One minute your skin is fine and the next, you are getting blotches of red rash and it is unbearably itchy.

'I have sensitive skin,' you wail.

However, what does it really mean when you have sensitive skin?

Doctors say that this is not a medical term but one used loosely to describe skin that is more prone to flaring up when irritated.

Three doctors Urban spoke to estimate that between 20 and 40 per cent of their patients suffer from it.

Such skin is often dry and delicate and reacts easily to irritants such as scents or environmental factors such as sunlight, heat or cold, says Dr Lim Yen Loo, an associate consultant at the National Skin Centre.

Those with atopic dermatitis, a form of eczema related to one's genetic make-up, also tend to experience itchy skin and develop skin inflammation more easily, says Dr Lawrence Khoo, a dermatologist at Dermatology Associates in Paragon.

Women are more prone to sensitive skin than men.

'Men tend to have greasy skin that is thicker and rougher, so there tends to be a better barrier against irritants,' explains Dr David Tan, who owns David Tan Medical Aesthetics in Ngee Ann City.

Also, women tend to use multiple skincare products. This increases their exposure to a wider variety of trigger ingredients, which can range from fragrances to dyes, says Dr Tan.

However, sufferers whose problem is more than skin-deep - with underlying disorders such as eczema or severe allergies such as hives - should see a skin expert.

Here are some simple steps to make your skin - and life - less irritating.

Symptoms

• Dry, flaky, red and itchy skin. In more severe cases, the skin may be swollen or hot and painful.

Causes

• Irritants include fragrances, preservatives in skincare products such as parabens and formaldehyde, whitening agents like hydroquinone and hair dyes.
• Chemicals like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, hydroxy acid and retinoids are used to treat skin conditions. However, when used excessively, they can cause irritation.

Remedies

• As dry skin is more prone to being sensitive, be sure to hydrate it properly. An ingredient to look for in moisturisers is dexpanthenol, which has humectant capabilities, meaning that it is able to draw moisture to your skin's surface.
• Hydrating your skin will also improve its barrier function, protecting it against irritants. Try Eucerin's pH5 Wash Lotion ($14.30 for 400ml) which is gentle enough for both body and face. The German brand is recommended by dermatologists and pharmacists worldwide.
• Use skincare products designed for sensitive skin, such as Eucerin's Hydro-Balance Refreshing Hydrating Cream ($38.40 for 50ml) which will not clog pores and is fragrance- and alcohol-free.

Eucerin products are available from Guardian and Watsons outlets islandwide.

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times.