Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I hope you can help shed some light on this.  I've had a pain in my lower back right near my hip for the past 2 weeks.  It doesn't hurt all the time, mostly when my clothes rub on it.  It's a very sensitive area, I can hardly touch the spot, which leads me to believe it's more of a bruise.  However, there is nothing visible on the spot, maybe a little swelling, but that's it.  By the end of the work day, it's really bothering me since my clothes have rubbed on the area so much throughout the day.  The only thing I've tried is rubbing Arniflora on it.  Any information on what this might be will be greatly appreciated.  Thank you!

ANSWER: Hi Lisa and thanks for writing,

Is the area itchy at all (if yes, is it a normal surface itch that feels better if you scratch it, or is it a deeper itch that does not respond to scratching and is actually quite tender)?

Thanks,
Margot

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Margot,

The area is not itching at all, but in fact is quite tender even when my clothes touch it, it hurts.

Answer
Thanks Lisa, I was worried it might be Shingles.

Acording to http://sensitiveskin.zenyaku-usa.com/:

"Sensitive skin" is a term used to describe heightened skin sensitivity and a high incidence of adverse reactions to certain irritants. The more common skin irritants are detergents, certain skin care products and environmental factors such as cold, wind, rain, sun and heat (see below for a more in-depth list of skin irritants). The medical terms used to describe sensitive skin are eczema and atopic dermatitis. There is a high correlation between dry skin and sensitive skin and also between frequent blushing or flushing and sensitive skin. While all sorts of skin can be categorized as sensitive, individuals with thin or finely textured skin tend to have a higher incidence of heightened skin sensitivity.

If your skin reacts to any of the following factors causing your skin to itch, tighten or redden, then you may have sensitive skin (Note: Skin sensitivity can be exacerbated by dry or combination skin):

1. Adult acne
2. Red or blotchy skin
3. Flaky skin
4. Fine lines, spots or freckles that worsen with age
5. Reaction to certain skincare products, shampoos, hair sprays,
   cleansers or cosmetics
6. Reaction to certain fabrics like wool or linen
7. Reaction to household cleansers
8. Reddening or burning skin as a result of sun, heat, cold or wind
9. High levels of stress

COMMON IRRITANTS TO SENSITIVE SKIN
?Materials like wool and latex gloves can cause temporary skin irritation; remove the irritant and the
  symptoms may clear up pretty quickly. However, in some cases these irritants can stimulate a longer
  lasting allergic reaction.
?Some people may have other factors such as food or environmental allergies that manifest themselves
  through blotchy skin or hives. This irritated skin has a heightened sensitivity.
?Stress can also cause heightened skin sensitivity
?Medications can increase skin sensitivity (see below)
?Dry skin cracks and exposes your skin to environmental irritants and even traps these irritants
  in the fissures
?Heat, sun and sunburn can irritate the skin
?Extreme cold and windburn can irritate the skin causing heightened sensitivity
?Shaving, waxing, laser treatment, chemical peals and dermabrasion irritate the skin
?Alcohol dries the skin, increasing its sensitivity
?Fragrances and color additives can irritate sensitive skin. Detergent makers have responded with
  versions of their products that are free of these irritants. Also be careful of fabric softeners and
  dryer sheets that may contain irritating fragrances. Musk is particularly irritating to sensitive skin.
?Preservatives: Parabens are one common preservative in skincare products that can irritate your skin.
  Paranbens have also been linked to certain skin cancers in laboratory testing.
?Surfactants used to make emulsions (creams or lotions) can irritate the skin
?Soaps can dry the skin, be sure to use a moisturizing soap
?Sunscreens containing para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), especially those sunscreens with a high
  SPF rating (above 20 SPF)
?Intense exercise
?Rubbing the skin, like when using soap (foaming cleansers require less scrubbing and are
  therefore recommended for sensitive skin)
?Whitening agents used in laundry soaps and bleaches
?Heat: hot showers, saunas and Jacuzzis (chlorine in pools and Jacuzzis can also dry and irritate
  the skin)


SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SENSITIVE SKIN
?Diffuse redness or blotchiness
?Dry and itchy skin
?Irritation caused by skincare products
?Irritation caused by clothes washed in detergents with artificial colors and/or fragrances
?Overreacts to irritating activities such as shaving, cleansing, waxing, etc.

STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO REDUCE SKIN SENSITIVITY
Skin sensitivity is very complex because there are so many factors that can contribute and they affect different people differently. Because of this, it is best to do is to address all of the potential causes at the same time. Then over time you can test potential irritants one at a time to see how your skin reacts to it.

You may have been born with a genetic predisposition to sensitive skin, such as thin, fine or light skin that is susceptible to sunburn. In this case, there is nothing you can do to 揷ure?it, you just need to learn how to reduce the irritants in your life and then learn to cope with it.

When your skin is irritated, apply a moisturizer, but BE SURE it uses only natural ingredients. Man-made chemicals can irritate your skin. Most moisturizers, for example use less expensive chemically created ceramides. Be sure your moisturizer only uses bio-ceramides. Arouge only uses bio-ceramides.

1. Limit your exposure to things that can irritate your skin
2. Moisturize your skin on a regular basis. If you are wearing makeup, you can use a spray toner
   to deliver moisture to your face without affecting your makeup
3. Wear gloves to protect your skin, especially when washing dishes or cleaning the house. If you
   wear plastic or rubber gloves, be sure to take breaks to wipe the sweat away from your hands
   as it too can irritate them
4. Wear a UV and protective clothing (wide brimmed hat, etc.)
5. Wear gloves, ideally with a cotton lining, during cold dry periods like during winter
6. Wear clothes made of cotton or cotton blends, since they are the least irritating, avoid wool
7. Keep your showers or baths short and use only lukewarm water, followed immediately
   with a moisturizer that locks in the moisture
8. Use a moisturizer design specifically for sensitive skin, dermatologists recommend the Arouge
   line of skincare products
9. Avoid getting to hot or sweaty
10. Don抰 scratch or rub your skin. This not only irritates your skin, it can also break the surface
     of the skin enabling irritants or bacteria to become trapped, resulting in further irritation
11. Stop smoking, this dries and irritates your skin
12. Shave carefully. Use a moisturizing shaving cream or gel, shave in the direction the hair grows
     (not against it) and rinse gently with warm water
13. After bathing pat your skin dry, don抰 rub it
14. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and healthy
15. Try to reduce the stress in your life.

TREATMENT FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
The most basic treatment is to determine which irritants are causing increased sensitivity and then avoiding these irritants. Aside from this common sense approach, there are additional treatments you can try.

One simple treatment is to maintain an optimum skin moisture through the use of moisturizers. These moisturizers should also be free of the irritants mentioned above, especially parabens, surfactants, fragrance and artificial colors. They should also be made of natural ingredients, not artificially manufactured chemicals. Dermatologists recommend Arouge products for this purpose.

When trying a new perfume, cosmetic or skincare product, try a little on your wrist first to see whether it irritates your skin.

For allergic reactions you can start with an antihistamine like Benedryl. Doctors might also recommend topical corticosteroids or immunomodulators (immunosuppressants). But you should see a doctor and should not try to self-medicate."

I hope this helps, all my best,
Margot