The skin is the largest organ of the body, covering approximately 1.7 m² and accounting for about 10% of the average person's total body mass. Its main function is to act as a barrier between the body and the external environment, protecting against water loss and the entry of toxins. In addition, the skin regulates body temperature, blood pressure and acts as an important sensory organ. Skin irritation is a common condition that can cause significant discomfort, including redness, itching, swelling and, in some cases, blistering or peeling.
Skin irritation is a biological response to a variety of external stimuli that induce skin inflammation. This condition, which presents a significant health problem with social and occupational impact, is characterised by redness, swelling, dryness, cracking, flaking, itching and pain. Skin irritation can be caused by external factors such as chemicals, fabrics, adverse weather conditions, tattoos or dermatological treatments.
In addition to external factors, there are internal factors that can cause skin irritation. Among the most common internal factors are diseases such as atopic dermatitis, which is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterised by intense itching, very dry and sensitive skin, and a tendency to over-infection. Xerosis, or lack of skin hydration, also weakens the skin's functions and makes it more vulnerable to irritation. Adverse reactions to medications, allergies and stressful situations can aggravate dryness, itching and irritation.
The interaction between an irritant and human skin depends on multiple factors, including the intrinsic properties of the irritant, its concentration, and individual and environmental variables. The main pathological mechanisms of irritation include disruption of the skin barrier, induction of a cytokine cascade and involvement of the oxidative stress network, resulting in a visible or subclinical inflammatory reaction.
Skin irritation is a non-immunogenic inflammatory reaction that appears shortly after stimulation and usually disappears within a few days. Erythema, or reddening of the skin, is a main feature of inflammatory reactions produced by contact with irritant substances. Skin irritation accounts for approximately 70% of all cases of contact dermatitis.
It is important to identify and treat the underlying cause of irritation to relieve symptoms and prevent complications such as infection and scarring.
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