Urticaria: treatment in adults, what it is, causes, diagnosis in an article by allergist I. Yu. Merkulova.

General information

The name of the disease is due to the fact that outwardly it looks like a nettle burn - the skin turns pink and swells, while small blisters can merge into large local spots (angioedema) of irregular shape.
Papules cause itching and discomfort; when scratched, the wound surface can become infected, and then dermatitis and other complications join the underlying disease. The disease is very common; every third person on the planet has suffered from urticaria in one form or another.

Folk remedies for safe bathing

Therapeutic baths for atopic dermatitis are quite effective. They help reduce inflammation in affected areas of the skin. The most common bath recipes include:

Bath with birch buds and leaves, 200 gr. leaves and buds are poured with a liter of boiling water and infused for 3 hours. Next, strain and pour into the prepared bath.
In the same way, a decoction of herbs such as celandine, violet, nettle, and string is infused.
Bath of Cleopatra. A liter of milk is mixed with half a glass of unrefined olive oil. Pour the prepared mixture into the bath and take for about 15-20 minutes.
Bath with sea salt. Add 5 tablespoons of salt to the bath and stir until completely dissolved.
Starch bath: add 2-3 tablespoons of starch per liter of water. Pour the resulting mixture into the bath.

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Symptoms of urticaria in children

The main sign of urticaria in a child is a rash. Its prevalence and severity may vary, but in most cases the disease follows a single pattern.

Convex pink and red rashes appear that turn pale when the skin is pressed or stretched. When the blisters merge, the edges of the spots become more intensely colored.
The appearance of blisters, their disappearance or merging into vast shapeless foci occurs chaotically, and their migration over the surface of the body is unpredictable.
The rash is accompanied by severe itching.
The temperature may rise, either slightly or to high values.
Often - weakness, malaise, joint pain and headache.
In the complicated form, difficulty breathing or swallowing, nausea and vomiting, and bowel movements.
An even more severe manifestation is angioedema on the lips, oral mucosa, eyelids, cheeks or genitals.

The localization of the appearance of the rash can be anywhere, including on the mucous membranes - lips, nasopharynx, ears and genitals. Most often, the upper part of the body and arms are affected, while the symmetry of the rashes is not always present; the spots take on the most bizarre coral-like shapes.

In most cases, allergies in the form of urticaria in children are accompanied only by the appearance of an itchy rash, which does not last long, from several hours to several days. Often other pathologies give similar symptoms; in this case, urticaria is not considered as an independent disease.

Information for parents! If a rash in the form of hives is accompanied by even slight swelling in the child, especially in the face and neck, you must immediately call emergency help!

Skin brighteners: is it worth using?

You can find recommendations for the treatment of atopic dermatitis using bleaching baths (with sodium hypochlorite - “Whiteness”). Data on the benefits of bleach baths is inconsistent. The theory is that a little bleach in the bath water can help kill bacteria and prevent skin infection. One tablespoon is enough. However, this is not suitable for everyone: the bleach fumes can irritate the lungs, so you should not try this if the patient has asthma or other lung problems.

Causes of urticaria in children

There can be many reasons for the appearance of hives in a child. In addition, it can be caused by different factors in the same person at different ages. Among the most common pathogens in children, the following groups can be distinguished:

Food products (citrus fruits, nuts, eggs, seafood, strawberries, tomatoes, etc.).
Food additives, primarily sulfides, salicylates and various chemical dyes.
Household allergens (dust, fluff, cigarette smoke, pollen, cosmetics and detergents, synthetic clothing, fumes from furniture varnishes, paints, etc.).
Medicines and contrast agents for radiography.
Blood (donated) and drugs created on its basis.
Vaccinations.
Insect bites, helminthic infestations.
Physical, including thermal phenomena (overheating and sweating, cold, physical activity, direct sunlight).
Psychogenic factors.
Various infections.

All of these factors can become both the cause of primary urticaria and the impetus for its exacerbation during the chronic course of the disease. In children under two years of age, the vast majority of cases of urticaria are caused by food allergens.

The mechanism of occurrence of urticaria (pathogenesis)

The human body contains mast cells or mast cells, which are specific elements of connective tissue. They are the central element in the development of urticaria, activators of inflammation. When an allergen enters the body for the first time and in small doses, the child does not experience any external manifestations or reactions, but sensitization occurs, which can be represented as the first acquaintance with the allergen, resulting in the production of histamine. It is this substance that causes redness, swelling and other inflammatory factors. It gradually accumulates in mast cells, and when its amount reaches a critical threshold, the cell membrane is destroyed with the release of histamine into the bloodstream and a subsequent cascade of pathological changes in the body.

Classification of urticaria in children

According to the nature of the course, acute and chronic forms are distinguished.
In the first case, the disease manifests itself abruptly; the symptoms of urticaria continue to bother the child from several hours (usually 6-12) to 1-2 weeks. The rash is accompanied by severe itching, the surface of the skin at the site of the rash becomes hot to the touch. If the outbreak is caused by an allergen, then when contact with it is eliminated, the symptoms disappear quickly and without a trace. With an exacerbation of chronic urticaria, the itching and rashes are less intense, but in this case they can persist for a long period - several weeks and sometimes months. The condition is accompanied by weakness, nausea, loss of appetite, headaches, and, less commonly, stool disorders. Sometimes, against the background of sluggish urticaria, neurotic disorders develop, and since the child constantly scratches the itchy papules, a secondary infection occurs and dermatitis develops.

Based on the severity of the disease, the following types of urticaria in children are distinguished.

Mild form - external manifestations are almost invisible, the child feels well, there is no itching or intoxication of the body. A minor rash goes away within a day at most.
Moderate - characteristic rashes are clearly visible, accompanied by fever and itching; intoxication of the body in the form of nausea and headache may be present. The papules merge, swelling appears, and there is a risk of the first signs of Quincke's edema appearing.
Severe - pronounced symptoms. Severely itchy rash, general intoxication of the body with a gastrointestinal reaction, development of Quincke's edema. Requires urgent medical attention.

Depending on the provoking factor, the child may experience the following types of urticaria:

Contact - has an allergic origin, in 1st place among the causes are pharmacological and biological factors. When contact with them is eliminated, it goes away without a trace.
Idiopathic - occurs for unknown reasons. It does not respond well to standard treatment and retains symptoms for a long time.
Vibration - occurs against a background of strong mechanical vibrations.
Dermatographic - provoked by mechanical irritation of the skin (tight or synthetic clothing, skin folds, etc.). After eliminating the irritant, it goes away very quickly, usually within half an hour.
Cholinergic - caused by high physical activity, characterized by the appearance of small rashes.
Thermal - provoked by uncomfortable (high or low) ambient temperature. Accompanied by particularly severe itching and is the most common cause of edema.
Aquagenic - a reaction to contact with water. The rash is usually small or absent, but is accompanied by severe itching.

Disease prevention

Preventative measures include:

Products containing allergens should be avoided. Their diet should exclude food filled with dyes. Citrus fruits, sweets, eggs and dairy products should be consumed in limited quantities, as they are often the cause of allergic dermatitis.

Overeating should be avoided . They often lead to this disease.
Wet cleaning indoors should be carried out regularly. Dust should not be allowed to accumulate indoors. Dust negatively affects human health, especially those prone to allergic reactions.
Hygiene products, cosmetics needed select with special care.
They should not contain fragrances, dyes, or various chemical additives, as such components lead to skin irritation and allergies.
It is recommended to purchase clothes made from natural fabrics rather than synthetic ones.
Taking vitamins . It will strengthen the body and increase immunity. This will help avoid allergic reactions.
Moderate exercise . They will make the body strong and strong. The occurrence of this disease can be avoided.
Rejection of bad habits.

First aid for urticaria in a child

The primary task is to identify and eliminate the provoking factor. The main problem during this period is not rashes, but itchy skin. When providing first aid, it is important to eliminate it if possible - gently trim the nails, put on protective gloves for infants, apply an available non-hormonal anti-allergic cream (for sunburn, mosquito bites, etc.) to the site of the rash. If there is no cream, you can use a cool compress.

All this is done before medical assistance, which should be provided immediately. In case of development of edema and severe symptoms, it is necessary to call an emergency team.

Stages of eczema on the hands

As the disease develops, it goes through several stages:

Erythematous stage – includes skin redness and itching;

The papulovesicular or vesicular stage manifests itself in the form of a rash of blisters with liquid;

Weeping eczema. During this stage, the bubbles burst, and in their place wounds form, releasing fluid;

Crusting or dry eczema. At this stage, the wounds are covered with dry crusts of a grayish-yellow hue. At the same time, lesions may appear in other parts of the body.

Treatment of urticaria in children

The choice of treatment tactics for urticaria in children depends on its cause, main symptoms, the age of the child, as well as the stage at which the disease is caught.
Only a doctor can prescribe complete therapy after an accurate diagnosis. The main goals include eliminating precipitating factors, prescribing medications to eliminate symptoms, and treating associated pathologies. The doctor makes the choice of antihistamines and other drugs based on the individual clinical picture. Modern medicine offers new generation drugs that minimize the risk of side effects, have a high level of safety and are easy to use for young children. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.

Is it possible to bathe a child with hives?

If the disease is not aquagenic in nature, you can and should bathe your child, but it is important to follow the recommendations:

do not heat the water above +37C;
do not use washcloths and hygiene products with dyes and fragrances;
maximum bathing time - 10 minutes;
the use of herbal decoctions and potassium permanganate should be agreed with a doctor;
Do not rub the inflamed skin with a towel.

Consumer Reviews

Marina Mironova (otzyvru.com)

“It so happened that my husband and I are both allergic, and our son’s allergy began to manifest itself from the maternity hospital - some kind of incomprehensible rash, then the skin became dry, I was afraid to use baby oil, and since I myself have been using La products for several years now - Cree, then she didn’t experiment with the baby either, and began using the “La-Cree” cleansing gel for bathing. What I like about it is that it is free of chemicals and hormones, and it cleanses delicate skin well and does not cause harm, which is very important for babies. And I use this gel to wash my face; after it, I have no itching, no flaking of my skin, this gel is now our common family remedy.”

Ana-ya otzovik.com

The La-Cri cleansing gel appeared in our house after a visit to an allergist. My eldest son (when he was 9 years old) developed acne on his shoulders. While we were undergoing tests to rule out allergies to detergents, the doctor recommended bathing and washing with this product. Our allergy turned out to be of “sweet” origin, but we continued to use the gel. When I was in the maternity hospital, I had to give soap, 10 diapers and wet wipes to the children's department (to care for my son, on the first day of his recovery). I gladly gave away this not yet started gel (thinking that it would take better care of my son's bottom). To my surprise, the next day, when they brought my son to me for good, no one returned the gel. I had to ask my husband to buy a new one. The ward mom said that they keep everything for themselves and they should have given something cheaper. Since birth I have been bathing my youngest son with this gel (now he is 3 months old). There are no allergies or rashes on the body. True, the shape of the dispenser is not very convenient when bathing a baby. But I got used to it. Cleansing gel “La-Cri” is a transparent liquid that smells something like a hospital ward after quartzing. I'm completely satisfied. We buy it at the pharmacy for 201 rubles. The instructions say that “has antiallergic, antipruritic, wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects. Approved for use in children."

Sources:

B.A. Shamov, I.G. Safiullina, A.B. Beshimova, T.B. Shamov, Differential diagnosis of atopic dermatitis, journal of Practical Medicine, 2011 https://cyberleninka.ru/article/v/differentsialnaya-diagnostika-atopicheskogo-dermatita
Fokina R.A., Atopic dermatitis: stages of development of classification forms, Siberian Medical Journal, 2007 https://cyberleninka.ru/article/v/atopicheskiy-dermatit-etapy-razvitiya-klassifikatsionnyh-form
A.N. Pampura, A.A. Chuslyaeva, Modern approaches to the treatment of atopic dermatitis in children https:/cyberleninka.ru/article/v/sovremennye-podhody-k-terapii-atopicheskogo-dermatita-u-detey

Photos of dermatitis

Photo album on the disease

Possible complications and their consequences

Urticaria, despite its apparent harmlessness, can lead to serious consequences, primarily to Quincke's edema. Its characteristic initial symptoms, in addition to the swelling itself, are difficulty breathing and paroxysmal cough with whistling (bronchospasms). Swelling of the internal mucous membranes is dangerous due to disruption of the housing and communal services, the first signs of which are a gag reflex and stool disturbance. From the nervous system, severe cases of urticaria are dangerous due to damage to the meninges, which can be fatal in the absence of medical assistance.

What to do if the disease does not go away for a long time?

If the disease does not go away for a long time, the patient is prescribed more effective, stronger remedies . We are talking about antibiotics.

You cannot purchase them yourself. They are prescribed by a doctor only as a last resort.

If there is no improvement, it is recommended to consult a doctor, tell about the treatment performed and the lack of results. First, the patient will be prescribed more effective medications and a more detailed examination will be carried out.

Treatment in a hospital is possible . If the disease does not go away, you cannot self-medicate. You can harm your body even more. The help of doctors in this case is necessary.

Thus, this disease is serious and can greatly harm the body if left untreated. It is recommended to start treatment as early as possible in order to recover faster.

There are many treatment methods that effectively fight the disease. To avoid harming yourself, you should go to the hospital where the disease will be diagnosed. Timely treatment will help a person recover quickly and get rid of the disease.

Treatment of urticaria in children

It is impossible to predict the body's reaction to a particular allergen, however, every parent can protect their child as much as possible from contact with the most active well-known allergens, do not bundle up or overcool, and do not use cosmetics and detergents with dyes and strong fragrances.
If possible, prevent the presence of children in rooms with a strong smell of paints and varnishes, avoid stress, infections and excessive physical exertion. It is recommended to examine the child’s endocrine system and not ignore signs of weak immunity. Unfortunately, urticaria is often not taken seriously; however, it is a disease that, if unfavorable, can threaten the life of a child.

SM-Doctor pediatricians are always ready to help your child; their experience and attentive attitude to each little patient are the key to a quick and correct diagnosis and well-chosen treatment tactics.

Is it possible to get dermatitis wet?

Contact with water on the affected areas of the skin usually causes an increase in the symptoms of the disease, and also provokes the spread of the lesion to other parts of the body. To figure out whether it is possible to swim with dermatitis in an adult and a child, you first need to determine which type of disease was diagnosed:

With atopic dermatitis, bathing is not only possible, but necessary. The main requirement that must be observed is the use of not too hot and not too cold water.
With seborrheic dermatitis, exacerbation can occur due to the use of hard chlorinated water. If you replace it with soft spring or thermal water, unpleasant symptoms may decrease.
For contact dermatitis, you need to pay attention to the condition of the skin after contact with hygiene products - shower gel, soap. Perhaps they are the culprits for the appearance of symptoms of the disease.
Is it possible to swim if you have allergic dermatitis? First you need to establish what exactly causes the allergic reaction. If you use herbal infusions for bathing, be sure to inform your doctor about this: some plants are precisely the triggers of allergic dermatitis.