gynecologist and took medication, but my immune system was weak, and it took a long time to resolve.
After moving to the U.S., the dry weather caused my eczema to disappear on its own.
The gynecologist advised me to wear breathable underwear and avoid tight clothing to prevent heat buildup, which contributed to my eczema.
So, I started wearing men's boxers at home to stay cool, and I have gotten used to it.
I even wear boxers as my underwear, typically wearing jeans over them instead of women's underwear.
I only wear women's underwear during my menstrual period or when I need to wear tighter pants.

However, about a year and a half after moving to the U.S., I started experiencing a new issue: when I wear women's underwear, I feel a "prickling" sensation in my genital area, as if hair is poking my skin.
It seems that women's underwear, being tighter, presses the hair against my skin, causing irritation.
This sensation is so uncomfortable that I don't want to wear women's underwear.
However, during my menstrual period, I have to wear underwear, and using sanitary pads also causes irritation.
This has become quite bothersome.
I have tried various materials for underwear, but the prickling sensation persists.
Now, to wear boxers underneath, I can only wear loose-fitting pants, as many tighter pants cause irritation, which feels very unpleasant.
So my questions are: why does it seem like my skin is more sensitive than others? Why can't I sit on public chairs or wear women's underwear without feeling irritation? Additionally, my skin easily breaks and sometimes even bleeds.
How can I improve my situation? I had skin allergies as a child and couldn't eat seafood, chocolate, and many other things.
I would also have allergic reactions at swimming pools.
In summary, I really want to understand why my skin is so sensitive and troublesome.
Is there any underlying condition? How can I improve this? Thank you for your patience.
Lin

Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/04/08

Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology

Hello: To be frank, it may be necessary to see a psychiatrist for appropriate treatment.
Wishing you peace and well-being.

Reply Date: 2010/04/08

More Info

Hello Lin,
Thank you for sharing your concerns about your skin sensitivity. It sounds like you are experiencing a range of symptoms that are affecting your daily life and overall well-being. Let's break down your concerns and explore possible explanations and solutions.

Understanding Skin Sensitivity
1. Skin Sensitivity and Thinness: Your perception that your skin is thinner or more sensitive than others could be due to a condition known as "cutaneous hyperesthesia," where the skin becomes overly responsive to stimuli. This can manifest as pain, itching, or discomfort in response to various triggers, including temperature changes, pressure, or contact with certain materials.

2. Localized Pain: The pain you experience in your lips after consuming cold candies might be a form of oral mucosal sensitivity or even a mild allergic reaction. The mucous membranes in the mouth can be sensitive, and exposure to cold substances can sometimes trigger discomfort.

3. Environmental Triggers: Your discomfort when sitting on the ground or on fabric chairs in public places may be related to a heightened sensitivity to allergens or irritants. This could include dust mites, bacteria, or even the fabric itself. It’s not uncommon for individuals with sensitive skin to react more strongly to environmental factors that others may tolerate without issue.

4. Eczema History: Your past experience with eczema, particularly in a humid climate, suggests that your skin may have a predisposition to inflammatory conditions. Eczema can lead to skin barrier dysfunction, making the skin more susceptible to irritation and allergic reactions. The transition to a drier climate in the U.S. may have alleviated some symptoms, but it’s possible that your skin remains sensitive.

5. Underwear Sensitivity: The discomfort you feel when wearing women’s underwear could be attributed to several factors, including fabric type, fit, and the presence of elastic bands that may irritate the skin. The sensation of "prickliness" you describe could be a result of friction or pressure on sensitive areas, especially if the fabric is not breathable.

Recommendations for Improvement
1. Consult a Dermatologist: Given the complexity of your symptoms, it would be beneficial to consult a dermatologist. They can perform a thorough examination and may recommend patch testing to identify any specific allergens or irritants that could be contributing to your sensitivity.

2. Skin Care Routine: Consider adopting a gentle skincare routine that includes fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products. Moisturizing regularly can help strengthen your skin barrier, which may reduce sensitivity over time.

3. Fabric Choices: Opt for breathable, natural fabrics like cotton for your clothing and underwear. Avoid tight-fitting garments that may cause friction and irritation. You might also want to explore seamless underwear options that minimize contact points.

4. Environmental Control: To address your discomfort in public spaces, consider carrying a clean blanket or cloth to sit on in public areas. This can provide a barrier between your skin and potentially irritating surfaces.

5. Stress Management: Psychological factors can also exacerbate skin sensitivity. Engaging in stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises may help improve your overall skin health.

6. Dietary Considerations: Since you have a history of food allergies, it may be worth discussing your diet with a healthcare provider. They can help you identify any potential food triggers that might be contributing to your skin issues.

Conclusion
Your skin sensitivity is likely multifactorial, involving environmental, physiological, and possibly psychological components. By consulting with a dermatologist and making some lifestyle adjustments, you may find relief from your symptoms. Remember, you are not alone in this experience, and there are effective strategies to manage and improve your skin's condition.
Wishing you the best on your journey to better skin health!

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