Allergic Dermatitis In Adults And Children, Diet And Treatment

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-15 09:49

Allergic dermatitis

Allergic dermatitis in adults and children

Content:

• Description of the disease
• Symptoms
• The reasons
• Dermatitis in children
• Dermatitis on the face
• Dermatitis on the hands
• How to treat?
• Diet and nutrition
• Alternative treatment

Allergic dermatitis in adults and children requires careful attention and competent treatment. Usually people do not pay attention to mild manifestations of dermatitis. However, this is not just a small cosmetic defect, but a pathological process that affects many body systems (including the immune system). That is why it is so important to know the most important thing about allergic dermatitis.

Description of the disease

People from different countries with different climatic conditions and different traditions are equally susceptible to allergic dermatitis. It is a non-contagious disease that manifests itself as an inflammatory reaction on the skin in response to the influence of one or another irritant factor. Redness, peeling, swelling - it is simply impossible not to notice it. And aesthetic imperfection is the smallest nuisance that the disease brings. Unbearable itching, burning and other painful sensations significantly reduce the patient's quality of life.

In recent years, mankind is moving away from nature, a lot of substances and materials appear around us that can "start" pathological processes in the body. It is almost impossible to protect yourself from contact with them. Therefore, an increasing number of people around the world are faced with allergic dermatitis. Weakened immunity, hereditary predisposition, improper lifestyle (especially inappropriate nutrition) - all this significantly increases the chances of suffering from the disease.

Often, people do not take the manifestations of allergic dermatitis seriously. Just think, a little redness will go away by itself. However, it is possible that the disease will progress, each time delivering more and more inconveniences. In especially severe cases, inpatient treatment is indicated.

Symptoms of allergic dermatitis

The degree and form of manifestations of allergic dermatitis depends on many factors:

• the age of the patient (as a rule, the younger the patient, the more pronounced the symptoms);
• the duration of exposure to the allergen;
• general health and characteristics of the patient's immunity.

Finally, the type of allergic dermatitis is also important.

So, allergic phytodermatitis, "culprits" of which are the sensitizers contained in the pollen and juice of some fruits and plants, has the following symptoms:

• burning and itching of the skin (usually on the hands);
• redness of the skin (erythema);
• eruptions in the form of bubbles.

Contact dermatitis manifests itself upon repeated contact with an irritant-allergen and, accordingly, completely self-destructs soon after the termination of this contact. Its symptoms are:

• clear boundaries of the reddened area of the skin, repeating, as a rule, the forms of the allergen in contact with the body;
• severe swelling of the affected skin area;
• a rash in the form of small blisters filled with liquid;
• erosion at the site of rupture of these bubbles.

Toxidermia or toxic-allergic dermatitis occurs as a result of an irritant entering through the gastrointestinal tract or the respiratory system. In addition, injection is a common route of transmission of toxidermia. As a rule, this type of allergic dermatitis is provoked by some medications. The disease has specific symptoms:

- redness of skin areas is accompanied by severe peeling;

- the appearance of blisters (in rare cases).

As a rule, lesions are localized in the groin area, on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and hands.

The most severe form of toxidermia, Lyell's syndrome, is accompanied by the following sudden onset symptoms:

• temperature increase;
• headache;
• chills;
• nausea;
• vomiting;
• dehydration;
• redness of skin areas in the gluteal and axillary folds and in the groin area, followed by the appearance of blisters and erosions on the affected areas;
• detachment of the epithelium.

Causes of allergic dermatitis

Allergic irritants provoke the appearance of allergic dermatitis. Once in the bloodstream, such a sensitizer enters into a bond with large blood proteins. The resulting compounds trigger the mechanism of an allergic reaction. The allergen itself, in most cases, due to its small size, could not produce such an effect. Numerous studies have revealed that in the lesion focus there are always accumulations of immune cells that have left the bloodstream.

So what are the most common causes of allergic dermatitis?

Plants - especially dangerous from the genus toxicodendrons - oak, poison sumac, poison ivy. Sap and pollen from houseplants are also common causes of problems. Do not forget about citrus fruits, which are the strongest allergens.

Pollen can be airborne during the flowering period of "dangerous" plants. Allergy-provoking substances are easily transferred through inventory. Even the smoke from burning plants is dangerous. It is also worth mentioning here that many substances secreted by plants are photosensitizers. This means that their contact with the skin greatly increases its sensitivity to the sun, which, in turn, leads to the occurrence of solar dermatitis.

• Cosmetics and care products. Cosmetics are very often the cause of the development of allergic contact dermatitis. Usually, the symptoms are not long in coming in the area of applying the cosmetic product - on the eyelids, lips, face, etc.
• Oral care products and dental instruments. These are various toothpastes and gels, rinses and dental instruments (the material from which they are made can cause a reaction). As a rule, in this case, the symptoms appear on the mucous membranes of the mouth, lips, tongue, gums, skin around the mouth.
• Medications. These are both oral medications and drugs that enter the body in the form of injections. Most often, antibiotics, intravenous aminophylline, sulfa drugs provoke the occurrence of allergic dermatitis. Reactions are also possible to large doses of vitamin B12.

The largest number of cases of allergic dermatitis occur in representatives of certain specialties, as a result of which the disease even received a specific name - professional dermatitis. The high-risk group includes:

• medical workers;
• hairdressers and cosmetologists;
• builders;
• cooks;
• machinists.

All these people are regularly exposed to substances that are the causes of allergic dermatitis - formaldehydes, nickel, thiuram, carbon compounds, epoxy resins, etc.

Allergic dermatitis in children

Allergic dermatitis in children is a fairly common phenomenon. The immune system of a newly born baby is still very imperfect. She is just learning to resist the attacks of many allergens (a list of the main allergens in children), which the baby inevitably has to deal with after birth. But until the immunity gets stronger and begins to give a worthy rebuff to external stimuli, the child is at an increased risk of allergic dermatitis.

A feature of allergic dermatitis in children is the long-term course of the disease with periodic skin rashes, which are most often preceded by itching.

Usually, allergic dermatitis first appears as a reaction to a particular food product. Eggs, fish, many berries and fruits, cow's milk protein, cereals, soy - all these can provoke skin rashes. That is why it is recommended to introduce complementary foods with caution, starting with small doses.

Allergic dermatitis in infants can manifest itself as a result of a violation by his nursing mother of a diet - abuse of sweet, citrus fruits, red apples, etc.

Read more: How does allergy manifest in children and what to do?

Over the years, food allergies are gradually giving way to allergens such as dust, mold spores, pollen. Children often have violent reactions to vaccinations or medications. Allergic dermatitis in children has three distinct phases, which are distinguished depending on the age of the patient.

Infant dermatitis bothers the baby from birth to 2 years. At the same time, rashes are most often localized on the face, in the bends of the arms and legs, in the groin area, gluteal folds, but can also be found on any other part of the body. The affected areas are dry or, on the contrary, get wet, crusts form on them, increasing the risk of a secondary infection. At this age, so-called diaper dermatitis is often found - inflammation of the skin in the genital area and on the inner sides of the baby's thighs, as a reaction to wet and dirty diapers.

Children's dermatitis occurs until the age of twelve. The rash is mainly concentrated in the folds of the limbs and on the neck and is accompanied by severe hyperemia, edema, possible erosion and crusts. The matter is usually complicated by scratching - after all, allergic dermatitis is characterized by unbearable itching.

The teenage form of dermatitis occurs in children from 12 to 18 years old. At the same time, areas of the skin on the face and neck, in the elbow fossa, in the decollete area, on the hands are affected. True, it is in adolescence that the manifestations of allergic dermatitis sometimes disappear by themselves. This happens especially often in young men.

Allergic dermatitis in children is popularly called diathesis. Very often, parents do not attach due importance to this problem. Indeed, after all, all babies sometimes have red cheeks, that's okay. But if the necessary measures are not taken in time, dermatitis can progress and even turn into a chronic form - and then the child will have to suffer from allergies all his life. In addition, a secondary infection is often associated with rashes and inflammations.

The occurrence of allergic dermatitis in children is primarily due to a hereditary predisposition. However, there are many things that parents can do to keep their child out of this trouble. First of all, the mother should lead a correct lifestyle during pregnancy, strictly follow the diet while breastfeeding, and provide the baby with the correct daily routine. Do not be lazy once again to dust and wash the floors.

It is better to get rid of all the dust collectors even before the baby is born - heavy curtains, extra carpets, shelves with many old books, etc. It is not advisable to have pets and some indoor plants. It is better to wash crumbs of things by hand, and not in a typewriter using powder, which often provokes allergies.

Finally, even the choice of clothing must be approached carefully. It is not only the appearance of cute children's things that matters, but also the material from which they are made. Only natural fabrics are allowed for babies.

Read more: Review of ointments for allergies in children

Allergic dermatitis on the face

Allergic dermatitis on the face most often worries women. The fact is that its main reason is the contact with the skin of allergens that make up cosmetics and care products. Although men may well face this problem, irritants are also present in shaving lotions.

The following substances can be distinguished as striking examples of sensitizers leading to allergies on the face and neck:

• rubber (part of the sponges with which makeup is applied);
• acrylates (used in the manufacture of eyeglass frames);
• metals (especially nickel, which is one of the most common materials for making jewelry);
• pine resin (a strong allergen that is an ingredient in many cosmetics).

Allergic dermatitis on the face can also be provoked by pollen of plants (both domestic and outdoor), frostbite, chapping, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and taking certain medications.

Stages of allergic dermatitis on the face and neck:

• redness, itching and swelling of the affected skin;
• rashes in the form of bubbles and blisters;
• bullous stage, characterized by the formation of scars and death of the skin.

A mild form of allergic dermatitis on the face is manifested by vesicular rashes, which form crusts when dry.

Allergic dermatitis on the hands

Allergic dermatitis on the hands most often occurs in response to skin contact with household chemical detergents and cleaners. The situation is aggravated by the fact that, as a rule, this contact is long-term and regular. As a result, the hands and palms become covered with a rash, scaly, or, conversely, get wet. Soon, deep cracks form on the fingers, delivering unbearable pain during flexion-extension of the finger joints. Naturally, there is a way to avoid such problems - you just need to use special household gloves while doing homework.

In some people, allergic dermatitis on the hands occurs due to adverse weather conditions. Exposure to cold and wind causes the skin on the hands to become very dry, thin and vulnerable. It turns red, begins to peel off and itch, small wounds and cracks form on it. If you suffer from such cold allergy, pay special attention to hand care in the autumn-winter period - use creams that do not contain water, do not forget about warm gloves and mittens.

Often in children, you can see rashes in the elbow bends. This is usually a reaction to the abuse of sweets.

How is allergic dermatitis treated?

The very first step in treating allergic dermatitis is to stop contact with the allergen. Sometimes this is already enough. However, it is not always possible to independently find out the cause of the allergy. In this case, it is necessary to carry out special allergy tests, which will definitely reveal the sensitizer.

To quickly relieve the patient's condition and relieve itching, the use of various ointments and creams is shown, which include substances that have antimicrobial and antifungal effects. Often, the treatment of allergic dermatitis is accompanied by the intake of antihistamines - claritin, zodak, cetrin, etc.

Laser therapy is very effective in treating dermatitis. Laser treatment quickly heals inflammation, reduces swelling, heals and normalizes the immune system. If the allergy has led to the appearance of scales on the skin, their treatment is carried out by means of infrared radiation (a barrier is previously created in the form of a gauze folded in several layers).

Of course, allergies, like any disease, are easier to prevent than to cure. Prevention of dermatitis is rational nutrition, personal hygiene, a healthy lifestyle, the purchase of high-quality cosmetics, the use of special protective equipment where necessary (masks, rubber gloves). All this reduces the likelihood of exposure to aggressive irritants on the skin and contributes to the overall strengthening of the immune system.

Read more: Antihistamines 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation

Finally, the treatment and prevention of allergic dermatitis is unthinkable without a special diet.

Diet for allergic dermatitis

Diet is a prerequisite for treating allergic dermatitis. A specific list of products prohibited and indicated for consumption will be compiled by a doctor. He will do this on the basis of an examination, a survey and, if necessary, the results of an allergy test and other tests. In any case, you will have to give up delicacies with high allergenic activity.

Prohibited Products:

• citrus fruits and juices in packages;
• eggs;
• whole milk;
• mayonnaise, hot spices and sauces;
• baked goods, confectionery and chocolate;
• all kinds of nuts;
• a fish;
• seafood;
• mushrooms.

It is also unacceptable to use in writing products that contain dyes, preservatives and emulsifiers.

Read more: List of the most allergenic foods

Allowed Products:

• buckwheat, oatmeal or rice cereals;
• fermented milk products of low fat content;
• green vegetables;
• yellow and green fruits;
• light broths;
• if meat - then lean beef and lamb, if poultry - turkey.

People prone to various kinds of allergies (including dermatitis) should limit their salt and sugar intake.

The way of cooking is also important. Everything fried, baked and smoked can provoke an exacerbation of the disease, so it is better to boil food (especially steam).

Before cooking, it is recommended to soak cereals in cold water for at least 8 hours - this way it gets rid of most of the allergens. For the same reason, double digestion of meat is desirable.

Particular attention should be paid to drinks. It is best to quench your thirst with still mineral water or mild green tea (naturally, no additives). It is unnecessary to mention the quality of tap water, which may contain substances that are dangerous for people prone to allergic dermatitis. It is advisable to use bottled water instead of tap water.

The correct diet helps to stop the development of the disease and excludes its recurrence in the future.

Treatment of allergic dermatitis with folk remedies

Traditional medicine can quickly and effectively relieve a person of the anguish that accompany the manifestations of allergic dermatitis. However, in some cases, they can only aggravate the situation, therefore, such treatment should be done with caution. So, what does traditional medicine offer us:

• herbal compresses (horsetail, calendula, felt burdock, lemon balm), oak bark, elecampane root;
• baths of oregano, chamomile flowers, nettle, valerian, blue cornflowers;
• infusions of herbs such as string, violet tricolor, chamomile, as well as infusions of currant bark, licorice root, viburnum bark;
• ointments made from baby cream or pork (chicken, goose) fat and sea buckthorn oil;
• aromatherapy, involving the use of sandalwood, lavender and geranium oils.

You may also be interested in the article on home treatment for dermatitis. But do not forget that a consultation with a doctor is required!

The author of the article: Kuzmina Vera Valerievna | Endocrinologist, nutritionist

Education: Diploma of the Russian State Medical University named after NI Pirogov with a degree in General Medicine (2004). Residency at Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, diploma in Endocrinology (2006).