Urticaria - symptoms, causes, types, what it looks like on the skin, treatment and complications. How to understand that your child has an allergy and not something else: manifestations, symptoms, signs and diagnoses

Skin rashes of varying shapes and severity accompany almost all allergic diseases. Negative reactions arise under the influence of internal and external factors.

Parents should know why allergies appear in children. Photos of the rash and descriptions of diseases that often occur in young patients will help you figure out what kind of disease is developing and consult a doctor in time.

• Causes
• Quincke's edema
• Atopic dermatitis
• Food allergies
• Hives
• Contact dermatitis
• Childhood eczema

Causes

Skin reactions due to contact with irritants were noted in most infants and older children. A negative response of the body occurs with true and pseudo-allergy. Rashes accompanied by itching, hyperemia, and swelling of the epidermis occur under the influence of various factors.

The main causes of allergic dermatoses:

• taking medications. In children, negative reactions are caused by antibiotics, B vitamins, medicinal syrups with flavors, synthetic dyes;
• breast milk containing allergens. Reason for the decline in quality useful product- maternal malnutrition. Allergic reactions in babies are caused by citrus fruits, seafood, chocolates, eggs, honey, whole milk, peanuts, other items consumed by a woman during lactation;
• chemicals. Allergies in children are caused by washing powders, skin care products, and household chemicals;
• natural factors. Negative reactions occur under the influence of low/high temperatures, UV rays;
• allergic dermatoses- a consequence of a “burn” from nettles, contact with the hair and saliva of domestic animals, and bites of stinging insects.

List of allergic diseases accompanied by rashes

The body’s negative response develops against the background of many irritating factors. The severity of the pathology depends on the strength of the immune system, the presence of chronic pathologies in the child, general condition, age, and the amount of allergen that provoked the negative reaction.

Many diseases occur with periods of remission and exacerbations; treatment is long and not always successful. In case of an acute form of allergy, competent emergency care is required, otherwise the most severe consequences.

Quincke's edema

Peculiarities:

• a dangerous reaction that threatens life, accompanied by a powerful release of histamine, active development negative symptoms;
• provoking factors for angioedema: insect bite, taking medications (usually antibiotics), eating inappropriate foods;
• there is often no more than 10-30 minutes to take action;
• severe swelling develops, the face, neck, eyelids, lips, palate swell, and the risk of suffocation develops;
• large purple spots are noticeable on the body; as swelling increases, the formations turn pale;
• swelling of the larynx and tongue can be fatal;
• parents should give the child a fast-acting antihistamine and call “ ambulance", remove tight clothing, open the window, offer boiled water;
• in case of angioedema development, the first aid kit should always have Suprastin or Tavegil.

Look at the list and characteristics of antiallergic eye drops for children and adults.

Treatment methods for cow's milk protein allergy in infants are described on this page.

Atopic dermatitis

Peculiarities:

• allergic inflammation develops with hypersensitivity to various irritants with a hereditary predisposition;
• V initial stage atopic dermatitis there are no bacteria and viruses in the affected areas; later, with itching and scratching, dangerous microorganisms often penetrate into the wounds;
• the epidermis turns red, peels, the tissues swell, a small allergic rash appears on the face, elbows, knees, and in the groin folds;
• Severe itching interferes, insomnia appears, the baby is capricious and does not eat well;
• against the background of secondary infection, the wounds fill with pus.

Food allergies

Peculiarities:

• diathesis in children is a common disease;
• food allergies to products often become the impetus for the development of chronic dermatitis and allergic eczema;
• citrus fruits, eggs, strawberries, chocolate, cow's milk, honey, nuts provoke skin reactions in the form of rashes and tissue hyperemia. Swelling is often observed, diarrhea, bloating, colic, pain in the stomach and intestines occurs;
• diathesis in infants develops after consuming milk that has been penetrated by allergens due to improper nutrition of the nursing mother;
• treatment will be successful only if an unsuitable product is identified and after eliminating it from the diet. An elimination diet is an effective method for diagnosing food allergies.

Hives

Peculiarities:

• urticaria in children develops under the influence of various factors: consumption of highly allergenic foods, certain medications, exposure to cold, sharp wind. The disease sometimes occurs as a nervous allergy;
• symptoms: itchy papules, redness of problem areas;
• blisters are noticeable on the body different sizes- 5 mm to 10-15 cm;
• swelling is mild or moderate;
• the disease occurs in acute and chronic forms;
• Taking antihistamines and eliminating the effect of the allergen suppresses negative reactions. The signs disappear without a trace, there are no erosions on the body, the skin tone remains unchanged.

Contact dermatitis

Peculiarities:

• contact dermatitis in children appears after the skin comes into contact with chemicals, woolen fabrics, and body care compositions;
• the epidermis at the site of contact with the irritant turns red, small bubbles with exudate appear, and problem areas swell. After opening, infection often penetrates into the erosion zones and an inflammatory process develops.

Drug intolerance

Peculiarities:

• lightning-fast reaction, often severe;
• the eyelids, face, lips swell, the conjunctiva turns red, a rash appears on the body, itching develops on the skin and mucous membranes;
• with an acute immune reaction, watery eyes, difficulty breathing, rhinorrhea, joint pain, and low blood pressure appear;
• first aid - give an antihistamine tablet fast acting, for example, Suprastin. If swelling is severe, call 911 immediately;
• Avoiding the wrong medication will help prevent a relapse. It is mandatory to record the name of the dangerous drug in the outpatient card. Parents should know what medications the child had acute reactions to.

Childhood eczema

Peculiarities:

• a true type of allergic eczema appears in babies under the age of six months;
• the symptoms cause noticeable discomfort to the baby: foci of inflammation filled with exudate appear on the face, elbows, hands, and neck;
• As the disease develops, the skin dries out, cracks, allergic itching and irritation occur;
• secondary infection is a frequent companion serious illness: microbial eczema develops;
• Against the background of constant itching, the baby is capricious, sleeps poorly, and gains little weight. In advanced cases, life-threatening complications are possible.

Effective methods and rules of treatment

How to treat allergies in a child? Elimination of skin reactions improves the condition of a small patient. Treatment of allergies in children is carried out according to a similar scheme.

Therapy consists of several stages:

• identifying the allergen, eliminating contact with the irritant;
• nutrition with the exclusion of highly allergenic foods; if it is difficult to determine the inappropriate type of food, an elimination diet is needed;
• refusal to take certain medications;


• prescribing antiallergic drugs for children: drops and medicinal syrups are suitable for children, tablets - only from 6, sometimes - from 12 years. For moderate and mild allergic dermatoses, Erius, Claritin, Cetrin, Zirtec, Fenistil-drops, Zodak are prescribed. In the acute form - Suprastin (tablets), Diazolin (dragees), Tavegil (syrup);
• ointments, gels and creams for allergies with anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, wound-healing effects. Non-hormonal formulations are recommended for children: Vundehil, Fenistil-gel, Bepanten, Skin-Cap, Epidel, Desitin, La-Cri. For severe inflammation, hormonal drugs are needed: Elokom and Advantan (other names are too toxic for young patients);
• sorbents. The drugs actively absorb toxins, allergens, breakdown products, drug residues, and remove harmful components from the body. Taking sorbents cleanses the blood and lymph and has a positive effect on the condition of the skin. Polysorb, Sorbex, Multisorb, Enterosgel, Smecta, Laktofiltrum, activated carbon;
• folk remedies for allergies. Lotions and medicinal baths with decoctions of medicinal herbs eliminate itching, soften the epidermis, and reduce inflammation. Useful herbs: sage, chamomile, yarrow, string, mint, calendula. Good effect gives the use of a collection of two or three types of plants. On the recommendation of a doctor, children are prescribed mumiyo for allergies, ground eggshells, tea from viburnum branches, burdock root, elecampane, and a decoction of string (only from three years old).

How does an allergy to sugar manifest in a child and how to treat the pathology? We have the answer!

Read about the characteristic symptoms and signs of allergic bronchial asthma in a child at this address.

How to distinguish allergic rashes from infectious diseases

The table contains features of the rash and other reactions against the background increased sensitization body and characteristic signs of rubella, measles, chickenpox, and other similar diseases with an acute course.

Signs	Allergy	Infectious diseases
Rashes on the body	Small rash or large red blisters. With eczema, atopic dermatitis, crusts, erosions, serous wells appear	The rash is often visible on different parts of the body, but pustules and red spots rarely merge into a continuous affected surface
Area of ​​localization of the rash	Chin, cheeks, forehead, elbows, knees, buttocks, groin folds, neck, forearms	A small rash covers the arms, legs, back, face, and various areas of the body
High temperature	Raises rarely: in severe allergies	Many infectious diseases are accompanied by high temperature - the body fights dangerous viruses and microbes
Tissue swelling and internal organs	From mild swelling to severe form - angioedema	Occurs rarely
Itchy skin	Develops in most patients with allergic dermatoses	Not observed in all types of diseases
Additional signs	Watery eyes, redness of the eyelids and conjunctiva, low blood pressure, swelling, digestive disorders, and shortness of breath appear frequently. Liquid transparent mucus constantly flows from the nose, the patient sneezes, sometimes the child suffers from an allergic cough	The nasal discharge is thick, as the condition improves, it changes color and the unpleasant odor disappears. Characteristic signs: body aches, general weakness.
Reaction force	Rashes gradually or quickly disappear after taking allergy tablets/drops/syrups	The rash often lasts throughout the course of the disease. As the spots and nodules heal, they dry up and fall off, leaving dark marks on the body

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Types of allergies in children by type of allergen and depending on age

With an allergy, the entry of an allergen into the body causes a violent reaction of the immune system. As a result, disturbances in the functioning of various organs may develop and inflammation may occur in the body.

Why do some children have allergies and others do not? Often the cause of the development of this disease is a genetic predisposition. As can be seen from the diagram below, the greatest risk of developing an allergic disease exists in children whose parents or close relatives suffer from this disease. However, even babies who do not have allergic relatives can suffer from it.

The risk of developing allergies in children depending on heredity

Different types of allergies manifest themselves in different ways. In addition, infants and children over one year old experience different courses of allergic reactions. The table below will help determine the type of allergy based on its manifestations.

Type of allergy	Allergens	Description of symptoms	How does it manifest in children? of different ages
Food	Food additives, dyes, emulsifiers, preservatives and highly allergenic products (cow's milk, fish, eggs, citrus fruits, nuts, honey, mushrooms, chicken, strawberries, raspberries, strawberries, pineapples, melon, persimmons, pomegranates, blackcurrants, blackberries, chocolate , coffee, cocoa, mustard, tomatoes, carrots, beets, celery, wheat, rye, grapes)	Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, urticaria, headaches, diathesis, gastrointestinal disorders	Children under one year of age may have skin manifestations of allergies in the form of diathesis on the cheeks, redness and peeling of different areas of the skin. In locations skin allergies itching appears, which brings discomfort to the child, causing him nervousness. In addition, abnormal bowel movements, bloating, and diarrhea may occur. In children after one year of age, food allergies can manifest themselves in the form of skin rashes, gastrointestinal disorders, allergic rhinitis or cough.
Household	Household and library dust, feathers, fluff in pillows, feather beds, mold, food (dry) for aquarium fish, pet hair	Cough, watery eyes, burning eyes, runny nose, frequent sneezing, rash	In children under one year of age, household allergies can manifest themselves in the form of allergic contact dermatitis, runny nose, frequent sneezing, and this disease can also cause sleep disturbances, poor appetite, irritability. In children of different ages, household allergies can provoke the development of bronchial asthma, pre-asthma, allergic rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, allergic laryngotracheitis, allergic bronchitis, atopic dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis.
Contact	Cosmetics, household chemicals, synthetic substances	Redness, peeling of the skin, cracks on the body, itching, rash in the form of red dots or spots	In infants it manifests itself in the form of allergic dermatitis, itching, irritability. In children older than one year - in the form of redness and dryness of the skin, eczema.
Pollen	Pollen of shrubs, trees (oak, ash, alder, maple, hazel), weed pollen (wormwood, bluegrass, ragweed, dandelion, quinoa), cereal pollen (timothy, rye, corn, wheatgrass)	Itching in the eyes, nose, skin, burning in the throat, ears, lacrimation, sore throat, dry cough, difficulty breathing, frequent sneezing, photophobia, runny nose, conjunctivitis	In children preschool age may manifest itself as masked hay fever. It is expressed in ear congestion, hearing loss with the absence of other symptoms of the disease. Children of any age may experience an itchy nose, sneezing, and red eyes. In some cases, children may develop bronchial asthma due to this allergy.
On animals	Cats, dogs and other animals	Runny nose, difficulty breathing, sneezing, nasal congestion, skin rashes that cause itching	In children under one year of age, this type of allergy causes skin rashes, runny nose, and irritability. In children over one year old - runny nose, cough, bronchospasm, rash.
Medicinal	Tablets, mixtures, injections and other medications	Itching of the skin and mucous membranes, rash, urticaria, lacrimation, swelling of various parts of the body, runny nose, cough, bronchospasm, joint pain	U infants most often manifests itself in the form of redness, red spots, peeling on skin. Rarely in children under one year of age, drug allergies manifest themselves in the form of a runny nose and cough. Sometimes children of different ages may experience anaphylaxis due to this type of allergy. In children older than one year, it manifests itself in the form of skin reactions and disorders of the respiratory system.

How to understand that your child has an allergy and not something else: manifestations, symptoms, signs and diagnoses

In order to promptly seek qualified help from an allergist-immunologist, parents need to notice the manifestation of allergic reactions.

What worries the child	Possible cause of allergy	Other diseases with similar symptoms	How to distinguish an allergy from another disease
Small pink spots on the skin	Hives	Prickly heat	Hives are accompanied by itching and burning, and prickly prickly heat. Allergies most often occur on the face, arms, and legs. Miliaria occurs on the neck, on the inside of the thigh, on the back, behind the knee and in the armpit area.
Small red rashes on the skin	Hives	Rubella	Rubella is accompanied by high fever, appears first on the face, then spreads throughout the body. The allergic reaction occurs immediately and does not go away for a long time without appropriate treatment.
Small blisters on the skin	Allergic reaction	Chickenpox	Chickenpox is accompanied by lethargy and high fever. A day after the disease, blisters appear on the body. After some time, they spread throughout the body and the rash gradually decreases. With allergies, if there is no treatment, the number of rashes increases sharply.
Sneezing, runny nose, cough	Allergic rhinitis, hay fever	Colds, flu, ARVI	If the child has allergies, there is no weakness, fever or general fatigue.
Large red spots on the skin	Allergic reaction, contact allergic dermatitis	Lichen	With lichen, the spots are localized, small around one large one, and after some time they begin to peel off. The spots have outlines and are also crust-like. During an allergic reaction, the spots are blurred, they appear all over the body, varying in size.
Nasal congestion	Allergic rhinitis	Sinusitis	With sinusitis, the patient may be bothered, in addition to nasal congestion and greenish discharge, as with allergies, also by headache, fever, and toothache.

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Causes of rash in a child

So when chickenpox First, single red pimples appear in random places on the child’s body, which very quickly spread throughout the body. Chickenpox rash goes through several stages of transformation and at the first stage does not bother the child. Itching begins after the pimples dry out and crusts form.

And when rubella– a rash in the form of pink pimples first appears on the face, then goes down to the neck and further. The main concentration is on the bends of the arms and legs, in the groin. Rash when core and spreads throughout the body and pimples often merge, which does not happen with other diseases.

At scarlet fever on the face the nasolabial triangle remains unaffected by the rash, is localized in warm and moist areas of the body - in armpits, on the bends of the legs and arms, in the groin folds. The rash looks a bit like a sunburn

Insect bites are usually not difficult to distinguish from an infectious rash - they are pinpoint in nature, itchy and accompanied by swelling. However, if there are problems with blood vessels or an allergy to insect venom, an allergic rash may develop - the bite site is very large, causing itching and pain. The temperature may also rise and hives may appear.

Hives due to allergies

This rash received its name due to its similarity to the skin's reaction to contact with stinging nettles. This rash appears in the form of small red blisters that spread quickly and are very itchy.

As a rule, a rash when the skin comes into contact with an allergen (for example, animal hair) is localized precisely at the site of contact - a local skin reaction occurs. Pimples with contact allergies merge, forming red plaques with a smooth, clear outline.

Usually, after stopping contact, the rash goes away on its own after a short time, however, this is an important signal to parents and a reason to consult a doctor. May be needed antihistamines.

Dermatitis in a child

Childhood atopic dermatitis is also a manifestation of an allergic reaction, the causes of which can be very different, and are usually caused by imperfections in the child’s immune system and nutritional disorders. Many foods can cause allergies in children, especially dangerous - strawberries, citrus fruits, gluten - wheat protein, eggs, cocoa, chocolate and others. The problem usually goes away with age and the improvement of the child’s immune system and gastrointestinal tract.

How are allergic rashes treated?

If the diagnosis is made by a doctor, you should find out what is causing the body’s allergic reaction and eliminate it as soon as possible.

To bathe a child, use soothing herbs - string, chamomile. These remedies from our grandmothers have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

If necessary, the doctor will prescribe antihistamines or glucocorticoids in the form of tablets or ointments.

In this case, you should not self-medicate, since the variety of types and causes of rashes is so great that you can easily make a mistake. And be healthy!

READ MORE:

The child has a rash. How to determine the cause

How to rid a child of contact allergies?

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Basics

The term “allergy” refers to a hypersensitive state of the human immune system upon repeated exposure to an allergen on an organism previously sensitized by it.

If you have an allergy, the rash may appear immediately or after a few days. This condition must be treated. We will tell you how to do this below.

Reasons for development

Why does a rash appear due to allergies in children and adults? As mentioned above, the reaction in question is a personal intolerance to a particular factor. Such an unpleasant symptom as a rash is a consequence of a specific reaction of the human immune system.

Allergy skin rashes can occur due to the following factors:

• certain medicines;
• foods such as nuts, honey, citrus fruits, dairy products, chocolate (most often an allergic rash due to food appears on the face);
• some types of fabrics (for example, synthetics or wool);
• chemicals, including household chemicals;
• cosmetics;
• animal hair;
• plant pollen;
• some types of metals;
• insect bites (a similar reaction is called insect).

It should also be noted that an allergic rash, photos of which are presented in this article, can even occur due to exposure to cold.

Appearance

What does an allergy rash look like? Such skin manifestations are distinguished by the following features:

• the color of the spots can vary from pink to bright red;
• rashes on the skin usually do not have a clear shape (they are spots with blurry and indistinct edges);
• peeling may be observed at the site of the rash;
• Most often, a rash of allergic origin is similar to a nettle burn, although such rashes can also take the form of nodules, spots, weeping blisters and blisters;
• at the site of the rash, the skin is usually very irritated, sometimes there is swelling;
• Allergies due to food usually occur on the face, in particular on the cheeks and in the area around the mouth (can also be observed on the stomach, arms, back, legs).

Where does it appear?

With allergies, the rash can be localized in different parts of the body. For example, irritation in contact dermatitis appears in the place where the skin comes into contact with the allergen. A reaction to household chemicals usually occurs on the hands, but to wool or synthetics, for example, when wearing trousers made of this material, only on the lower extremities. With other types of allergies, irritation can occur anywhere.

Few people know, but with allergies, a rash does not always occur. There may not be spots or dots on the body. In some cases, this reaction manifests itself only as redness and swelling. This phenomenon is usually observed with hay fever, that is, with an allergy to pollen.

Associated allergic symptoms

An allergic rash is just one of several signs of intolerance to a particular allergen. In addition to skin irritation, this pathological condition may be accompanied by other unpleasant phenomena. Typically these include:

• suffocating cough;
• tearfulness;
• severe itching of the skin;
• redness of the visual organs;
• sneezing;
• annoying runny nose;
• photophobia.

As for an increase in body temperature, with allergies such a symptom develops extremely rarely. Most often, this symptom does not arise due to the fact of allergy itself, but as a result of the addition of an infection. For example, if a child has multiple bites on his hands and starts scratching them intensively, he will eventually become infected.

If the skin irritation really has an allergic etymology, then usually the person feels quite normal. At the same time, he does not have any ailments. Allergy rashes in children can be worrisome, but this is only a consequence severe itching skin.

Other signs

How does an allergy to antibiotics manifest? A skin rash (this condition should be treated necessarily) when taking a particular medication is drug-induced urticaria. This reaction to a drug is called a side effect. Usually, its possible appearance is warned in the instructions that come with many medications and even multivitamin complexes. If a patient is allergic to pollen and this allergen enters his gastrointestinal tract, he may experience vomiting, nausea and severe abdominal pain.

When should you sound the alarm?

If an allergic rash (you can find a photo of such irritation in this article) appears on the child’s body, then you should definitely measure his temperature. In this case, you need to pay special attention to whether your baby has any breathing problems. If it is difficult, you should immediately consult a doctor, as this may indicate the development of such a serious complication as Quincke's edema.

Reasons why you should see a doctor

The types of allergy rashes can vary. Such irritation can be localized in one place or cover the entire body. In any case, if you see a rash of unknown origin on the skin, you should definitely contact a specialist. What is the reason for this urgency?

• If left untreated, an allergy rash can develop into a serious complication, such as bronchial asthma.
• Determining on your own what exactly caused the development of such irritation is quite problematic. In most cases, this requires laboratory tests. In order to determine the type of allergen, the doctor must do skin tests or refer the patient for a blood test.
• Skin irritation does not always indicate the development of an allergic rash. This phenomenon may also be a symptom of an infectious disease (for example, rubella, chickenpox, herpes zoster, and others). All these diseases are contagious and require constant monitoring by a specialist.
• A skin rash may also be a common dermatological disease (including lichen, psoriasis or eczema). It is extremely important to diagnose the disease at the initial stage of its development. Only in this case will the treatment be most effective.
• A rash that appears on the skin may be the result of an insect bite. For example, after an ixodid tick bite, irritation may not appear for quite some time. for a long time(from 2 weeks to 1 month). It is very difficult to determine on your own that the cause of the spots was a tick bite. In this regard, you can miss the development of such a dangerous disease as borreliosis.

Even if the patient is completely sure that the rash on his skin is allergic in nature, it should only be treated by an experienced doctor. As a rule, special ointments are used to treat this condition. If the case is advanced and severe, then the patient may need a whole range of medications.

How to get rid of a rash?

How long does it take for an allergy rash to go away? Such irritation goes away on its own only after contact with the allergen has been completely stopped. Typically this takes several days or even weeks. If the patient does not know why such rashes appeared on his skin, then he should consult a doctor. After the examination, the doctor will be able to create a hypoallergenic diet or teach the patient principles that will minimize contact with the identified allergen.

Allergic rashes can also be treated through immunotherapy. To do this, the patient is given injections with a microdose of the allergen (sublingual drops can be used). To completely eliminate an allergic rash, a fairly long course of treatment may be required, as a result of which the human body produces a so-called “antidote” to the allergen.

How are allergies to antibiotics treated? Skin rashes, which should only be treated by an allergist, very often occur after taking certain medications. Paradoxically, various medications are also used to eliminate it. As a rule, they are intended for local application (for example, the drugs “Triderm”, “Pimafukort” and others). Although the doctor may prescribe them in combination with medications for oral administration (for example, with Clemastine, Tavegil, Suprastin, Loratadine and others).

How to treat allergies in children?

Allergic rashes in children can occur for various reasons. If you observe such irritation, you should remember what kind of food your child has eaten in the last few hours. Very often, the cause of the development of allergies in a baby is washing powder that has not previously been used in the family. Another reason for this phenomenon may be taking certain medications or replacing baby cereal.

A child prone to allergic reactions should, if possible, refrain from contact with cosmetics, creams or soaps. If irritation has already occurred, then antihistamines are used to treat the baby. To prevent the subsequent appearance of a rash, it is necessary to protect children from the identified source of the allergen. To determine it, you need to contact an allergist.

With such a pathology, it is very important not to let the allergy take its course. If no action is taken, this reaction can become more complex and develop into asthmatic dermatitis, hay fever or bronchial asthma.

Prevention

What measures should be taken to prevent an allergic rash from developing? To do this, you must adhere to the following rules:

• Pregnant women should take antibiotics with extreme caution and also follow a specific diet.
• Nursing mothers should not overuse foods that cause allergies (for example, chocolate, chicken eggs, fish, citrus fruits).
• Children born from allergies need to be breastfed longer.
• Children suffering from food allergies should avoid eating salty and spicy foods, canned and pickled foods.
• Allergy sufferers should avoid contact with animals and dust in the house.

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Reasons for appearance

Doctors have found that a rash, as a manifestation of an allergy, is a signal of a disorder of the immune system. With increased sensitization of the body, negative reactions appear even upon contact with harmless substances: pollen, products. Sometimes pets (or rather, their fur), cold and sunlight are irritants.

Main reasons:

• household chemicals, cosmetics for baby care. The reaction appears almost instantly or occurs as the inappropriate composition accumulates;
• products. Main allergens: chocolate, honey, citrus fruits, fruits, red and orange vegetables. Skin rashes often occur after eating full-fat cow's milk, strawberries, nuts, and seafood. Acute/chronic urticaria, Quincke's edema (the most severe form) - forms of food allergy; (You can learn more about food allergies from this article);
• pet hair. The smallest scales, gradually falling off the cat's skin, dry out and spread around the room. IN indoors marked high concentration allergen. That's why negative reactions no, if the child pets the cat on the street, but when interacting with the pet Murzik, watery eyes, a rash on the face, and sneezing appear;
• dry food for fish- another common allergen. Small particles penetrate the respiratory tract, larynx, cause swelling, rash on the face, cough, allergic runny nose. For this reason, it is forbidden to keep an aquarium in the bedroom. If you are severely allergic to dry food, replace it with live food or give the aquarium to relatives;
• medicines. It is not always possible to determine which medications provoke allergies in a particular child. Most often these are antibiotics. If serious, long-term treatment with the use of potent drugs is required, the doctor will definitely prescribe antihistamines. These remedies will protect the body from possible negative reactions;
• flower pollen. Seasonal allergies often occur in late spring ( poplar fluff, “catkins” of birch) and at the end of summer (ragweed). The main signs are allergic rhinitis, skin rashes, swelling of the face, lacrimation, sneezing. In severe cases, allergists strongly recommend taking children out of the city until the flowering period of dangerous plants ends.

How to dress a child according to the weather? Look for tips for parents in the tables.

What diapers are best for newborns? Read the answer at this address.

Provoking factors:

• toxicosis on different terms pregnancy;
• heavy viral infections in early childhood;
• artificial feeding (from birth or early failure from breast milk);
• autoimmune pathologies;
• weakened immunity after serious illnesses, malnutrition, lack of vitamins; (Read more about how to strengthen your child’s immunity in this article);
• poor environment;
• improper nutrition of a woman during pregnancy, consumption of foods that provoke allergies;
• hereditary predisposition;
• long-term use of potent drugs.

Types of allergic rash

Increased sensitization (sensitivity) of the body is of two types:

• hereditary Are your parents (mom or dad) allergic? The baby is highly likely to inherit a tendency to allergic reactions;
• acquired. The problem arises when the body’s defenses decrease after an illness, due to malnutrition. The immune system reacts sharply to potential irritants, with pronounced skin symptoms. Sometimes allergies are triggered by eating large quantities of a particular product.

An allergic rash on the body has different localization, manifests itself both in the form of light, pinkish spots and large red formations with an uneven, rough surface, as with eczema.

Based on the nature of clinical manifestations, allergy rashes in children are divided into three groups. Each variety has characteristic symptoms.

Dermatitis

Types:

• Contact dermatitis occurs when there is contact with a potential allergen. The affected area is very itchy, the child rubs and combs the skin until it bleeds. Rashes are often complicated by secondary infection;
• atopic or allergic dermatitis. Vivid manifestations: red crusts are visible on the bends of the legs and arms, and cheeks. The formations protrude above the skin, become rough, and ichor appears from the edges.

Hives

Common form allergic rashes. This type of disease appears as reddish/red-orange spots of varying shapes and sizes. After pressing, whitish inclusions are noticeable in the center of the problem area.

Urticaria can be acute or chronic. Signs appear immediately after contact with an irritant, especially when using antibiotics. In some forms, symptoms appear gradually.

Shapes:

• light;
• moderate;
• heavy.

With dangerous Quincke's edema (giant urticaria), not only spots are observed, but also swelling of the face, lips, and larynx, which threatens suffocation. An ambulance is required immediately.

Exudative diathesis

With diathesis, rashes most often occur in children aged 6 months to one year. The manifestations resemble childhood eczema and occur with a certain frequency. Often the problem is hereditary. The danger of this type of allergic reaction is damage to the nervous system.

In addition to itchy lesions filled with exudate, other signs are noticeable:

• irritability;
• causeless crying;
• sleep problems.

Childhood eczema

This type of allergic rash causes a lot of suffering to the baby:

• multiple lesions appear on the ankles, face, hands, and neck, rising above the surface;
• there is liquid (exudate) with irritating properties inside;
• Gradually the affected areas dry out, crusts appear, the surface cracks and itches heavily;
• when scratching, a secondary infection easily penetrates into the wounds, and the condition of the deep tissues worsens;
• damage to the nervous system is added to the foci of inflammation, the condition of the sick child becomes critical;
• in severe cases, advanced eczema can lead to dire consequences.

Features

How not to confuse an allergic rash with other diseases? Perhaps the child has rubella or measles, and parents are in vain “blaming” oranges or a couple of chocolates for the problem.

Look at the table. Find out which symptoms are characteristic of infectious diseases and which are characteristic of allergic rashes.

	Allergic rash	Infectious diseases
High temperature	rarely, only in case of secondary infection	often
Swelling of the face, soft tissues, lips, in severe cases - larynx	often	No
Itchy skin	often	not always
General weakness	rarely, only in severe cases, advanced cases	often, especially at high temperature
Body aches	No	often
Discharge of clear mucus	often, the nature of the discharge constant	The discharge is initially liquid, then they thicken change color from transparent (cloudy white) to greenish
Irritability, moodiness	with severe itching	often
Headache	rarely	often
Nature of the rash	spots or large spots, sometimes with exudate, cracked crust. Formations often merge, appears solid swollen surface.	often small bubbles, vesicles, specks ranging in size from 0.5 to 1 cm. Sometimes the rash covers the entire body, but spots, most often, separated from each other.

You can find out more about childhood infectious diseases on our website. For example, it is written about scarlet fever here; Read about chickenpox on this page.

Diagnostics

Delivered on time, accurate diagnosis allows you to begin the fight against allergies without delay. Viral infections and rashes of an allergic nature should not be confused.

Main research:

• skin allergy test;
• general blood test.

Effective treatments

How to treat an allergic rash? Most types of rashes respond well to treatment if the influence of harmful factors is excluded and a chronic course is prevented. In case of a hereditary form accompanied by relapses, it is important to follow preventive measures to minimize the influence of negative factors.

In the absence of control over the child’s nutrition, frequent use of medications, weak immunity the risk of an allergic rash and other symptoms increases sharply.

How to eliminate skin rashes and other signs of allergies:

• first rule. After identifying the irritant, protect the child from contact with it;
• sedatives. Relieves irritation and itching of the skin. Give the children motherwort, lemon balm decoction, valerian tablets;
• antihistamines. They relieve allergy symptoms and block the entry of histamine into the blood. The doctor will prescribe Erius, Cetrin, Zyrtec, Diazolin, Suprastin, Claritin;
• sorbents. Effective means for removing toxins and allergic components from the body. Recommended: Enterosgel, Polysorb, activated or White carbon, Lactofiltrum;
• antihistamine ointments. For heavy rashes or cracked surfaces, apply problem areas Fenistil-gel, Advantan;
• severe forms of allergies. The doctor will add potent drugs: Hydrocortisone or Prednisolone. Use for a limited time as directed by an allergist, never buy on your own hormonal ointments to avoid side effects;
• cleansing the body, relieving tension in the nervous system. Diphenhydramine, calcium chloride;
• herbal decoctions. Be sure to make lotions, bathe your little allergy sufferer with the addition of healing infusions and decoctions. Chamomile, string, and sage relieve itching, swelling, and soothe irritated areas. Be sure to consult your doctor;
• blood purification. For frequent allergy attacks, brew a nettle decoction for your children. For a glass of boiling water, 1 tsp is enough. dry leaves. After 40 minutes, remove the greens, strain, give the little patient ½ glass twice a day;
• diuretics. Tablets and decoctions are recommended for severe tissue swelling to quickly remove the allergen from the body. Brew juniper branches, lingonberry leaves, bearberry leaves, give Furosemide. Always consult about diuretic herbs: the doctor will tell you whether folk remedies are allowed, taking into account the age of the young patient.

Find out effective methods for treating caries of primary teeth in young children.

Medicines for inhalation with a nebulizer for a runny nose are described on this page.

At http://razvitie-malysha.com/razvitije/0-1/derzhim-golovu.html read about how to teach a child to hold his head up on his own.

Prevention measures

• strengthening the immune system;
• refusal of contact with the allergen;
• proper nutrition, restriction (exclusion of potentially dangerous products from the menu);
• hardening, healthy sleep, daily routine;
• vitamin therapy, intake mineral complexes, nutritional supplements according to age;
• destruction of weeds in the area adjacent to the house, refusal to walk in places where “dangerous” trees and shrubs grow;
• temporary removal of the baby from settlement with a severe reaction to plant pollen. It is important to know the exact period of seasonal allergies;
• minimal application household chemicals, the use of powders suitable for washing children's clothes;
• caring for your baby using only high-quality, hypoallergenic creams, shampoos, soaps without dyes or irritating ingredients;
• If there is a newborn or young children in the house, avoid using strong perfumes and deodorants: substances in spray form often provoke allergic reactions;
• Make sure that your baby does not come into contact with metals, synthetic fabrics, could not get to packages of washing powder, cleaning products, varnishes, cosmetics;
• regular visits to the pediatrician. At the slightest suspicion of sensitization of the body, ask for a referral to a consultation with an allergist.

Video. Children's doctor Komarovsky about children's allergic rash:

razvitie-malysha.com

Related posts:

Allergy to puree Non-allergenic mixture

Hives are a symptom of allergies. It manifests itself in the form of a rash localized on the skin, less often, on mucous surfaces, accompanied by itching. Your name this pathology I received the external similarity of the rashes with the consequences of contact with nettles. Hives may be the only consequence of an allergy, or it may occur as one of the symptoms. Not many people know that angioedema, angioedema, is a severe form of urticaria, in which swelling occurs massively, affecting the respiratory tract. This condition can lead to suffocation, even death of a person.

If this condition occurs acutely, then, usually, its cause is easy to identify. But if urticaria occurs chronically, appearing and disappearing, it can be difficult to detect the cause of its development, the allergen that contributes to such a response of the body.

Urticaria in children

Metabolic processes in children are more intense than in adults. Therefore, the development of allergic reactions often occurs quite quickly. Urticaria is one of the characteristic symptoms of intolerance to certain substances by the child’s body. If your baby begins to behave restlessly, itches, or a red rash appears on his skin, this should make parents remember all their actions that preceded the appearance of hives. It is necessary to establish what the child’s body encountered for the first time. This could be food, materials, e.g. new look diapers, clothes, cosmetics, medicines. Everything that your suspicion falls on should be excluded from the baby’s everyday life.

Solar urticaria

We must not forget that the cause of allergic rashes can also be ultraviolet radiation entering the skin. Such photosensitivity, that is, allergic sensitivity to sunlight, can be caused by the use of certain cosmetics, contact with the juice of certain plants, for example, hogweed, angelica, on the skin. Also, treatment with various types of antibiotics leads to the development of this condition. Finally, some people may have increased sensitivity to ultraviolet.

Whatever the cause of photosensitivity, its mechanism is as follows: certain substances that are allergens accumulate in the skin under the influence of sunlight (or a solarium). The so-called “solar urticaria” can lead to the development of inflammatory processes on the skin.

Causes of urticaria

As mentioned above, to successfully combat urticaria, it is necessary to identify its causes - that is, allergens. Sometimes, it is enough to stop eating certain foods and interacting with certain materials, for example, metal jewelry, in order to no longer encounter allergies. If the condition is chronic, then it is justified to carry out allergy tests, in order to identify the cause of urticaria.

Treatment

To relieve the symptoms of urticaria, the use of antihistamines is indicated - from Suprastin. to Erius. The difference between allergy medications of the first and latest generations lies in the strength and number of side effects, the main of which is the strong sedative effect of the first. Whereas modern drugs can effectively restore the patient’s health without affecting the state of his nervous system.

If indicated, treatment of urticaria can be expanded by prescribing corticosteroids and immunotherapy.

Traditional medicine suggests relieving the symptoms of urticaria with various baths and lotions made from decoctions of plants such as marjoram, mistletoe, and mint. For severe itching spread over a large surface of the body, you can take a warm bath with a glass of baking soda dissolved in it. Small local rashes stop itching under a compress of burdock leaves.

However, we should not forget that these remedies, both traditional and official medicine, only eliminate the consequences. The main and main way to get rid of urticaria forever is to identify and eliminate the allergen that causes the rash from the patient’s life.

Causes and symptoms of urticaria

What is urticaria?

Urticaria is a skin disease in which itching occurs in certain areas of the skin. and then blisters. The blisters are first located on specific areas of the skin and are located separately from each other, and then merge, and a whole area of ​​​​inflammation is obtained. If this area is too large, then the body temperature rises, chills occur, and malfunctions are possible. gastrointestinal tract.

Symptoms of urticaria

A symptom of urticaria, which distinguishes it from various skin diseases and cosmetic defects with unclear Latin names, is the appearance of blisters and a red rash that itches and itch. It can appear around the lips, on the cheeks, and on other parts of the body.

In general, these rashes and blisters are not that dangerous - they are mostly small in size and disappear quickly. But the trouble is that they do not appear in a single copy: after some disappear, others appear in their place. For this reason, urticaria lingers on the skin for quite a long time and can bother you for several hours or several days.

Hives are an allergic reaction that can occur, for example, due to an insect bite. The blisters disappear after three hours. Hives also form if the skin has been exposed to any chemical. Hives can be a consequence of certain diseases, for example, a malfunction thyroid gland or kidneys, liver. But basically, urticaria occurs due to the influence of any food on the body - for example, if a person has eaten a lot of citrus fruits, fish, chocolate.

Types of urticaria

There is a type of urticaria. which is formed when a person was first in the cold and suddenly entered the heat. There is also urticaria from sunlight. Sometimes the disease occurs due to the fact that a person has suffered stress or depression. Urticaria can develop into Quincke's edema. when severe swelling appears on the skin. located over large areas.

Urticaria can also be acute or chronic. At chronic illness itching can last for more than six months. This leads to sleep disturbances and a decrease in the overall performance of the body. And with acute urticaria, the itching goes away within a few hours.

Causes of urticaria

To cure hives, it is necessary to identify the cause that caused the disease. It is possible that the cause of hives could be some food, then they should be excluded from the diet. Urticaria may occur due to severe stress. This disease is treated with special ointments that must be prescribed by the attending physician.

The problem is encountered by those who want to get rid of hives using conventional cosmetics, assuming that this is a common skin irritation. In fact, the real cause of hives is allergies. An allergic reaction can be caused by food products, medications, chemicals, pollen, as well as exposure to heat or cold, and also cosmetics. For this reason, the desire to disguise hives with foundation can aggravate the situation.

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Treatment of urticaria

Thus, it is necessary to treat urticaria the same way as an allergy is treated, that is, to get rid of the allergen (an allergen is something that causes a reaction in the body). If, however, standard treatment for allergies does not help and the cause is not clear, then you need to consult an allergist. The specialist will conduct the necessary tests and determine the factor causing urticaria. Evidence that you actually have hives will be if the patient's condition improves after taking antihistamines (anti-allergy) drugs or medications that reduce sensitivity. In some cases, relief comes from a salt-free diet and plenty of fluids. The areas where urticaria is localized can be lubricated with corticosteroid ointments; home remedies can bring relief using a cloth moistened with table vinegar.

Also, do not forget that if an allergic reaction occurs, then this is a reason to pay attention to your immunity and, accordingly, you need to visit the right specialist.

Urticaria in children: symptoms, causes and treatment

Urticaria in a child is a sharp response of the immune system to the action of various external stimuli. The penetration of a certain allergen into the body provokes the release of a large amount of the hormone histamine into the circulatory system. This leads to expansion and increased permeability of small vessels, and, as a result, swelling of the tissues and rashes on the skin. Treatment of urticaria in children is mandatory, since there is a risk of the disease becoming chronic. But in order to quickly and efficiently get rid of allergies, you need to correctly identify its causes and differentiate them from other ailments with similar symptoms.

Causes of urticaria in babies

In most cases, unpleasant symptoms are caused by allergic urticaria in children. This diagnosis is made in approximately 70 percent of babies when a rash or redness occurs.

The main causes of such allergies:

Hereditary tendency to react to certain stimuli;

Certain foods (honey, citrus fruits, brightly colored fruits, eggs);

Food additives;

Animal wool;

Dust, plant pollen;

Insect bites;

Hygiene products, household chemicals;

Natural factors (frost, heat, sun rays).

Possible allergy to pharmaceuticals, for example, to cephalexin. In children under one year of age, a reaction may occur to mother's milk if the mother has eaten spicy food, strawberries or oranges. Or a new mixture from artificial manufacturers. At 1 year of age, the baby’s body is capable of giving such a response to unusual complementary foods. However, it is not only allergens that can cause the disease. Unpleasant symptoms also occur due to non-allergic risk factors.

Causes of non-allergic urticaria:

Similar symptoms are observed in some childhood diseases, for example, chickenpox and measles. In order not to make mistakes in treatment, it is important to differentiate this disease from other diseases with skin rashes.

How to identify an illness in a baby?

There are several types of the disease, each of them has its own causes and manifestations. But there are pronounced symptoms characteristic of urticaria:

Rash of a reddish or faded pink hue;

Nodular type of rash or swelling and swelling;

Most often, persistent itching;

Combining small spots into one big one;

After healing there is no damage to the skin.

With a mild form of the disease, the blisters are almost invisible and do not itch much. Medium form characterized not only by a rash, but also by swelling. You can see what it looks like in the photo by going to the appropriate medical forum. The child is constantly itching, weakness and headache are possible. In severe cases of the disease, nausea, hoarse cough, and fever occur. There is a risk of angioedema and death, so in severe cases immediate medical attention is required.

Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis. You will probably need the help of not only a pediatrician, but also a pediatric allergist.

For diagnosis, appropriate blood and urine tests, bacteriological and allergological tests are carried out. Sometimes an x-ray or ultrasound is needed.

Quick identification of urticaria will allow you to get rid of the disease in a short time, and delay in treatment can lead to complications and the transition of the acute form of the disease to chronic.

Symptoms and treatment of various forms of the disease

The disease can be differentiated by its causes and clinical picture. Let's analyze the main forms of urticaria and the nuances that need to be taken into account when treating the disease:

Hives

Urticaria is a term that unites a whole group of diseases of different nature, but having a similar clinical symptom: skin elements like blisters, reminiscent of a nettle burn.

Hives- a fairly common disease. There are no exact statistics on its occurrence, but a number of domestic studies have shown that it occurs at least once in a lifetime in 31% of the population. Particularly difficult for patients are chronic forms of the disease (urticaria lasting more than 6 weeks).

The first detailed description of the symptoms of urticaria dates back to 1882, although similar symptoms are described in the works of Hippocrates.

Cause of hives

Urticaria is a classic polyetiological disease. This means that there can be many causes for the same symptoms.

One of the most common species diseases - allergic urticaria. which is based on immediate hypersensitivity. This mechanism underlies many allergic reactions. It is characterized by the rapid development of symptoms after the allergen enters the body. This type allergies are typical for hives after an insect bite or associated with the consumption of food products.

Immune complex mechanism of urticaria development. Here, the basis of the pathological process is the excessive formation of antigen-antibody complexes. (Antigen is a substance that causes immune reaction, and an antibody is a protein produced by the human immune system to fight extracellular antigens. Read more about this in the article on immunity). This mechanism is often observed in reactions to drugs, for example to the administration of serums.

Also, the development of anaphylactoid reactions may be the basis of skin problems. Their distinctive feature is an increased ability mast cells(a special type of cells, located, as a rule, under the skin and mucous membranes, and carrying a large amount of biologically active substances) to the release of enzymes and active proteins accumulated in them. Moreover, this process occurs without the involvement of immune cells in this reaction.

Cause of hives there may be a liver pathology leading to impaired destruction of histamine, one of the most active participants in allergic inflammation.

Often hives is a consequence of autoimmune inflammation. Conditions when immune system begins to react to the body’s own tissues as if they were foreign.

These are just a few of the most common mechanisms for the development of urticaria. This problem is currently being actively studied, and every year more and more new aspects are being discovered.

Direct provocateur or stimulant for exacerbation of urticaria May be use of medications, food, insect bites. Chronic urticaria is most often based on some kind of chronic pathological process. Old manuals wrote that skin rashes are a reflection internal pathology.

Diseases associated with chronic urticaria, that is, capable of triggering the above mechanisms leading to the appearance of skin symptoms:

1) Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, colitis, cholecystitis, intestinal dysbiosis, fermentopathy).

3) Endocrine diseases ( autoimmune thyroiditis, diabetes mellitus, thyrotoxicosis, hypothyroidism, dysfunctional ovarian disorders, etc.).

4) Systemic diseases connective tissue(rheumatoid arthritis, etc.)

5) Lymphoproliferative diseases (myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Waldeström's macroglobulinemia, etc.).

6) Tumors (carcinoma of the colon, rectum, liver, lungs and ovary, etc.).

7) Other diseases (sarcoidosis, amyloidosis).

Symptoms of urticaria with photos

The main symptom of hives is the appearance of blisters on the skin. Externally, a blister is a protruding area of ​​skin that resembles an insect bite or a burn left by a nettle. Skin element - accompanied by itching. The skin around the blister may be red. Elements can merge, acquiring gigantic sizes. Most often, the rashes are symmetrical.

A characteristic feature of urticaria is the complete reversibility of the elements. That is, after stopping the attack of the disease, the skin returns to its original state. There are no white spots, hyperpigmentation, or scars left. Elements can appear on any part of the skin and can migrate. For example, today on your arms, tomorrow on your stomach, etc.

Depending on the duration of symptoms, acute urticaria is classified as common condition. In this case, symptoms last less than 6 weeks. Chronic urticaria - the duration of the disease is more than 6 weeks. And recurrent urticaria - there are 3-4 episodes of urticaria over 6 months.

The patient may or may not notice provoking factors.

In accordance with them, the following, rarer forms of urticaria are distinguished:

1) Physical urticaria. It usually begins at an early age. Symptoms occur after exposure to various physical stimuli. For example, symptoms occur at the point of pressure from the waistband of trousers, watches, socks, etc.

2) Cold urticaria. Blisters occur after exposure to cold, for example, on exposed areas of the body after being in the cold, after contact with ice water, etc.

3) Solar urticaria. It is observed, as a rule, in adults, but is not typical for children. As the name suggests, the provoking factor is being under direct sun rays. The skin turns red, becomes swollen, and characteristic blisters appear.

4) Adrenergic urticaria. A rather rare type of disease, which is characterized by a white rim around the blister. It can occur without skin itching.

5) Cholinergic urticaria. A fairly common, but rarely diagnosed type of urticaria. Most often found in young adults and children. The rashes are multiple, small in size (up to 5 millimeters), accompanied by severe itching. Exacerbation occurs after taking a hot shower, stress, physical exercise, eating hot food.

These are just the basic, most common forms of urticaria. Only a specialist with long experience working with such patients can make an accurate diagnosis, and most importantly, establish the form of the disease.

Urticaria in children

Acute forms of urticaria predominate in children. Hives rarely occur in children younger than 6 months. Most often noted allergic forms hives.

Children suffering from urticaria are characterized by severe exudation: the elements are swollen and rise sharply above the skin. The itching is usually worse than in adults. There may be an increase in body temperature and joint pain. Often urticaria is accompanied by the appearance of Quincke's edema (swelling of the facial skin, swelling of the larynx).

Most common cause Allergic urticaria in young children is a food allergy.

Urticaria during pregnancy

During pregnancy, an increased amount of estrogen (female sex hormones) is produced, which is a risk factor for the development of urticaria. Often the occurrence of urticaria is a symptom of developing gestosis in pregnant women. The characteristic features of urticaria in pregnant women are pronounced itchy skin, insomnia, irritability, scratching of the skin.

Urticaria in pregnant women should be differentiated from dermatitis of pregnant women, which requires mandatory consultation with a dermatologist.

Approaches to the treatment of urticaria during pregnancy are practically no different from those for the rest of the category of adult patients.

What tests will you need to take for urticaria?

If hives appear, you should consult either a dermatologist or an allergist.

As we have already said: a symptom such as urticaria can be caused a huge amount reasons. In this regard, a patient with urticaria is always asked to take enough large number analyses. This, of course, can be scary, but there is no other way! If the exact cause is not established, treatment may be ineffective.

1) clinical blood test;

2) general urine analysis;

3) biochemical blood test (CRP, AST, ALT, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, creatinine, urea, alkaline phosphatase, glucose);

4) antibodies to viral hepatitis B and C (HbsAg + HCV antigen), blood for HIV;

5) blood test for syphilis;

6) to exclude autoimmune diseases - a blood test for antinuclear factor, antibodies to double-stranded DNA;

7) for physical urticaria (urticaria caused by physical influences), a dermagrophic test is performed (carried out with a spatula in the interscapular area with moderate load and the skin reaction is assessed for 5-10 minutes), for cholinergic urticaria, an exercise test is performed, for cold urticaria, the Duncan test ( apply an ice cube to the skin of the forearm for 2-3 minutes and evaluate the skin reaction within 15 minutes);

8) to exclude pathology of the endocrine system, it is necessary to consult an endocrinologist with a mandatory blood test for thyroid hormones (T3, T4 free), a blood test for antibodies to thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin;

9) to exclude foci chronic infection They take swabs from the throat and nose for microflora and fungi, and stool tests for dysbacteriosis. Women – consultation with a gynecologist. Everyone - consultation with a dentist.

10) stool analysis for coprogram;

11) it is mandatory to conduct ultrasound examination(ultrasound) of the abdominal organs and thyroid gland;

12) according to indications – esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS);

13) ECG, and in the presence of deviations from the norm: ultrasound of the heart;

14) radiography of the chest organs and paranasal sinuses nose;

15) an allergy examination is mandatory. In this case, preference is given to taking a blood test for specific immunoglobulins E (IgE to certain antigens). They start with a blood test for food allergens and household allergens.

If there are indications, it is possible to consult other specialists or expand the list of tests.

Treatment of urticaria

An obligatory component of the treatment of urticaria is adherence to a diet and a special lifestyle (more details in the section Features of nutrition and lifestyle with urticaria). Please note that if you have urticaria, it is prohibited a whole series medications that may be prescribed to treat concomitant diseases of a patient with urticaria. These drugs include: aspirin and its derivatives, codeine, ACE inhibitors (enap, enam, capoten, etc.). If you suffer or have suffered from urticaria, you should definitely warn your doctor about this so that he does not prescribe you medications that can provoke an exacerbation.

Traditionally, treatment for urticaria begins with antihistamines. It is preferable to use 3rd generation drugs: Telfast, Zyrtec, Erius, etc. Sometimes (with chronic urticaria) long-term medication is required, up to three months or more.

Anti-leukotriene drugs, for example, Singulair, are used to treat urticaria with good effect. The drug is available in dosages of 5 (for children) and 10 milligrams. The course of treatment is from 10 days to 1 month. Sometimes longer. Singulair has a very good effect on cold urticaria.

In severe forms of urticaria that are resistant to therapy, it is possible to prescribe corticosteroids in doses of up to 1 mg per kg of body weight for 5-7 days until remission is achieved with a gradual dose reduction. Drugs: prednisolone, metipred, etc. This treatment may be associated with a large number of side effects, and therefore can only be carried out as prescribed and under the supervision of a physician.

Urticaria is often observed in patients under stress, in patients with increased anxiety, etc. In addition, prolonged itching constantly bothers patients, figuratively speaking, “inflating” the nervous system, as a result of which the disease progresses. In these cases, anxiolytics can be used, for example, atarax, bellataminal, paroxetine, etc.

At chronic forms In case of urticaria, plasmapheresis, the so-called hardware blood purification, can be used.

For many forms of urticaria, the administration of histoglobulin is effective. Course from 5 to 15 injections.

If skin lesions do not go away for a long time, ointments and creams containing corticosteroids are used to remove them. Preference is given to the latest generation of drugs that do not contain halogens (fluorine, chlorine), for example, Advantan, Lokoid. Duration of use is no more than 10 days in a row.

Treatment of urticaria with folk remedies

Tools from the arsenal traditional medicine There are no medications that could be recommended for patients with urticaria. In addition, many recommended treatments for hives may make the condition worse. Conversations that certain recipes have helped someone are most often based on self-hypnosis.

Features of nutrition and lifestyle with urticaria

For all forms of urticaria, stress, alcohol consumption, and smoking are contraindicated. Prolonged exposure to the sun is not recommended, especially for patients with solar urticaria. Overheating is not recommended. Sunbathing is strictly forbidden.

Pressure on the skin should be avoided. To do this, you need to give up tight clothes, belts, suspenders. Work involving heavy physical exertion is not recommended.

It is possible to prescribe local protective agents. For example, for solar urticaria, it is necessary to actively use sun creams with a protection factor of at least 40; for cold urticaria, protective creams against low temperatures, for example, Morozko baby cream or Mustella cream with mink oil.

During an exacerbation, it is necessary to follow a hypoallergenic diet.

What a patient with urticaria should not do:

Milk, nuts, fish, all types of citrus fruits, seafood, chocolate, coffee, mustard, spices, mayonnaise, ketchup, tomatoes, eggplant, eggs, mushrooms, sausages, ham, sausage, carbonated drinks, strawberries, wild strawberries, watermelons, pineapples, honey .

What is possible (if there is no individual intolerance to a patient with urticaria):

Lactic acid products; boiled beef; cereal and vegetable soups; vegetarian soups; apple or dried fruit compote; olive and sunflower oil; boiled potatoes; porridge from buckwheat, rice, oatmeal; cucumbers; parsley; dill; baked apples; tea; sugar; bran or whole grain bread; bio-yogurts without additives; one-day cottage cheese; curdled milk.

Possible complications of urticaria and prognosis

The prognosis for life is usually favorable. It is possible to develop Quincke's edema, which occurs with the development of edema of the upper respiratory tract. This condition already poses a threat to life.

In addition, urticaria can be a manifestation of internal pathology, including oncological diseases, which certainly worsens the prognosis for the patient. In 30% of cases, chronic forms of the disease occur.

Prevention of urticaria

No measures have been developed to prevent the development of this particular disease. Compliance required healthy image life, timely detection and treatment of concomitant diseases. If there are frequent infectious diseases— sanitation of all possible foci of infection.

Answers to frequently asked questions on the topic of urticaria:

Urticaria in children: photos, symptoms, treatment

One of the most pressing problems of modern pediatric practice is urticaria. occurring in 2.1-6.7% of children and adolescents. According to statistical data, the peak incidence occurs at the age of 14-40 years, however, at the moment, cases of characteristic rashes occurring in children of toddlers and preschool age are becoming more and more common. What does urticaria look like in children in the photo? What are the symptoms of hives and how to treat it? You will find answers to these and other questions below.

What is urticaria?

Urticaria is a collective name that includes a group of heterogeneous pathologies characterized by the appearance of a diffuse or limited rash with the primary morphological element of a papule (an itchy blister of various sizes). It is a limited swelling of the dermal layer of the skin with characteristic hyperemia along the periphery and a paler central area. The size of the edema in diameter can vary from several mm to several cm. This formation is temporary, that is, it can disappear within 24 hours. If swelling spreads to the deeper dermal layers, subcutaneous tissue and mucous membrane, aponeurotic edema (Quincke's edema) is formed.

Based on the duration of the disease, urticaria is divided into acute and chronic. The duration of the acute form, characterized by spontaneous development, is no more than 1.5 months. If a child's rash persists for more than 6 weeks, chronic urticaria is diagnosed.

Clinical forms of urticaria:

spontaneous;

physical (arising under the influence of external factors);

contact

Classification according to the nomenclature of allergic diseases

Allergic (IgE-mediated) urticaria.

Non-allergic (non-IgE-mediated) urticaria.

Urticaria in children is most often acute and can be an independent pathology, or a symptom of another disease.

Causes of urticaria in children

Factors that provoke the development of acute urticaria:

Food products (seafood, nuts, citrus fruits, fruits, nutritional supplements, etc.);

Poison of Hymenoptera insects;

Toxins of stinging and poisonous plants;

Viral infections;

Intolerance to certain drugs, radiopaque agents and blood components.

Reasons for the development of chronic urticaria:

Environmental factors (water, wind, cold air, insolation, vibration, external pressure, etc.);

Autoimmune pathologies (collagenosis);

Worm infestations;

Endocrine pathologies;

Allergic diseases (atopic dermatitis, bronchial asthma, hay fever);

Chronic bacterial, fungal and viral infections.

The mechanism of development of urticaria is associated with the activation of skin mast cells and the release of the cytoplasmic granules they contain (degranulation) into the surrounding tissues. Histamine (an inflammatory mediator) contained in the granules causes the development of clinical symptoms of the disease.

Symptoms of urticaria in children

Urticaria is a disease in which skin rashes are localized on any part of the body, including the soles, palms and scalp. It should be emphasized that the largest number of mast cells is located in the head and neck area, and therefore this area is characterized by the most intense itching.

As a rule, the disease in children begins suddenly. First on various areas The skin becomes very itchy and then blisters begin to form. You can see how they look in the photo. Papules can form not only on the skin, but also on the mucous membranes. Often the rash is accompanied by swelling of the lips, eyelids, limbs and even joints. Just like blisters, swelling can persist for up to a day (from a few minutes), but at the same time, sometimes it can linger for up to 48-72 hours.

The most serious and risky condition is the formation of angioedema (Quincke's edema), which some clinicians call giant urticaria. This condition is accompanied by deeper swelling of the dermis and subcutaneous loose tissue. The greatest danger is swelling of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. Its characteristic symptoms include difficulty breathing, whistling, cyanosis (blueness) of the nasolabial triangle and paroxysmal severe cough. In such a situation, the child requires urgent medical attention, since in the absence of adequate therapeutic measures Possible death.

If angioedema affects the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, the patient experiences nausea, persistent vomiting, and short-term diarrhea is possible. When the inner ear and meninges are damaged, headaches and dizziness develop. inhibition of reactions, nausea and vomiting.

The acute form of the disease is accompanied by a rise in body temperature to 38-39°C, malaise, and headache. Sometimes it is possible to develop Quincke's edema. If, while following the recommended diet and following other medical recommendations, the child’s skin rashes do not go away, chronic urticaria is diagnosed. This condition, which occurs with periods of exacerbations and remissions, can develop into chronic dermatitis when a secondary infection occurs.

Diagnosis of urticaria in children

Diagnostic research includes the following activities:

Taking an anamnesis (finding out the cause that provoked the development of the disease and clarifying the family history of allergic diseases);

Physical examination (assessment of the nature of the rash, location and size of the papules). Also during the consultation, the patient’s subjective feelings, the time of disappearance of the blisters and the possible presence of pigmentation at the site of the rash are clarified.

Assessment of disease activity. Produced using a specially developed Urticaria Activity Score.

Laboratory tests necessary to determine the cause of skin rashes (clinical blood and urine tests, tests with autologous blood serum and with atopic allergens, liver enzymes, levels of total immunoglobulin, fibrinogen, eosinophilic cationic protein, etc.).

To confirm the diagnosis of “cholinergic urticaria”, which occurs against the background of elevated body temperature, a test with dynamic physical activity (provocative test) is performed;

If diagnostic testing fails to identify the cause of the disease, urticaria is considered idiopathic.

First aid for hives

As a rule, in the acute form of urticaria, skin rashes go away on their own after a few hours or 1-2 days, without outside help. However, in this situation, the main problem is not the rash, but the itching of the skin that it causes. Therefore, when providing first aid, parents’ efforts should be aimed at eliminating it.

First of all, it is necessary to prevent the action of an irritating factor (this could be food, medication or a pet). Further, to reduce itching, it is recommended to apply a non-hormonal antiallergic cream to the skin, approved for use in children from a very early age (Fenistil, Gistan, Skin Cap, Elidel, Potopik, Desitin, etc.). In the absence medication You can use sunburn cream, which also relieves itching, or apply a cool compress (1 tablespoon of vinegar per 250 ml of water) to the affected area of ​​skin.

If there are rashes, it is necessary to constantly ensure that the child does not scratch the skin; to avoid scratches, trim the nails short. Cotton clothing will also help reduce itching and irritation.

If swelling and other negative symptoms develop (nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, cold sticky sweat, fainting), you must urgently call an ambulance.

1. Before the ambulance arrives, after stopping contact with the allergen, provide the child with plenty of fluids (preferably slightly alkaline mineral water or an alkaline solution prepared at home (1 g baking soda per 1 liter of water)) and give an enterosorbent (a drug for binding and removing the allergen from the digestive tract). If angioedema occurs after an insect bite or injection, it is necessary to tightly bandage the area above the bite or injection.

Treatment of urticaria in children

When choosing treatment tactics, the causes and forms of the disease are first taken into account. The basic principles of therapy used in clinical practice to combat urticaria in children include elimination (excluding or limiting exposure to triggering factors), taking medications, and treating pathologies that can cause skin rashes.

Tablet antihistamines are used as basic therapy to relieve the symptoms of acute urticaria. In severe cases of the disease, patients are shown parenteral administration of classical fat-soluble first-generation antihistamines and glucocorticosteroids.

Today, pediatricians rarely prescribe first-generation antihistamines to their patients, preferring more modern histamine receptor blockers. This is due to the fact that even short-term use of classical antihistamines can lead to the development of side effects (dryness of the oral mucosa, increased sputum viscosity in children with bronchial asthma, increased intraocular pressure, impaired psychomotor and cognitive functions, constipation, urinary retention, etc. ). At the same time, second generation antihistamines are characterized by the absence of side effects, have a high level of safety and are quite convenient to use.

If the hives were provoked food products, along with taking medications that suppress the action of free histamine, the child is prescribed sorbents to cleanse the intestines (Enterosgel, Lactofiltrum, Smecta, etc.).

Treatment of idiopathic urticaria involves strict adherence to a hypoallergenic diet and the use of medications recommended for the treatment of other types of acute urticaria. When carrying out intoxication therapy, the child is prescribed soft sorbents, Hemodez (drip), and, if necessary, digestive enzymes. In parallel, symptomatic treatment is carried out.

Children suffering from chronic urticaria require long-term, frequent use of medications that suppress the action of free histamine.

In severe cases of chronic autoimmune urticaria, the sick child requires hospitalization. IN in this case treatment involves plasmapheresis (a method of extracorporeal hematocorrection based on the removal of part of the circulating plasma along with functional antibodies to class E immunoglobulins). With resistance to traditional therapy intravenous administration of immunoglobulin, which activates T-suppressors, and cyclosporine A, which suppresses mast cell degranulation, is indicated.

Hypoallergenic diet for urticaria in children (according to A.D. Ado)

Prohibited Products

• Seafood;
• Chocolate;
• Products with flavorings, preservatives and artificial food additives;
• Smoked meats;
• Fish dishes;
• Seasonings and spices (mustard, vinegar, mayonnaise, etc.);
• Spices;
• Eggs;
• Butter pastries;
• Poultry meat;
• Mushrooms;
• Eggplants, tomatoes;
• Citrus;
• Strawberries and strawberries;
• Nuts (almonds, peanuts);
• Coffee.

Authorized Products

• Vegetable and cereal soups (with vegetable or beef broth);
• Boiled beef;
• Boiled potatoes;
• Oil (butter, olive, sunflower);
• Porridge (buckwheat, rice, oatmeal);
• Fresh cucumbers;
• Parsley, dill;
• One-day dairy products (cottage cheese, yogurt);
• White bread (without baking);
• Sugar;
• Compotes (cherry, apple, plum, currant, dried fruit);
• Apples (baked);

Diet for food-induced urticaria

If the cause of urticaria is food allergen, it is recommended to fast for 3-5 days. At the same time, the intestines are cleansed using cleansing enemas. Before fasting, you can take a one-time laxative prescribed by your doctor. Average daily requirement in liquid during this period is 1.5 liters.

At the end of fasting, the following feeding scheme for the child is developed:

the first two days the patient is given 100 grams of one type of product on an empty stomach, and then another 200 grams 4 times a day. Every 2-3 days a new (“pure”) product is added to the previously prescribed one.

For example, in the first 2 days - boiled potatoes, then some other boiled vegetable is added to it, then milk, then bread, beef, etc. Lastly, the child’s diet is introduced to the product that is most likely , could provoke the occurrence of rashes. The appearance of a papular rash after eating one of the studied products confirms its role in the development of an allergic reaction. On this day, the child is shown fasting and cleansing enemas without the use of medications. In the next 2 days, only previously tested products are allowed to be used.

Through elimination diets, each individual patient creates his own basic diet, including basic foods. It is mandatory for parents to keep a food diary, which will display the child’s condition before and after meals, as well as after the introduction of a new food product.

Alternative diet for urticaria

In the event that skin rashes appear while taking aspirin or NSAIDs (drug-induced urticaria), treatment primarily involves discontinuing these drugs. At the same time, you should simultaneously exclude from your diet foods containing salicylates of natural origin (raspberries, strawberries, cherries, grapes, apricots, apples, peaches, cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots), and also avoid foods with food additives (E102, E210.212, E320.321).

For physical urticaria, it is recommended to reduce your intake to reduce inflammation. table salt(including dishes containing it).

Prevention of exacerbations of urticaria in children

• Complete elimination of contact with the allergen;
• conducting maintenance courses of allergen-specific immunotherapy;
• following an elimination diet and excluding foods that cause skin rashes from the child’s diet;
• refusal to use medications that provoke the development of allergic reactions;
• timely treatment of pathologies of the nervous system and digestive tract.

Urticaria is one of the most common diseases treated by an allergist. In general, the term urticaria refers to a number of certain diseases, characterized by different specific natures of occurrence, but manifesting themselves in the same way.

What is the cause of the occurrence, what are the first signs in adults and what is prescribed as treatment, we will look further in the article and show how the rashes look in the photo in different forms.

What is urticaria?

Urticaria is a disease of heterogeneous causative factors, the main clinical manifestation of which is skin rash in the form of widespread or limited blisters that disappear spontaneously or under the influence of appropriate treatment.

Typically, hives are more of a symptom than independent disease. For example, it may be a cutaneous manifestation allergic shock, bronchial asthma, some kind of autoimmune disease. It is extremely rare for urticaria to be an independent allergic reaction, without accompanying symptoms.

The incidence of urticaria in the population is quite high, which, accordingly, defines it as a common disease. Moreover, at least once in their lives, about 10 to 35% of the population has encountered its manifestation. The most unfavorable course is chronic urticaria, the duration of which is over 5-7 weeks.

Species

Depending on the prevalence throughout the body, the disease is divided into options:

• localized - on a certain limited area of ​​the body;
• generalized (spread of rash elements throughout the body), which is a life-threatening condition, especially when localized in the area of ​​organs of vital importance.

Types of urticaria depending on the duration of the disease:

• Acute urticaria. When urticaria lasts up to 6 weeks, it is considered acute. The duration of the disease is determined from the appearance of the first rash until the disappearance of the last.
• Chronic form. If urticaria lasts more than 6 weeks, it is considered chronic. Associated with autointoxication and found in diseases of the digestive organs and liver. Foci of chronic infection in the tonsils and gallbladder, caries and various types can also sensitize the body and cause a chronic form.
• Chronic recurrent urticaria- can last for several decades with periods of partial or complete remission (weakening). It is often accompanied by Quincke's edema. Severe itching forces patients to scratch the skin until it bleeds.

Acute form, with the development of Quincke's edema. This type of urticaria is accompanied by swelling of the subcutaneous fatty tissue and mucous membrane. Such swelling in the larynx is especially dangerous., as they can cause asphyxia (suffocation). Quincke's edema is accompanied by blurred vision, severe itching and the appearance of white-pink blisters.

Demographic

Dermographic urticaria (dermatographism) is a type of urticaria in which scar-like blisters appear on the patient's skin due to mechanical stress. A characteristic feature of this disorder is sudden appearance and rapid resolution of symptoms. Often, patients with dermographism experience self-healing.

Solar urticaria

With hypersensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, solar urticaria appears; in people with sensitive skin in the spring and summer, blisters appear on exposed areas of the skin after sun exposure. Solar urticaria mainly affects women with fair skin and blond hair.

Cold form

Developing cold urticaria a few minutes after contact with such influencing factors as cold water or excessively cold air, icy wind. Manifestations of symptoms are reduced to the appearance of itching, burning, erythema (severe redness of the skin), as well as a blister and/or swelling. The predominant concentration of these manifestations is similar to the previous case with solar urticaria.

Medicinal

Pathology caused by medications may develop immediately, a few minutes after taking the medication, or may only appear several weeks later, when the drug is stopped. Most often the dosage form is provoked by:

• aspirin;
• other NSAIDs;
• steroids, etc.

Contact urticaria

Occurs due to an allergy to any material. For example, with a wool allergy, this type of disease develops if a person wears woolen clothing. Blisters and itching appear where the allergen comes into contact with the skin.

Causes

The progression of external signs of urticaria is explained by an increase in local vascular permeability, which is why short terms swelling develops. An important factor in the possibility of the occurrence of this pathology is a hereditary predisposition to allergies.

Urticaria is a polyetiological disease with a variable onset of course, and it is sometimes not possible to say which allergen caused it in each specific case. They could be:

• various physical factors (temperature, humidity, pressure);
• direct contact with the allergen or its entry into the body;
• various endogenous factors ( pathological processes in the gastrointestinal tract, bacterial infection, diseases of internal organs, disruption of the endocrine system, metabolic processes or neurohumoral regulation).

Among all chronic forms of urticaria, idiopathic (with an unknown cause) occurs on average in 75-80%, in 15% - caused by a physical factor, in 5% - caused by other factors, including allergic ones.

Various diseases can serve as a trigger, often these are:

The main signs of urticaria are: the sudden appearance of a specific rash and the accompanying itching. Rashes are small areas of skin redness (erythema) that quickly transform into blisters.

In addition to severe itching and burning, depending on the extent of the lesion, a person may experience:

• headache,
• nausea,
• drowsiness,
• weakness.

Possible increase in temperature - nettle fever. Blisters and symptoms may disappear without a trace after a few hours, or the condition may be stable or wave-like over several days or even months. Usually, after disappearing, there are no traces left on the skin.

A rash with urticaria can be localized on any part of the skin - on the scalp, on the body, on the arms and legs, including the areas of the palms and the plantar surface of the feet.

The density of mast cells is very high on the face and neck, so the number of elements is usually higher here compared to other areas of the body. They often occur on the mucous membranes, especially on the lips, soft palate and larynx.

Symptoms of acute urticaria:

• sudden appearance of rashes without clear boundaries;
• increased body temperature, malaise, chills;
• painful itching;
• sudden cessation after a few hours or days (if the course is favorable).

Features of the rash in chronic urticaria:

• chronic urticaria is characterized by a rash that is not as profuse as in the acute form of the disease;
• blisters rise above the surface of the skin, have a flat shape and clearly defined edges;
• visually, the elements of the rash resemble marks from insect bites, and their diameter can vary from a millimeter to several centimeters;
• At first, the blisters are pink or red in color, but become lighter over time;
• the skin rashes are itchy and can form large solid formations;
• the rash appears spontaneously, without obvious reasons;
• in some cases, the appearance of blisters is preceded by factors such as climate change, various colds, exposure to stress.

What does urticaria look like: photo

The appearance of blisters on the skin due to urticaria

Symptoms of danger

It is often one of the manifestations, and is also often combined with Quincke's edema. In this regard, if the following symptoms appear, immediate medical attention should be provided:

• Reduced blood pressure;
• Breathing disorders (the appearance of hoarseness, hoarseness, lack of air);
• Swelling of the tongue, neck;
• Acute pain in the abdominal area;
• Loss of consciousness.

Complications

The most serious consequences are caused by Quincke's edema. In some cases, the tongue and larynx rapidly swell, and there is a risk of suffocation. Scratching your body can cause:

• the addition of a fungal or bacterial infection;
• pyoderma (purulent skin lesions);
• folliculitis;
• furunculosis.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis usually begins with a thorough history. The doctor clarifies:

• when and under what circumstances did the rash appear;
• how long the attack lasted;
• what foods and medications were used;
• whether vaccination was done.

Urticaria can be difficult to distinguish from toxicoderma or insect bites.

Doctors often prescribe tests aimed at provoking the occurrence of an allergic reaction.

Most in an efficient way Treatment for urticaria is to identify and eliminate the allergen. But if there is no way to identify the allergen or the urticaria is episodic, then local therapy and taking antihistamines help quickly eliminate symptoms. During the treatment period, it is important to follow a hypoallergenic diet, not use perfumes and come into contact with aggressive substances, so as not to provoke a new attack of urticaria.

Special points in treatment:

• Initial selection medication, primarily depends on the severity.
• In most cases, treatment of chronic urticaria requires a long time (from several weeks to months).
• It is worth remembering that the disease often stops spontaneously in 50% of cases.
• It is necessary to treat existing chronic foci of infection and restore normal intestinal microflora.

Etiotropic treatment involves eliminating the provoking factor. It is important to exclude possible contacts with allergens of any nature. It is necessary to adjust the diet and thoroughly clean the premises. If urticaria was caused by taking certain medications, then their use becomes unacceptable for life.

The following medications are used as systemic therapy in adult patients:

1. Antihistamines. These include diphenhydramine, loratadine and other drugs.
2. Systemic glucocorticosteroid drugs in the case of a generalized form of pathology (dexamethasone, prednisolone).
3. Means for desensitization. These include: cocarboxylase, unithiol, calcium chloride.
4. Adrenaline hydrochloride in case of acute edema and threat to the patient's life.

Antihistamines belonging to the second and third generation.

If there is severe swelling, difficulty breathing, or blisters, call an ambulance immediately. Before the medical team arrives:

• stop contact with the allergen;
• loosen all tight clothing;
• open a window or window;
• give the victim any antihistamine medication;
• any sorbents that you find in the first aid kit are recommended - activated or white carbon, Enterosgel;
• apply vasoconstrictor drops to your nose;
• give the person mineral water;
• If you are allergic to an insect bite, apply a cold compress to the affected area.

Diet

Diet for urticaria is an integral part of treatment, since this disease belongs to a heterogeneous group of dermatoses, which in most cases develop as allergic reactions to various provoking factors.

The diet should be based on the following principles:

• Eliminate from your diet food agents known to you that provoke allergic reactions and foods that cause you cross reaction(for example, all vegetables, berries and fruits are red);
• Avoid excess protein content in the diet;
• do not include unknown or genetically modified products on the menu;
• eat simple foods containing a minimum of ingredients, exclude complex dishes, including various seasonings and sauces;
• use only fresh products, avoid shelf-stable products (canned food, preserves);
• give preference to homemade dishes, do not include semi-finished products in your diet;
• try to optimally diversify the menu, since a product that is often eaten can have a sensitizing effect;
• limit the consumption of table salt and simple carbohydrates, as well as fried, spicy and salty foods;
• Completely avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.

When prescribing a diet for acute urticaria, it is recommended to include the following foods in the diet:

• cereals, with the exception of semolina;
• fermented milk products (without any additives);
• mild cheese;
• lean meat (beef, rabbit, turkey);
• all types of cabbage (except red cabbage), zucchini, pumpkin, fresh green peas and green beans, dill and parsley;
• apples (with green or yellow skin), pears, yellow cherries, white currants and gooseberries;
• butter, refined vegetable oil;
• grain bread or crispbread.

As the clinical manifestations subside, various vegetables and fruits are introduced into the diet in small doses: first, green or yellow in color, and after a few days, in the absence of rashes, representatives of these families of orange (pumpkin) and red color.

Doctors recommend keeping a food diary. In it, the patient needs to record what he ate and when, and most importantly, hives did not appear. In this way, you can accurately determine the allergen product and determine as correctly as possible which foods should be excluded from the diet after urticaria.

Folk remedies

Before using any folk remedy for urticaria, you need to consult a specialist.

1. As a sedative and tonic use tincture of hawthorn and valerian. To do this, the ingredients are mixed in equal proportions and taken before bed in the amount of 30 drops, washed down with water.
2. Good decongestant and diuretic effect has celery root. It is grated, the mass is squeezed through cheesecloth, the resulting juice is taken one tablespoon three times a day before meals.
3. Yarrow infusion(1 tbsp per 200 g of boiling water, let it brew for 45 minutes) drink a third of a glass three times a day before meals. The herbal decoction is prepared in the same proportion as the infusion, cook for 10 minutes. Take in the same way as the infusion.
4. Small pieces (10-15g) of licorice root take twice daily before meals.
5. Prepare an infusion of mint leaves and take it three times a day, 50 g each. The infusion has a slight calming effect and has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the digestive tract.

When the first symptoms of urticaria appear, immediately contact a dermatologist or allergist. If assistance is not provided in a timely manner, complications are possible. Take care of yourself and your health!

Candidate of Medical Sciences, senior researcher at the State scientific center"Institute of Immunology FMBA of Russia" Inna Danilycheva.

Is this an allergy?

Urticaria can be classified as an allergic disease very conditionally. It used to be thought that itchy blisters on the skin were a symptom of allergies. And until now, almost all patients who come to the doctor with this rash say: “Doctor, I have an allergy.” In fact, only one in 100 people are actually diagnosed with allergic urticaria. Other cases are caused by some internal problems in the body, and red itchy blisters are just their external manifestation on the skin.

According to some estimates, a quarter of the world's population has suffered from urticaria at least once in their lives. Women suffer from it 2 times more often than men. As a rule, the disease occurs in adulthood, although there are known cases of its occurrence in early childhood and in the elderly.

Forms and varieties

Urticaria can be either acute or chronic. If the illness lasts less than 6 weeks, this is acute form, if more than 6 weeks – chronic. In addition, urticaria is classified according to the possible causes of the rash. Thus, physical urticaria is known, when blisters appear in response to some external physical stimulus. Depending on the type of stimulus, urticaria can be: cold, thermal, vibration, solar, cholinergic. Cold urticaria is widespread in the Moscow region, and it affects the skin not only in winter at sub-zero temperatures, but also in summer. For example, a man took a swim in a pond of cool water and became covered in itchy blisters. Or he ate ice cream in the heat and developed swelling of his lips and tongue.

Another summer danger is the sun. For some, blisters appear as soon as the first sun begins to shine in their native middle zone, for others when leaving for Egypt. We are often contacted with complaints of very small, very itchy blisters that appeared after some physical activity. A man ran, say, ten meters behind the bus and soon became covered in small rash, which is called cholinergic urticaria.

Sometimes there are special types of urticaria. Contact develops after contact with an allergen (latex gloves, antibiotic ointment, etc.), as well as irritating substances (plants, jellyfish, etc.). And allergic urticaria is associated with the action of a wide range of allergens: food (fish, nuts, cheeses, beer, wine...), medicinal (penicillin, aspirin, voltaren, blood components and blood substitutes...), household (pharmaceutical or chemical products). It is enough to eliminate contact with the allergen, and the rash disappears.

How to treat?

In most cases, antihistamines are used to treat urticaria. These medications prevent histamine (the main culprit in blistering, itching, swelling, and redness of the skin) from working.

Those who suffer from cold urticaria should limit their exposure to the cold, dress warmly, do not drink cold drinks or eat ice cream... For solar urticaria, you should use sunscreen (cover your body with clothing, apply medicinal cosmetics). Vibration urticaria eliminates the possibility of working with a jackhammer or mixer. A person suffering from cholinergic urticaria will have to give up sports activities.

Almost all patients suffering from urticaria benefit from hypoallergenic diet, developed by academician A.D. Ado: it is necessary to exclude from the diet, first of all, coffee, citrus fruits, chocolate, spicy foods, and alcohol.

Patients often wonder if there is any folk remedy, which could quickly relieve the itching? For example, cold shower?

Unfortunately, there is no single recipe. For some, a cold shower helps, for others, on the contrary, it is very hot water, for some - slightly acidified baths.

What's next?

Suppose a person had solar or food urticaria, from which he was successfully cured. Can he now sunbathe or eat? spicy food? Or should we not tempt fate and take care?

It's better to take care, doctors say. Both tanning and spicy delicacies are not something you can't do without.

By the way

>> Antihistamines are divided into 1st generation drugs and 2nd generation drugs. The use of 1st generation drugs, although it reduces or eliminates itching and rash, can cause drowsiness, memory and concentration problems, dry mouth, difficulty urinating... To achieve the desired effect, these medications must be taken several times a day. In addition, after a short time, sensitivity to them decreases and they cease to have a therapeutic effect.

>> 2nd generation antihistamines, along with their high efficiency, produce a minimal number of side effects, they can be taken once a day, they are not addictive, and are well tolerated.

The first reliable description of urticaria was made in the 15th century: the English king Richard III developed an itchy skin reaction, reminiscent of a nettle burn, after eating strawberries.

Diagnosis of urticaria is based on identifying the patient's itchy rash elements on the skin. During a thorough interview, it is possible to establish the connection between the influence of the causative factor and the appearance of rashes, the duration of the exacerbation period and the presence of diseases that contribute to the development of urticaria. Determining the cause is a key point in diagnosis, since to effectively treat the disease it is necessary to eliminate the provoking factor. If the patient finds it difficult to establish a clear relationship with the appearance of the rash, then provocative tests are performed.

Determination of the causative factor

If a food allergy is suspected, fasting is prescribed, and then a gradual expansion of the diet under the supervision of the attending physician. The appearance of rashes after administration specific product indicates that this product is an allergen. If a rash appears during treatment for another disease, the patient’s medication composition is changed, potentially excluding dangerous drugs. Patients with physical urticaria undergo tests (under the supervision of a doctor!) with possible provoking factors: cold, heat, a wet compress are applied, the skin is dosed with light of different wavelengths, a vibrating device is applied to the skin area, and physical exercises are offered.

Exclusion of concomitant infections

Consistent comprehensive examination of the patient makes it possible to identify the factor that provokes the rash, as well as to determine the concomitant disease that aggravates the course of the disease. Elimination of the cause and treatment of concomitant disease are the basis effective therapy hives.

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