Archive for the ‘Skin Care’ Category
Patch Tests in Skin Allergies: Source of The Frequently Tested Allergens
Note: The following table discloses the most common source of allergens, wanted intended as an exhaustive list.
- Balsam of Peru: aromatic blend composed of resins and essential oils. It is found in topical preparations antihaemorrhoidal somewhere, in some perfumes and certain spices.
- Mix of Cain, local anesthetics are in preparations for sore throat for sunburn, antihaemorrhoidal and mouthwashes. It is used by dentists and doctors for minor surgical procedures.
- A blend of carbs, “accelerating” the rubber (chemicals used in the manufacture of rubber vulcanization process speed). They are found in rubber gloves, shoes, bandages and elastic. 85% of patients allergic to carbs are also allergic to thiuram. Read the rest of this entry »
Patch Tests in Skin Allergies: Photopatch tests
Some chemicals only produce an allergic reaction when exposed to light, usually ultraviolet type A, which is part of the artificial sunlight (UVA). Patients to whom should be a photopatch test are those with extreme sensitivity to light and those in which a rash on body parts normally exposed to light (especially face, neck and hands), but not where they are protected in the same (as in the case of the chin and the triangle between the nose and mouth). Read the rest of this entry »
Patch Tests in Skin Allergies: The Interpretation of The Results
Any reaction that is seen, will be recorded by the specialist systematic response to the Research Group International Contact Dermatitis, as follows:
- Negative reaction
- Inconclusive reaction, only a moderate redness
- Weakly positive reaction, skin red and slightly infiltrated
- Strong positive reaction, skin red and swollen, watery vesicles isolated small
- Extremely positive reaction: intense redness, swelling with large vesicles together or reaction that extends beyond the area of the patch Read the rest of this entry »
Patch Tests in Skin Allergies: How is It Done?
How is patch testing done?
Initial consultation:
The first will talk to your doctor about the skin problem being treated. Debará Matters dealing with the doctor include:
- The site where the eruption began and how it developed.
- The treatments you have tried.
- Previous skin diseases.
- The general health of you and your family, especially any atopy (a predisposition to any of these conditions: asthma, allergic rhinitis or eczema).
- Cosmetics and cleaning products used.
- It’s work. It will focus on the materials used and the effect of weekends and holidays in dermatitis (if there is a connection, it is possible to be in contact with an allergen at work). If other workers are affected by similar rash, tell your doctor. Read the rest of this entry »
Patch Tests in Skin Allergies: Why is It Done?
Why is patch testing done?
If you suffer from dermatitis of recent onset, or if you have a persistent or unusual eczema, your dermatologist or allergist may think that you have an allergic contact dermatitis. If you have been using a drug for a period in an area of skin (such as hands, face, ears, eyes or anogenital area) and subsequently shows a dermatitis, your doctor may suspect a drug allergy is aggravating the dermatitis . Read the rest of this entry »
Patch Tests in Skin Allergies
What is patch testing?
Patch tests (or patch) is a procedure to recognize whether a substance causes an inflammation of the skin to skin contact. This inflammation is called contact dermatitis. There are at least two types of contact dermatitis:
- Irritant (no immune mechanism involved no)
- Allergic (immune mediated).
Irritant contact dermatitis
An irritant substance is one that cause inflammation in almost any individual if applied in a high enough concentration and for the right time. The irritant reaction is caused directly by contact of a skin irritant and does not involve the immune system. Read the rest of this entry »
Diagnosis of Hives
How does the doctor diagnose?
Usually it is enough to tell the doctor when, where and how the symptoms started and how has evolution. The skin biopsy, skin tests for potential allergens, a thorough examination and various blood tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Possible Complications
- Insomnia or sleep disturbance due to itching and irritation.
- Angioedema (swelling of the mucous membranes of the larynx and bronchi) that may require immediate medical treatment. Read the rest of this entry »
Symptoms of Hives
What are the symptoms of hives?
- Usually begins with a spot on the skin that produces pruritus (itching).
- After a few minutes, the hives become spots with reddish blisters of varying sizes.
- Normally the rash lasts two to three hours can disappear and reappear elsewhere in the body.
How can you differentiate the types of urticaria?
It is classified according to the cause that produces it and the duration of symptoms. If the hives last longer than 6 weeks is considered chronic urticaria. If less than this time is called acute.
Acute Urticaria
In this type of urticaria, allergic-type if the attack begins an hour after exposure to allergens. Given this evolution is possible to discover the cause. Each time the individual is exposed to that particular allergen, the symptoms happen again. Read the rest of this entry »
Hives
What is it?
Urticaria manifests as red or white, raised skin that itch. These characteristic lesions are known as hives (elevated edematous). Are equal to a reaction in the skin after contact with nettles. Urtica is the Latin word that defines a kind of nettle.
The rash can vary in shape and size. Can be very itchy and usually disappears within 24 hours. Hives may occur repeatedly or as an isolated episode.
What causes hives?
In 90% of cases there is no apparent reason. However, it is sometimes possible to identify the cause of hives. Most of the time is due to an allergic reaction. When allergic urticaria typically occurs between the ages of twenty and forty years, being more common in women. Read the rest of this entry »
Treatment for Atopic Dermatitis
If you experience the above symptoms is essential to go to the dermatologist, because this especially after a complete medical history and physical examination can confirm whether the affected person suffers or atopic dermatitis.
When the diagnosis is positive, the medical specialist in skin regularly recommended to follow some steps to alleviate the symptoms, which include:
Temperature. It is very important to avoid staying in places where it is hot and on the other hand, the cold season should not be over-wrap.
Sun exposure. In some cases it is beneficial, but there are patients who are sensitive to the sun and exposed to it may worsen the injury. Read the rest of this entry »