If you’ve spent some time in the sun or wind and your skin is more sensitive the next day, you probably don’t think twice about it. The cause is obvious. But what happens if your face feels sensitive and there’s no clear reason?
At all three locations of Apex Medical Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, our providers can help you understand the health of your skin. They are trained to diagnose and treat ailments that cause sensitive facial skin.
When you hear the phrase “skincare,” you probably think about the cosmetic type of care, like creams or lotions to prevent aging or to keep your skin clear of blemishes. But, besides looking nice, your skin serves a biological purpose and is, in fact, the largest part of your integumentary system.
Your body’s outer layer, including your hair, nails, glands, and skin, makes up your integumentary system. Its role is to protect you from bacteria, injury, and sunlight. It works in concert with your other bodily systems.
Your skin is a barrier, preventing bacteria from getting in, protecting your sensitive eyes, and providing padding on your hands and feet that see harder and more frequent use than the rest of your body. Although the appearance of the skin on your face is important, its health is much more important, and when it’s extra sensitive, it can indicate a problem.
It’s important to note that the skin on your face has more nerve endings than skin in some other parts of your body, and that’s a good thing. You would be terribly uncomfortable if your feet had as many nerve endings and were as sensitive as your face is.
However, when your face begins to feel more sensitive than usual, it can be both uncomfortable and a signal that there’s a problem. Here are a few causes of sensitive facial skin:
Many other possible causes for hypersensitive skin exist, but without an exam and diagnostic testing, it can be difficult to determine exactly what’s going on.
If you have hypersensitive skin and can’t figure out why, it’s a good idea to try not using cosmetics, lotions, or creams for a few days to see if it clears up. If it remains persistent, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment to begin investigating the cause of the sensitivity.
With such a wide range of potential causes, there’s an equally large number of potentially effective treatment options. It really depends on the underlying issue.
For example, if you have a rash or hives as a result of an allergy, it’s helpful to know what you’re allergic to. You may be able to simply avoid it, or you may need an antihistamine. Sometimes people develop hypersensitive skin as a result of taking medications. In that case, your doctor may need to find an alternative drug to help you.
Some bacterial and viral infections can cause skin sensitivity, and in that case, you may need antibiotics or antivirals. If you have an immune disorder, your doctor may suggest an immunosuppressant.
If you’re experiencing red, itchy, painful, or hypersensitive facial skin, schedule an appointment at the nearest location of Apex Medical Center. Our staff will be happy to help you understand what’s going on and what you can do about it.
