Dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin that occurs under the influence of endogenous or exogenous factors. They have a short course and are characterized by low polymorphism.
Allergic dermatitis is divided into contact, toxic-allergic, atonic, fixed erythema.
The first type occurs when exposed to exogenous substances, which lead to hypersensitivity reactions (pollen, food components). The cause of toxic-allergic dermatitis are haptens, which are administered parenterally for medicinal purposes. As a result, pronounced dysmetabolic phenomena appear, which lead to lesions of the skin. The atonic form occurs under the influence of diseases of the respiratory system.
Allergic dermatitis can be the result of endocrinopathies, metabolic disorders of internal organs. A hereditary factor plays a role.
Clinical picture
Allergic dermatitis has an acute onset, slow progression. The first sign is erythema, which is located focal and has in its structure separate monomorphic elements: vesicles, papules. The concentration of the allergen that causes this condition plays a paramount role, since it determines the severity of the disease. Relapses occur when exposed to low doses of these substances. Other symptoms of allergic dermatitis include edema, intense itching, fever, redistribution of leukocytosis.
Fixed erythema has some differences that make it possible to distinguish it in a separate form. It is characterized by the appearance on the mucous membranes or skin of several spots, which have sharply defined edges up to eight centimeters in size. The peripheral zone of these formations is somewhat elevated. This condition is also called pregnant dermatitis, since the incidence of the disease in this group is the highest.
In the conditions of production, this pathological condition can also develop. Contact with various chemicals is the main etiological factor leading to polysystemic manifestations. The most characteristic lesions: skin of the neck, face, hands, nasal mucosa. Complications of this condition are Lyell, Stevens-Jobs syndromes. Allergic dermatitis during pregnancy is a particularly dangerous condition, since it is possible to damage not only the tissues of the mother, but also the fetus.
Treatment
For successful treatment, it is necessary to remove the patient from the substance that caused the hyperreactivity reaction. For allergies to pollen, household substances, specific immunotherapy is indicated. Antihistamines are the main substances that help to effectively reduce the symptoms of allergic dermatitis.
With severe symptoms of the disease and the presence of characteristic complications, the use of glucocorticoid drugs is indicated, which can be used topically and intravenously.
Detoxification therapy is also an important component of the treatment of this disease, especially if it is caused by food allergens. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory substances are also used to treat conditions caused by such substances, which help reduce pathological symptoms (edema, redness, itching).
Allergic dermatitis is a common skin disease that does not pose a potential threat to life. However, with irrational, untimely treatment, they can lead to complications that can be dangerous to human life.