The concept of dermatitis and ways to get rid of itching

Itching with dermatitis can be unbearable, bringing significant discomfort and inconvenience. Therefore, it is important to know how to eliminate this symptom as soon as possible.

The main symptom for most skin diseases is itching. With dermatitis, itching can be painful, prolonged and of varying intensity. Among dermatitis, the following main types can be distinguished: simple irritant contact, allergic contact, atopic and toxic. The causes and mechanisms of their development are different, and accordingly the treatment will also be different. Treatment should always be directed to the root cause of the disease.

Types of dermatitis

Simple irritant (irritable) dermatitis is caused by various irritants, which include: water, soap, friction, high or low temperature, chemical irritants (acids, alkalis, liquid cement).

Allergic contact dermatitis is a delayed-type allergic response, which means that the development of the disease requires prolonged skin contact with the allergen and the production of antibodies to it. Allergens with this type of skin pathology most often act:

• metals (nickel, chromium);
• rubber additives for the production of gloves and footwear;
• cosmetic additives;
• dyes;
• substances that treat clothes (formalin and similar substances);
• medicines for external use (Neomycin, Batracin, Hydrocortisone).

Atopic dermatitis is a hereditary disease. The mechanism of its development is very complex, originates from congenital insufficiency of the T-cell link of immunity, is associated with a combination of many immunological and non-immunological factors. Therefore, skin reactions are one of the symptoms of this allergic disease. And it can be exacerbated by:

• food allergens (citrus fruits, milk, peanuts, strawberries, chocolate);
• household allergens (dust, animal hair and dander, woolen fabrics);
• plant pollen;
• household chemicals and cosmetics;
• industrial chemicals;
• medicines;
• nervous strain, severe emotional stress can also lead to an exacerbation of the disease.

The toxic variant of dermatitis develops even with a single exposure to superstrong irritants, in response to which response skin reactions occur. In this case, the skin, even with normal sensitivity, without a predisposition to allergies, will respond with significant inflammation.

Main symptoms

Irritant dermatitis

Main manifestations:

• itching and burning, but burning remains the predominant symptom;
• the main localization of the lesion is the hands, eyelids, lips;
• redness, swelling;
• dryness and cracking of the skin, peeling;
• rashes in the form of red spots, papules, vesicles with transparent contents that burst with exposure of the lower layers of the skin;
• subsequently, microorganisms enter these wounds, and purulent inflammation occurs.

Allergic dermatitis

Symptoms of allergic dermatitis:

• itching that prevails over burning;
• localization of rashes depends on the place of application of the allergic agent;
• significant swelling and weeping of the affected area;
• mainly palms, forearms and face are affected;
• with a photosensitive variant of the disease, all uncovered areas of the body can be affected.

Includes the following symptoms:

• itching of the affected areas;
• seasonality of rashes;
• the affected area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin is severely inflamed;
• secondary infection often occurs;
• against the background of the occurrence of this disease, patients often notice exacerbations of allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma and other allergic reactions.

The toxic variant of the skin disease is characterized by a strong inflammatory response at the site of application of an excessive irritant. Itching in this form is practically not observed. Swelling, redness, pain predominate, rashes may be in the form of blisters and large blisters.

How to get rid of itching

To fully relieve itching, you need to act not only on the symptoms. It is necessary to get rid of the cause that caused it. This is the main line of treatment.

home methods

At home, you can relieve itching by doing the following:

• apply cold to an itchy place, it can be a piece of ice, a cold compress, immersion of the affected area in cold water;
• the use of decoctions of chamomile, succession, mint, needles, elecampane, burdock roots, these decoctions can be used to wipe the skin or immerse problem areas in them;
• Taking a sea salt bath will relieve some of the itching, but the water should not be hot;
• Take a bath with 1 kg of boiled barley.

Eliminate the allergen or irritant

This is the main point in the treatment. After that, there is a decrease in itching and inflammation. In the event that the allergen or irritant is not exactly clarified, then certain examinations (intradermal tests) should be performed. If the patient's work is associated with constant contact with this provoking factor, then it is worth transferring or using personal protective equipment.

In the case of simple irritant dermatitis, frequent contact with water, soap, medicines, cosmetics with various additives should be stopped.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are quite effective in dealing with itching. This is due to the cessation of the release of histamine into the tissues, which reduces swelling and inflammatory response. This group of drugs is used topically and systemically. The drugs in this group include Fenkarol, Suprastin, Cetirizine, Clemastine.

Hormonal remedies

Steroid creams and ointments of various concentrations (Betamethasone dipropionate, Fluticasone propionate, Advantan, Alupent) are widely used in the treatment of dermatitis.

Anti-inflammatory drugs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs relieve inflammation and pain. They are prescribed for atopic dermatitis, in the absence of the effect of local exposure (Indomethacin, Diclofenac, Ibuprofen).

Tar-based products contain natural anti-inflammatory components that are applicable for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Sorbents

The role of sorbents is to eliminate toxins from the intestines, thereby reducing their content in the blood. Such sorbents as Activated carbon, Polyphepan, Smecta have found wide application.

In the presence of atopic dermatitis, immunosuppressive ointments (Epidel, Protopic) are also used.

In a hospital setting, specific therapy is carried out, which is aimed at developing resistance to a particular allergen. The doctor introduces a small dose of the allergen into the patient's body with a gradual increase in the dose. Over time, the body becomes immune to the pathogenic factor.

Prevention

Preventive measures should include:

• exclusion of the allergen from everyday life by distancing from it, the use of personal protective equipment;
• playing sports contributes to the maximum consumption of histamine for the needs of striated muscles, which reduces the incidence of allergic reactions of any localization;
• the use of foods that are saturated with vitamins and minerals;
• indigestible dietary fiber is able to eliminate toxins from the body, so it is necessary to enrich the diet with foods such as cabbage, apples, cereals, bread from coarse wheat varieties, bran;
• timely access to a doctor in the event of various kinds of allergies;
• prophylactic administration of antihistamines during the period of seasonal flowering of plants.

It is important to remember that to relieve itching, you need to act on the root cause of the disease. Symptomatic therapy will reduce itching, but will not eliminate the main factor.