Many were given a Mantoux test in childhood. At the same time, a nurse or doctor strictly warned that it should not be wetted. So why can’t you wet the mantle? The answer to this question is both simple and complex. In order to correctly answer it, you should deal with the vaccine itself.
What is the Mantoux test for?
So, the main goal of Mantoux vaccination is to check for antibodies in the body that can counteract tubercle bacillus. 3 days after it, doctors study the reaction, manifested in the form of redness at the test site.
If the previous slight redness remains on it, this indicates that antibodies that counteract the tubercle bacillus are produced in the body. But why can’t you wet the mantle?
The fact is that after moisture gets in the place of the sample, the red spot can significantly increase in size, and as a result, doctors who record the result of the reaction recognize this as the absence of antibodies in the body that can counteract the tubercle bacillus.
As a result of this, they may prescribe treatment and will not find out the details - whether you wet the place of vaccination or not. After all, doctors have already warned about why the mantoux cannot be wetted.
A significant increase in the red spot from the Mantoux reaction can be friction from tight clothing. Also, one of the reasons why the mantoux cannot be wetted is that when moisture gets into the place of vaccination, an allergic reaction can occur. It's all about the composition of the injected substance - tuberculin. Some components become allergenic if normal moisture gets on the skin.
Who needs to do?
Why do mantas for young children? Currently, many parents refuse any vaccinations and vaccines, including the Mantoux test.
It is done to all children, regardless of whether they are vaccinated or not. Unfortunately, with the advent of antibiotics, the problem of treating some diseases has not been resolved. Tuberculosis bacillus is still resistant to many antibacterial drugs.
Many mothers, even from the hospital, disown vaccinations for their child. But they do not understand what the risks are. The Mantoux test is done to vaccinated children once a year, despite the results of the previous reaction.
Once every six months it is done to unvaccinated children. It is not done twice on one arm, because human cells have immunological memory, as a result of which the vaccine can give incorrect results and cause additional questions for parents and doctors.
The size of the mantle is estimated after three days. If a small spot remains on the skin or it is completely absent - this indicates that there are antibodies necessary for protection in the body, but they are unable to give a high degree of protection.
If the size is up to 2 mm, a test can be done again. If the red spot is within 5-16 mm, this suggests that the body can provide adequate protection against tubercle bacillus.
Attention! Make sure that children do not scratch the injection site, as it will itch!