Atopic dermatitis (sensitive skin) is a common, chronic, superficial inflammatory disorder of the skin that causes severe dryness and itching and affects up to 20% of the population. The exact cause is unknown but has been linked to an interaction between genes, the environment, skin barrier defects, and the immune response. Irritating chemicals, temperature and humidity extremes, and fabrics such as wool may cause atopic dermatitis. Psychological stress is also associated with flare-ups because during psychological stress sweating occurs, which results in itching. Approximately 80% of children with atopic dermatitis develop asthma or allergic rhinitis, thus linking it to the antigen-antibody process.