Dermatoses most often appear on exposed areas of the skin as they are most susceptible to external factors.[1] This also applies to the skin of your hands. Symptoms such as itching, redness, peeling, various spots and other elements of the rash primarily affect the forearms, hands and fingers.
One of the mechanisms for the development of dermatitis on the fingers or hands is direct contact with a substance to which the body's immune system is not able to adequately respond. Skin allergy is a classic delayed hypersensitivity reaction in response to a single or systematic interaction with a pathogen.
Dermatological skin diseases are widespread, especially among working age adults.[2] For some patients, hand allergies can be a short-term problem: very often the symptoms go away on their own. Other patients struggle for a very long time with the disease and complications that can be caused by a secondary infection. In this case, hand allergies manifest themselves even more aggressively, the rashes become more widespread and unbearably itchy.
How is it formed
Every person from birth has a genetically determined skin color - the so-called permanent pigment.
When exposed to external and internal factors, an additional one is produced, which can be either a temporary physiological phenomenon (natural tanning) or a pathological one, difficult to remove even with special lasers (lentigo, vitiligo, etc.). The formation mechanism itself occurs in the epidermal layer. Here are located keratinocytes - epidermal cells. Their life cycle is up to 60 days, so they are constantly updated. To protect young and vulnerable cellular structures from sun exposure, melanocytes exist. They belong to the nervous system and are called upon to produce melanin, which absorbs ultraviolet radiation.
If the body is healthy, there is no overdose of solar radiation, melanocytes will produce a sufficient amount of protection. However, if there are failures, the “protectors” begin to be distributed unevenly, which leads to the formation of hyperpigmented areas.
Causes of hyperpigmentation
An increase in melanin production can be associated both with physiological changes occurring in the body and as a result of pathologies. The most well-known factors influencing the occurrence of stains are:
- endocrine diseases;
- hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and adrenal glands;
- metabolic disorder;
- vitamin deficiency or hypervitaminosis;
- helminthic infestations;
- severe intoxication of the body;
- trauma or inflammatory processes;
- prolonged exposure to the sun;
- taking medications - antibiotics of the tetracycline group, gentamicins, erythromycins, as well as some NSAIDs, salicylic acid, antidepressants, diuretics, sleeping pills and sedatives, antihistamines, St. John's wort extract, etc.;
- heredity.
Changes can also appear due to prolonged stress. Since melanocytes belong to the nervous system, any fluctuations and unstable conditions lead to serious pigmentation disorders.
Dangerous symptoms of an allergic reaction on the body
The most dangerous symptoms and complications of an allergic reaction are Quincke's edema and Lyell's syndrome.
Quincke's edema is a skin reaction characterized by rapid swelling of the skin involving the mucous membrane.
Edema is often accompanied by swelling of the tongue and larynx, which can be life-threatening.
Quincke's edema got its name thanks to the doctor who first described this clinical sign in 1882.
In allergology, the symptom is found under the medical term angioedema or angioedema.
Doctors distinguish two forms of angioedema:
- Histamine-mediated angioedema. This form includes allergic angioedema and drug-induced angioedema.
- Angioedema due to hereditary C1 inhibitor deficiency (HAE). The C1 inhibitor is a protein in the blood that aims to protect the body from angioedema. In addition, there is also angioedema due to acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency (AAE).
In most cases, angioedema is a symptom of a severe allergic reaction.
Requires immediate medical attention.
Allergic angioedema can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs.
For example, a doctor may give intravenous cortisone, epinephrine, antihistamines (anti-allergy medications), sodium thiosulfate, and calcium gluconate to quickly relieve symptoms.
As a result of swelling of the tongue, eyelids, lips and larynx, various complications can occur.
The root of a swollen tongue, expanding, narrows the airways, which threatens asphyxia.
Lyell's syndrome is the most severe form of allergic dermatitis and is also known as toxic epidermal necrolysis.
They are characterized by the appearance of blisters, followed by their opening and the formation of erosive lesions of the skin epithelium. More than 30% of the body surface area may be affected.
As a rule, it is a consequence of exposure to certain groups of medications, most often antibiotics and NSAIDs.
If such a symptom develops, patients should be hospitalized in the intensive care unit or burn department.
The mortality rate for Leila syndrome reaches 20-25%, sometimes reaching 50%.
Localization of spots
They can have different sizes, both with clear contours and blurry ones, merge together or not grow at all. Depending on the differential diagnosis and the type of hypermelanosis, they can be located both in certain areas and without specific boundaries, covering absolutely any area of the body.
On the face
One of the most common sites of localization of many hyperpigmentations. This is due to the fact that the skin here is thin enough so that negative factors can attack them faster. Among the common phenomena are freckles, which can decorate the face all year round and also appear and disappear after exposure to the sun. They are also localized over the entire surface or located pointwise in the area of the cheeks, eyes, and forehead.
Anti-age drugs
Bb Laboratories – Delicate oil for deep cleansing
Laennec – solution for injection
Bb Laboratories – Two-phase serum concentrate
Two-phase placental serum concentrate
On the body
Namely on the arms, shoulders, chest, back, groin area. For each individual disease, there are areas where pigment accumulation is observed. For example, senile hyperpigmentation is typically located on the hands, forearms, and upper back.
Drug allergy
Signs of allergies on the body can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions.
The most common pharmacological substance that causes allergies is penicillin.
Other triggers that may cause reactions (that are not related to IgE antibodies) include the following:
- Sulfate preparations
- Anticonvulsants
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Some types of food coloring (usually red and yellow)
- Chemotherapy drugs
Clinical signs of allergic reactions may be accompanied by mild itching of the skin, redness, and rash.
When identifying allergies to certain medications, it is important not to confuse them with side effects.
They may be accompanied by hives, rashes, and stomach upset.
Particular attention should be paid to cases where drug allergies on the body develop in pregnant women.
It is necessary to stop signs of the reaction as soon as possible.
Allergists often make a diagnosis based only on medical history and associated symptoms.
This is what in practice is called a “clinical diagnosis”.
In many cases, patients may have an allergic reaction when taking multiple medications at the same time.
In these cases, if the doctor cannot identify the true allergen, a comprehensive examination is additionally prescribed.
During the diagnostic process, your doctor will recommend stopping all medications.
Types and symptoms of age spots
Let's consider the most characteristic signs of hypermelanosis, as well as control methods that are relevant for each specific type of pathology.
Freckles
The most common type of melanin accumulation. They are mainly located on the face, in the cheek area. In advanced cases, they can completely cover the entire surface of the skin with small distances between the spots. And also have a round or oval shape, small diameter, clear contours.
Genetic predisposition plays a major role, so freckles can appear in childhood. People with red and blond hair are most susceptible to them. This is due to the need for high melanin production to protect the skin.
Freckles can be easily distinguished from other types of spots by the complete disappearance of pigmentation in cold weather, and the appearance of a whole scattering on the face with the arrival of warmth. Therefore, to combat them, creams with maximum sun filters are used throughout the year, as well as lightening cosmetics.
Melasma
Spots without clear boundaries and endings, varying in shade from bronze to dark brown. They have the ability to stretch, grow, and merge with each other into huge pigmented areas that occupy a large surface of the body. The main provoking factor is considered to be hormonal disorders caused by menopause, pregnancy, and the use of oral contraceptives. Treatments include peeling methods and procedures that promote cell renewal. When the root causes are eliminated, the stains quickly disappear.
Melasma
The second name is melanosis. It can be acquired or hereditary, manifests itself in the form of an accumulation of melanin with uneven but clear boundaries and localization in open areas of the body. May occur as a result of Addison's disease, hemochromatosis, due to sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, anthracene or acridine substances, diseases of the pituitary gland, ovaries, adrenal glands, syphilis, tuberculosis, malaria, treatment with hormones. Pigmentation is accompanied by redness, itching, peeling, and roughening of the skin.
To prevent progress, sunscreens are used, drug therapy is prescribed with steroid groups, retinoids, hydroacids, and vitamins B (1.6) and C are additionally used.
Becker's nevus
A characteristic defect in men, it is much less common in women. The first manifestations can be as early as 10 years of age. It is a hyperpigmented area protruding above the surface of the skin, on which dark long hairs grow. It occurs both as a result of genetic factors and can appear after sun exposure, changes in hormonal levels, in particular androgens. The location most often is the upper back and chest; it is not often found on the legs, groin, or head. It has a warty surface on which acne or comedones can be seen. Does not respond well to any cosmetic procedures or medications. An argon laser is used to minimize the aesthetic defect.
Secondary
Occurs at the site of mechanical damage. They can be either deep cuts, scratches, or acne, comedones, ulcers and other superficial causes that trigger the inflammatory process in the skin cells. There is an excess of melanin, resulting in staining. They are localized where the damage was and go away after the area returns to normal and the inflammation disappears. To speed up the lightening process, you can use special lightening creams or cosmetic procedures aimed at renewing the epidermal layer.
Age
As we age, the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation lead to increased melanin production in certain areas of the body. These are usually open areas that have been exposed to a lot of sunlight during their lifetime. With age, spots appear with a diameter of 1 to 5 cm, which are darker in color than the entire surface of the skin.
Berlocc's dermatitis
Refers to contact types of immune response to irritants. Usually due to contact with perfumes, colognes, and deodorants. It is located where the skin came into contact with the substance. Symptoms may include not only a change in the color of the dermal layer, but also itching, peeling, and swelling. It disappears quickly, just stop using perfume and in a few days everything will return to normal.
Chloasma
Large spots can merge into one large skin defect. They do not have a clear contour or boundaries and can grow and increase in size throughout life. Among the provoking factors are pregnancy and lactation, menopause, changes in hormonal levels due to diseases, stress, taking oral contraceptives, steroids, the use of hormone-containing ointments and some cosmetics.
Cold allergy
Cold urticaria is a rare disease that occurs in approximately 2-3% of cases.
The reaction is caused by cooling of the skin or mucous membranes upon contact with air, water, cold objects or frozen foods.
Cold urticaria appears quickly.
Accompanied by progressive itching, erythema (redness) and swelling of the skin after contact with cooled substances.
Sometimes, the first symptom is a burning sensation of the skin.
Clinical signs occur mainly in areas that have been exposed to cold.
But sometimes they can spread throughout the body.
Symptoms usually go away on their own after a few hours or a few days.
Allergy to cold with typical symptoms on the body manifests itself during exposure to the following factors:
- Low air temperature, cold wind, rain.
- Staying in cool water or walking barefoot on a cold floor.
- Drinking cold drinks and food.
The diagnosis of cold urticaria is made based on the results of the anamnesis and diagnostics.
To confirm the reaction, a test is carried out using an ice cube.
The test is performed by placing ice wrapped in a plastic bag on the forearm for 5-20 minutes.
The test is considered positive when symptoms develop within 15 minutes after the start or end of testing.
It's worth noting that about 20% of people with cold urticaria have a negative ice cube test.
What causes pigment spots to appear on the face after sunbathing?
Most manifestations of hyperpigmentation occur after the negative effects of ultraviolet rays. Among those that immediately appear are freckles, various melasma and chloasma. There are also those that have a cumulative effect, for example, lentigo.
Also, if during the summer vacation there were inflammatory processes in open areas of the body, most likely after they heal, a change in shade can be clearly observed.
Prolonged exposure to the hot sun with the presence of existing tumors and increased pigmentation can be fraught with the degeneration of harmless spots into aggressive cancer - melanoma. Therefore, you should limit your tanning time and use special cosmetics for protection.
Age spots and peeling
Melanin accumulation occurs in the upper layers of the epidermis. In order to remove unaesthetic problems, products that stimulate the renewal of the dermis are used. The most effective peelings are: chemical, mechanical, laser. They promote the regeneration of epidermal cells, forcing keratinocytes to produce new ones as quickly as possible, which will not have a large accumulation of coloring pigment. When eliminating the root causes of hyperpigmentation, there is a chance that you will forget about various spots for a long time.
Allergy to pets
Animal allergies are the third most common allergy after pollen and house dust intolerance.
Characteristic symptoms are sneezing, runny nose and itching.
In the worst case, allergic asthma may develop.
A pet allergy is an intolerance to certain substances found in your pet's saliva, dander, sebum, urine and feces.
In this case, the animal’s fur is not responsible for the manifestation of an allergic reaction.
Therefore, a person can also be allergic to birds.
Triggers of the immunopathological process can be a variety of animals.
Both small ones - cats, dogs, guinea pigs, and large ones - horses, cattle, etc.
Upon contact with an allergen, various reactions may occur on the part of the epidermis - allergic or contact dermatitis.
For example, if you are allergic to a cat, contact rashes may occur on your body after touching the animal.
Direct contact with a pet may cause the following signs and symptoms:
- red spots on the skin (urticaria);
- eczema (inflammation of the upper layers of the dermis);
- itchy skin and small rashes.
Almost always, skin reactions are accompanied by sneezing, itching in the nasal cavity, redness of the mucous membranes of the eyes, and nasal congestion.
Cat and dog allergens are present in epithelial cells.
The main source of cat allergens are the anal glands; In dogs, the trigger is saliva.
Causeless manifestations
It happens that people try to protect their skin, use special sunscreens, but hyperpigmented areas still appear. It's like it happens for no apparent reason. However, for melanocytes to malfunction, even a small but prolonged stress or temporary hormonal imbalance is enough.
It is also worth noting the cumulative negative effect of ultraviolet radiation, which can manifest itself over the years on areas of the body that received sunburn in early childhood. Therefore, only at first glance it seems that hypermelanosis arose without provoking factors. In fact, he has hidden reasons.
Liver pigment spots
Deterioration in the functionality of internal organs can also lead to the formation of aesthetic defects. The liver plays the role of a filter, retaining and processing all dangerous substances, and then removing them from the body. In cases where she fails to cope with her duties, slow but sure intoxication occurs, which is manifested not only by internal, but also by external pathologies.
Metabolic processes in tissues are disrupted, including the normal distribution of melanin; it accumulates in certain areas. Most often it appears on the face. The contours of such spots are not uniform, they do not have a clear boundary. The color can also vary from light to dark brown.
Lentigo
The phenomenon is popularly known as “senile ripples.” Appears in older people in areas of the body that have been exposed to intense ultraviolet rays throughout their lives. The pigment usually appears on the arms from the hands to the top of the shoulders, upper back, décolleté, and face. It is distinguished by its small size, different diameters and chaotic arrangement of spots.
The first manifestations can be noticed after 40 years; they noticeably age the appearance, so many people at this stage turn to cosmetologists to eliminate the defect. During menopause, hormonal changes lead to an increase in the amount of pigment. Chemical, mechanical and laser peels are used for treatment. Cosmetics and whitening creams will not cope with the problem.
Solarium - is it harmful?
It is also a mistake to think that sun tanning is harmful, and nothing will happen in specialized salons in a few minutes. On the beach, the skin gets a lot of heat, but this happens gradually. In the booths, a loading dose of ultraviolet radiation is given in a few minutes, which is difficult to obtain outdoors even in a whole day.
People with a fair skin type, with the presence of moles and nevi, freckles, existing aesthetic defects in the form of increased melanin production, need to get rid of the habit of visiting a solarium. The consequences can be expressed both in the progression of unsightly changes in the epidermal layer, and in their degeneration into malignant neoplasms.
Stages of hand psoriasis
The disease occurs in alternating phases of relapses and remissions. The course can be severe, moderate or mild. During an exacerbation, the disease goes through several stages. Psoriasis on the hands, stages:
- the initial stage of progression - a psoriatic rash appears, the symptoms of the disease quickly increase;
- stationary – no new elements appear, the rashes do not fade or become smaller;
- regressing - the rash turns pale, swelling subsides, all signs of exacerbation disappear, and gradually only white or brownish spots remain on the skin, which also disappear over time.
Any form of the disease, in the absence of adequate treatment, can be complicated by joint damage and erythroderma - inflammation of large areas of skin with severe swelling and redness.
Diagnostics
To accurately determine the type of hypermelanosis, as well as to identify effective means of control, you need to contact a dermatologist. At the initial visit, the doctor will collect the patient's medical history to determine the most likely internal and external factors that will indicate a certain type of disorder. He will examine the skin and also prescribe a number of tests:
- AOK and OAM;
- blood biochemistry;
- Wood's lamp tests;
- scraping;
- biopsy.
If a malignant neoplasm or fungal infection is suspected, referrals will be given for the last two procedures on the list. As a result, the specialist will be able to accurately determine the type of illness and prescribe therapeutic or cosmetic procedures.
Anti-age drugs
Bb Laboratories – Hyaluron-elastin-collagen extract
Laennec – solution for injection
Curacen Essence (20 fl x 2 ml)
Two-phase placental serum concentrate
How to fight
Among the modern and effective methods of struggle, it is worth highlighting:
- cosmetic preparations;
- laser peeling;
- phototherapy.
Depending on the variety, medications may be prescribed to address the underlying causes. However, to remove an aesthetic defect, it will be necessary to wait for the cell surface to renew itself, or to help it renew itself faster with the help of additional deep peeling and cosmetic photorejuvenation procedures.
Cosmetic preparations
Among the popular drugs that give noticeable results in the fight against hyperpigmentation are placental products with a high content of natural peptides, amino acids and hyaluronic acid, as well as vitamins, micro- and macroelements. Injection product Curacen (Curasen) and non-injection drug Curacen Essence (Curasen Essence) are the ideal choice of cosmetologists for triple action: brightening, moisturizing and eliminating wrinkles. You can also use specialized cosmetics from the Laennec Skincare brand - LNC. This line offers to transform the skin at the cellular level, eliminating and preventing hyperpigmentation.
Now you know about the main causes of pigmentation, as well as what causes the appearance of age spots on the face, and you can easily answer the question - what to do when pigments have already appeared. Dermatologists recommend not only limiting time spent on the beach and using sunscreen in summer, but also year-round use of skin protection from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation. It is this that becomes the main catalyst, and in combination with internal disorders of the body can lead to serious changes in the epidermal layer.
Treatment of an allergic reaction on the body
Most cases of allergic reactions can be successfully treated with antihistamines.
Antihistamines are the first choice for mild to moderate symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Drugs are prescribed if the patient has the following symptoms:
- Allergic rhinitis (runny nose), hay fever, lacrimation, redness of the mucous membranes of the eyes.
- Hives, which is accompanied by itching and the formation of bright spots on the skin.
- Angioedema (swelling of the dermis and/or swelling of the mucous membrane).
- Drug allergies that appear within an hour.
- With severe itching, a sign of eczema, dermatitis and other inflammatory skin reactions.
Antihistamines can be used locally (nasal spray, eye drops, ointments) and orally in tablet form.
Separately, antihistamines for intravenous administration, as well as hormonal creams and ointments, can be prescribed.
Dermatologists usually recommend using antihistamines in tablet form.
Because they are more effective than topical creams or cooling gels.
As a rule, one dose of the drug is enough to relieve signs of allergies on the body in the form of urticaria or dermatitis.
However, in the case of tablets (and other systemic forms of administration, such as injections or infusions), side effects such as fatigue and drowsiness cannot be ruled out.
Nowadays they more often resort to the use of non-selective second generation antihistamines.
They are better tolerated and have a smaller range of adverse reactions.
Glucocorticoid hormones from the adrenal cortex (cortisone) may also be prescribed.
Medicines containing cortisone are primarily prescribed and used when antihistamines do not satisfactorily relieve the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
For example, with inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose and bronchi.
Therapeutic effectiveness from cortisol medications is usually observed within 24-48 hours.
