Beach rash: allergy, infection or photodermatosis?

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The desire of people to spend their holidays on the southern coasts may result in the unexpected development of photodermatosis associated with staying in other climatic conditions. Allergies to sea water or sun rays most often manifest themselves from the first days of staying at the resort. Red spots, papules or rashes form on the arms and legs, décolleté and thighs, and the irritation is unbearably itchy. To eliminate pathology, it is important to choose the right cosmetic and hygiene products, exclude photosensitizing products from the diet, and protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation.

Causes of dermatosis

A pathological reaction appears as a result of exposure to substances new to the body, which are perceived as foreign. In view of this, the production of antibodies (immunoglobulins E) begins with a parallel release of histamine, which leads to the formation of external signs of allergy. Many people associate inflammation and redness of the skin with exposure to ultraviolet radiation, but there are no substances in the sun's rays that can cause dermatosis.

The disease manifests itself after the interaction of light with particles localized on the surface of the epithelium (exogenous type) or in the inner layers of the dermis (endogenous type). As a result of chemical processes, skin sensitivity increases.

The appearance of a rash on the body after swimming in the sea indicates a possible allergic reaction to algae, mineral salts, microorganisms, and toxic substances from industrial waste. Cold water causes hives. With this exposure, there are no symptoms of skin damage after the natural heating of the reservoir to the optimal temperature. In swimming pools, chlorine can be a causative agent of pathology.

Dermatosis mainly manifests itself against the background of weakened immunity. At risk are:

• infants and young children;
• pregnant women;
• people with light skin.

The disease also progresses in patients with problems of the endocrine system, dysfunction of the kidneys, liver, and adrenal glands . External factors that contribute to the development of sun allergies include the following:

• Cosmetic and sun protection products containing eosin, retinols, para-aminobenzoic acid, phenol, benzophenones. Additionally, you should avoid using perfumes, colognes, lotions, and hygiene products with fragrances. Essential oils of bergamot, tangerine, orange, rose, sandalwood, and sea buckthorn provoke increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the skin.
• UV irradiation sessions, tanning in a solarium, some cosmetic procedures (chemical peeling, tattooing of eyebrows and lips).
• Adding sweetener supplements to your diet, drinking citrus fruits, carrot juice, bell peppers, figs, celery, parsley or dill before going out into the sun. Skin sensitivity increases from drinking alcohol, spicy foods, foods with preservatives, dyes and artificial additives. There is a high probability of photodermatosis in allergy sufferers who are susceptible to nuts, chocolate, and coffee.
• Deficiency of vitamins and minerals.

Separately, we consider taking medications that can cause damage to the skin after sunbathing. Such a reaction of the body is possible even after the end of the course of therapy, since medicinal substances have a cumulative effect.

The group of provoking medications includes:

• Antibiotics, some antihistamines.
• Preparations for eliminating dermatological problems containing boric or salicylic acid, tar.
• Medicines for pathologies of the cardiovascular system, antidiabetic tablets, diuretics.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Oral (hormonal) contraceptives.
• Barbiturates, sulfonamides.

Side effects to medications usually include increased photosensitivity of the skin, so they should be used with caution.

Rash at sea - how to relax safely?

A pleasant holiday at a seaside resort is sometimes marred by the appearance of a rash on the body.
Irritation after swimming is often non-infectious.

It appears from sea water and sun, contact with jellyfish, sand and some other reasons.

After sun or bathing, irritation and a rash appear on the child’s back, and often on the legs, arms, and chest (see photo).

Such symptoms may indicate that the child’s body reacts too sensitively to solar radiation or exposure to water. Similar phenomena occur in adults.

Fortunately, an allergic reaction to seawater is quite rare. Water contains many mineral components, which are often the culprits of rashes.

In addition, there is a lot of algae in the sea that can bloom and release allergens, there are also other representatives of the underwater world, all kinds of microorganisms. Industrial waste gets into the water.

The following symptoms indicate the disease:

• headache;
• a rash appeared;
• I'm worried about itching, my body itches.

Rashes on the body after the beach are more common in childhood; they can be all over the body or in separate areas.

Urticaria at sea (see photo) in most cases is complicated by severe itching, which creates additional discomfort for the victim.

The size of the blisters can reach quite impressive sizes. Their intensity and severity decreases over time.

Sometimes the body becomes hypersensitive when swimming in water due to relatively low temperatures. Hives appear on the body, the cause of which is hypothermia. This is also one of the types of disease - cold allergy.

Don't think that cold allergies only occur in winter. Often its symptoms appear while swimming in the summer. The allergen is not a substance, but a physical factor, so the disease is classified as pseudo-allergies.

Reaction to the sun

Ultraviolet radiation can cause hypersensitivity in humans. Such processes are accompanied by rashes in the form of papules, vesicles, accompanied by the separation of serous exudate, thickening, roughness of the skin, pigmentation disturbances, and the appearance of grooves are observed.

In healthy people, as a rule, this is rare, mainly occurring in:

• infants;
• children with weakened immune systems;
• people with too light skin (Celtic type);
• old people;
• persons with pathologies of the liver, kidneys, as well as endocrine and immune systems.

There may be other types of immunopathological reactions, phototraumatic and phototoxic. In the first case, it is sunburn. Probably everyone is familiar with how hot and sore the skin is after spending an excessive amount of time on the beach.

Phototoxic burn also occurs as a result of exposure to sunlight. However, here the cause is drugs, foods or other substances that enter the body and produce a photosensitizing effect.

More often, people whose skin is too white or pale are susceptible to allergies. Traumatic effects occur very often.

In addition, photosensitizing substances (PS) often aggravate the situation even in people with normal skin type that is resistant to ultraviolet rays.

Many drugs contain VW in their composition, for example:

• group of tetracyclines (antibiotics);
• neuroleptics;
• sulfonamides;
• antifungals, for example, griseofulfin and some others;
• ethacridine lactate;
• oral contraceptives;
• tar.

Since the main purpose of these drugs is different, their photosensitizing effect is considered as a side effect. Another cause of photodermatosis can be contact with the skin of the juice of plants containing PV.

Sunburn may occur after direct contact with them. These plants include angelica officinalis, angelica silica and several species of hogweed.

If a small red rash appears on your body while on vacation at sea, you should not immediately panic. First you need to try to find out the reasons for this phenomenon.

Such problems often arise among those tourists who do not know how to choose the right time to visit the beach. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the intensity of ultraviolet radiation increases sharply, which causes allergies and other phototraumatic effects.

People with pale, sensitive skin need to be especially careful at this time, as their bodies do not produce enough melanin pigment, which helps neutralize the sun's rays.

They need to use tanning products. The protective cream cools the skin and protects it from sun rays, significantly weakening their influence.

The sea contains a lot of mineral salts, so it produces a drying effect. People with oily skin types experience a significant improvement in the condition of their skin after bathing.

But if your skin is already dry, it becomes more sensitive to everything and can easily become inflamed when exposed to very salty water.

As a rule, an allergic reaction develops, which causes the appearance of dermatitis, accompanied by severe itching.

To avoid this, it is advisable for people with sensitive skin to lubricate their body with a rich cream before each dive into water. After swimming, you should immediately dry yourself with a dry towel or take a shower with fresh water.

The measures taken will help avoid drying out the skin, since it is especially vulnerable on the beach - after all, it is affected by three elements at once: the sun, water and wind. The wind dries the skin, leaving a film of mineral salts on it after the water evaporates. This increases the burning effect of sunlight and causes immunopathological reactions.

The reaction to a change in environment can be very different:

• Some children’s activity increases sharply, others become lethargic and indifferent to everything that happens around them;
• body temperature rises to subfebrile values ​​(37-37.3 ° C), rarely to high numbers - 38 ° C and above;
• the immune defense of a fragile organism decreases (respiratory infections, malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract);
• appetite often disappears;
• allergic reactions are observed.

In many children, the body may react to sun rays and sea water with redness of the skin and small pimples like hives.

It should be noted that, unlike the last two points, all other reasons are systemic in nature. This can be seen from the table.

Main features

Sun intolerance is often confused with other types of allergies. The pathology is characterized by the appearance in patients of a reaction to the sun and sea water immediately after exposure to ultraviolet radiation or swimming. Sometimes symptoms appear after 8-12 hours. At the same time, the general condition of the body changes: headaches, decreased muscle tone, and increased body temperature are noted. Photodermatosis affects the skin on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, thighs, arms and legs.

Due to imperfect immunity, children are often susceptible to developing the disease.

The photo below shows signs of an allergy in a child: patches of irritated skin, a profuse small rash. A feature of childhood ultraviolet intolerance is the high probability of “outgrowing” the pathology with age.

External signs of the disease in adults include:

• The appearance of red spots in areas of direct exposure to irritants.
• Swelling, abscesses of the affected area.
• Peeling, itching, burning of irritated epithelium.
• Formation of blisters with serous or purulent contents.
• Sometimes there is bleeding from erosions or inflamed blisters.

Some allergy sufferers may experience low blood pressure, fainting, bronchospastic syndrome. Moreover, during the acute phase there is no coughing, sneezing, or tissue swelling. There is also virtually no risk of anaphylactic shock.

Stars about dangers on the beach

Karina Cox:

– On vacation, I take special care of the health of my legs. High humidity and heat make the areas around swimming pools a breeding ground for all kinds of fungi. I never walk barefoot, and I cover any, even the smallest, distance from the sunbed to the bar counter, where I order freshly squeezed juices, in flip-flops. Timur Rodriguez:

– Meeting a sea urchin is the main trouble that can happen to a vacationer. The needles dig into the leg and do not come out from under the skin for a long time. Familiar divers said that immediately after “contact” you need to squeeze lime juice onto the splinters: firstly, it relieves pain, and secondly, it helps the spines pop out faster. Masha Malinovskaya:

– To prevent my hair from losing its shine and strength after the holidays, I make sure to protect it: I wear headscarves and use special “summer” cosmetics. After returning from the south, the curls should be treated a little. I prefer ready-made products, but I know some people make their own. For example, decoctions of chamomile or St. John's wort are prepared. Anastasia Volochkova:

– I never go out into the sun at dangerous hours. Skin burns are nothing compared to cancer, which can result from prolonged exposure to scorching rays. And even in the morning and evening I use creams with a high degree of protection. This is important not only for health, but also for beauty, because the sun ages the skin and makes it wrinkled.

Methods of treating the disease

After the first symptoms of an allergy appear on vacation, you should limit your exposure to the provoking factor. If a person reacts to salt water, it is necessary to choose coasts with less mineral content in the sea. In cases where skin damage occurs from contact with algae or plant pollen, it is worth considering the blooming period of allergens before planning a trip. Adjusting the diet, limiting the use of cosmetics and stopping medications also helps. To quickly remove toxins from the body, you need to drink 2-2.5 liters of clean water.

Drug therapy

In case of photodermatosis and sea allergies, consult a dermatologist, immunologist or therapist for the necessary advice. The doctor helps determine the cause of the pathological reaction and prescribes a treatment regimen.

Traditional therapy includes the following groups of drugs:

• Antihistamines. Due to the increased content of immunoglobulin E and histamine in the blood, special means are used to block them. Most often, medications are produced in tablet form (Suprastin, Cetrin, Claritin), but it is possible to apply external ointments or creams (Celestoderm, Psilo-Balm, Beloderm). The active substances eliminate itching well and can be used for a long time.
• Non-hormonal drugs for local treatment of lesions (Desitin, Panthenol, Fenistil-gel, Methyluracin ointment, Indomethacin).
• With the parallel development of inflammatory processes, it is possible to use drugs with antibiotics (“Levomekol”, “Tetracycline ointment”).
• Corticosteroids are prescribed only for severe disease. Long-term therapy with such products is not recommended, since the active ingredients can provoke the development of additional skin problems in the form of rosacea, erythema, and vasodilation. The danger lies in the rapid addiction to the drugs.
• To cleanse toxins and normalize liver function, take sorbents (“Enterosgel”, “Polysorb”, “Polifepam”).
• The deficiency of nutrients in the body is eliminated by consuming mineral complexes, antioxidants, vitamins B, E, C, and nicotinic acid.

The course of therapy lasts from 5 days to several weeks.

If photodermatosis reappears, there is a risk of eczema formation. In this case, sunbathing and being under the sun is strictly contraindicated.

Help from folk remedies

You can treat the external symptoms of an allergic reaction using traditional recipes. Calendula, celandine, and burdock root have healing properties. These herbs can be used for cold compresses. It is also possible to prepare medicinal baths, which should act on the body for 20-30 minutes:

• 300 g of oatmeal is poured with boiling water and left for a while. After this, the mixture is added to a bath with a water temperature of 36-37 ° C. The procedure removes severe irritation and rashes on the skin.
• 300 g of pine needles or twigs are steamed with two liters of boiling water and boiled for half an hour. The strained broth is mixed with bath water. Herbal medicine effectively relieves itching and soothes the skin.

Rashes after the sea and sun - what to do?

Despite the fact that sea water has a wound-healing effect and can relieve a person of many skin pathologies, it is a fairly strong allergen and can cause a negative reaction in the body. Redness, large spots with blurred edges cover the face and body of a person, causing discomfort, causing itching, burning and dry skin.

Irritation on the skin after swimming in the sea occurs quite rarely and, as a rule, intensifies when the dermis is exposed to ultraviolet rays. Rashes may appear on children's skin after prolonged swimming in sea water. This is due to the presence of blooming algae and numerous trace elements in it that can provoke the development of allergies.

A rash on the wet body of an adult is a reaction to sea salt. It manifests itself under the influence of sunlight. Redness is observed in the chest, back, neck, legs, and elbows.

Sea salt differs in composition from regular table salt and can cause severe allergies in both adults and children.

After a long swim in the sea, a large amount of sea salt and various microorganisms accumulate on the surface of the skin, the presence of which can be eliminated by taking a shower. In some cases, a negative reaction begins to manifest itself while a person is in the water. In this case, you should stop swimming and urgently seek help from a highly qualified dermatologist.

Scuba diving enthusiasts notice rashes on the face, especially if the dive took place in a special mask. At first these are small (several millimeters in diameter) red spots. Without adequate timely treatment, the rashes grow to cover most of the back or chest, turning into ugly, scaly and crusty patches on the face.

Among the most likely causes of irritation are:

• lack of class “E” immunoglobulin in the body;
• bright skin;
• low immunity;
• presence of small wounds, sunburns;
• sudden climate change.

The spots that appear begin to itch very much. The main danger of this pathology is that when scratching, adults and children bring dirt into the wounds, provoking the development of an inflammatory process. Irritation of the skin after swimming in the sea can lead to the formation of papules filled with serous fluid. Violation of their shell leads to microtraumas that carry the risk of spreading infection.

A distinctive feature of this type of allergy is the absence of cough, rhinitis, and difficulty breathing.

Reaction to the sun

A negative reaction to exposure to sunlight is no less dangerous for the body. After a rapid tan, obtained at lunchtime, when solar activity is especially high, a small child may develop an allergy or burn on the skin. Despite the absence of blisters, the presence of severe redness is a reason to seek medical help.

A qualified doctor will be able to determine exactly what was encountered in a particular case. This may be a 1-2 degree sunburn or an allergic reaction to exposure to ultraviolet rays. The method of treatment and the choice of prescribed medications depend on the diagnosis.

Main symptoms of sun allergy:

• rash on arms and legs;
• redness on the body;
• small itchy spots covered with scales;
• dry skin on the affected areas.

The child becomes irritable, refuses to eat, and his night sleep is disturbed. Gradually, the rash covers the entire body, preventing the person from living in peace.

So-called solar urticaria occurs as a result of several factors:

• ultra-violet rays;
• open air;
• sudden climate change;
• high ambient temperature.

Photodermatitis is caused by increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight and weather factors. Symptoms of the disease:

• redness;
• hyperthermia;
• peeling of the skin;
• unbearable itching.

These manifestations are aggravated when the skin comes into contact with ultraviolet rays. The likelihood of developing photodermatitis increases with forced use of medications, which include:

• antibiotics;
• sulfonamides;
• antiallergic drugs.

The annotation for such medications may indicate that it is undesirable to stay in the sun during their use.

A sun rash on the chest in adult patients appears after the first days of active rest.

An allergic reaction can be diagnosed if all manifestations of the disease disappear after refusing to visit the beach and taking properly selected antihistamines.

Treatment

Therapeutic measures are aimed at getting rid of unpleasant symptoms. If the cause of the disease is exposure to the sun, you will have to avoid visiting the beach. Sunburn can trigger the development of the disease. This can be avoided by using special protective creams that are applied to the body before leaving the house.

Redness can be eliminated with the help of medicinal ointments and lotions, which can be prescribed by a dermatologist. If there is an itchy rash on the patient's body, more thorough treatment will be required:

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Indomethacin, Ibuprofen);
• a nicotinic acid;
• vitamins B, E and C.

For external use, ointments containing zinc and lanolin (Zinc ointment, Desitin, Sudocrem) are recommended.

For effective local treatment of sun allergies, corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory ointments are prescribed. Hormonal drugs are recognized as highly effective, but they can only be used as prescribed by the attending physician for a fairly short time. Treatment with such ointments lasts no more than a week. The list of the most effective includes:

• Flucinar;
• Hydrocortisone ointment;
• Lorinden S;
• Fluorocort.

Non-hormonal drugs can be applied to the affected areas of the skin for a long time until a positive result is achieved. These include:

• Methyluracil ointment;
• Elidel;
• Zinc ointment.

Alternative medicine can help soothe inflamed skin.

1. Thin slices of fresh cucumber and cabbage leaves applied to the rash areas relieve itching.
2. Dried chamomile flowers and thyme herb are mixed in equal proportions. Place 100 g of dry raw materials in a thermos and add 1 liter of boiling water. After 10 hours, the reddened and itchy skin is treated with the prepared infusion. Treatment lasts at least a week.
3. Thyme, chamomile, celandine in a ratio of 2:2:1 are crushed and poured with a liter of boiling water. Leave for 4-5 hours. The inflamed dermis is treated with the strained infusion 5-6 times a day. The effect will be noticeable after the first two days of use.

It is important to remember that the use of any medicinal compositions is possible only after consulting a dermatologist.

So what is a skin rash?

It is generally accepted that a rash is caused by changes in the skin and (or) mucous membranes. Changes may include primarily changes in color, texture of the skin surface, peeling, itching in the red area and pain. The rash can be localized in completely different places on the body, for different types of rash there are typical places of appearance, for example, rashes associated with allergic reactions most often manifest themselves on the hands and face, while manifestations on the surface of the body are more often associated with infectious diseases.

Remember, scratching the rash is unacceptable in any case, this will lead to even greater skin irritation and the possible formation of ulcers.

Types of rash

Primary - occur in areas of healthy skin or mucous membranes due to pathological processes in the body.

Secondary - occurs in place of the primary for certain reasons (for example, lack of treatment)

By far the most favorable from the point of view of diagnostic possibilities and subsequent successful therapy are primary protrusions. All protrusions differ in external characteristics such as size, shape, content, degree of color, grouping, etc.

Let's look at the main types of performances

Spot – Manifested by a change in shade or redness of the skin. It occurs in diseases such as syphilitic roseola, vitiligo, dermatitis, and birthmarks and freckles are also included in this type of manifestation.

Blister - Located in the thickness of the skin, inside it is filled with hemorrhagic fluid, measuring from 2 to 6 mm, usually occurs with eczema, herpes, allergic dermatitis.

Blister - Swollen redness with smooth edges, can be of regular or irregular shape, common causes of appearance: urticaria, insect bites, toxicoderma, usually does not require special treatment.

An abscess is a pus-filled formation in the layers of the epidermis, divided by type into superficial and deep. Accompanying diseases such as acne, impetigo, furunculosis, ulcerative pyoderma.

A bubble is a greatly enlarged bubble that can reach a size of 100 mm.

Nodule - can be found in all layers of the skin, externally it looks like a change in the surface of the epidermis with redness and a difference in density from the surrounding tissues, usually ranging in size from 1 to 10 mm. Typical manifestations of the nodule are caused by: psoriasis, several types of lichen, eczema, papillomas, various warts.

Allergy rash

The cause of constant skin itching and visible rashes on the skin is often an allergy; this is a fairly common occurrence in our time, about 70 percent of people are somehow susceptible or have experienced allergic reactions.

What is an allergy? This is an aggravated reaction of the human immune system to an allergen that has entered the body, while in the process of getting rid of the presence of the allergen, the person’s blood vessels dilate, histamine is produced in large quantities, and redness, inflammation, swelling, and skin itching are almost always added to the above symptoms.

Attention! In the event of an acute allergic reaction with the formation of edema, the patient should immediately call an ambulance!

Allergic dermatitis also often manifests itself - when exposed to an allergen, a rash area forms at the point of contact, for example, when reacting to clothing - rashes in the waist, back and those places on the body where clothing fits most tightly to the skin, or when reacting to perfume or deodorant – in the area of ​​greatest contact with the substance (often under the arms)

In a mild form of an allergic reaction, the symptoms resemble those of a cold: runny nose, possibly increased saliva and watery eyes. If you experience symptoms such as dizziness, tachycardia, convulsions and nausea, this may indicate a severe allergic reaction in which there is a risk of developing anaphylactic shock, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Allergies can be caused by:

• Pet hair
• Plant pollen in summer or autumn
• Medications
• Food products (chocolate, milk, citrus fruits, etc.)
• Various nutritional supplements
• Substances contained in perfumes or household chemicals
• Substances that make up wardrobe items (fabric, metals, dyes)

Rash due to infectious diseases

Rashes in infectious diseases are often characterized by stages of appearance, first it appears in one place, then in another, also for each infection there are typical places for rashes, a specific shape and size, it is important to remember all the details and, when interviewing, report all this information to the doctor.

Below we look at rashes associated with various infectious diseases:

Rubella - in the initial period of the disease, a small rash appears on the face and neck, then within 2 to 6 hours the rash spreads throughout the body. Usually appears as round or oval redness ranging from 2 to 10 mm in size. Remains on the skin for up to 72 hours, then disappears without visible traces. If you find yourself with a similar rash, you need to consult and examine a doctor, since similar rashes are symptoms of many infectious diseases. We also recall that rubella poses a particular danger to pregnant women, since if the mother is ill, the infection can harm the fetus.

Measles – the disease measles usually manifests itself with catarrhal manifestations. The rash appears after 2-7 days. The primary places of protrusion are on the skin of the nose and behind the ears, then within 24 hours it spreads to the skin of the chest, face, then the arms and neck also become covered with rashes. After 72 hours, the rash also covers the legs; the rash is most often intense and confluent. After the active phase of the disease, the rash changes color and forms something like pigment spots.

Chicken pox - at the onset of the disease it manifests itself as red spots, then bubbles with a red ring and liquid inside appear, similar in appearance to dewdrops. After two days, the outer surface of the bubble collapses and becomes less elastic. Subsequently, the blisters become coarser, crust over and disappear within seven days without leaving any visible traces.

Scarlet fever - Rashes with scarlet fever appear 24 hours after infection, the areas of active manifestations are the back, groin, elbow and knee bends, and armpit skin. Then inflammation appears on the skin, sometimes there is a slight blue discoloration in the places where roseola forms. The face with scarlet fever is usually not affected by a rash.

Let's look at the reasons with photos:

Rashes caused by infection:

Herpes - a scattering of small transparent bubbles of regular shape forms on the surface of the skin of the face and lips, then within 72 hours the bubbles become cloudy, dry out with the formation of darkish or gray-yellow crusts.

Warts - usually affecting the skin of the extremities; they look like dense, rough, irregularly shaped formations of a grayish color.

Syphilis - the appearance of rashes generally always accompanies secondary syphilis; the rash is almost always varied in the visual signs of the elements and their number on the patient’s skin. Typically, a syphilis rash is not accompanied by any additional sensations or unpleasant effects, and after disappearance there are no traces left on the skin. Secondary syphilis is accompanied by spotty rashes, which are characterized by a symmetrical arrangement, brightness and abundance. After 60 days, the rash usually goes away, after some time the rash appears again, not as abundant, more dull in color, localized in places of skin trauma, between the buttock muscles, in the groin, on the shoulders and on the chest.

Candidiasis - (yeast diaper rash) the usual places of manifestation in the area of ​​skin folds, abdominal folds, most often affects overweight people, the first stage of the disease is accompanied by small blisters and pustules, which, bursting, transform into wet erosions of a reddish-brownish color, showing a tendency to merger. Cracks and accumulations of whitish, mushy tissue form on the surface of the patient's skin.

Scabies - as a rule, it is usually manifested by the formation of blisters, vesicles or papules at the site of penetration of the parasite into the skin, so-called scabies burrows are also noticeable on the skin, they look like a whitish bulging line with a bulge at the tip, the disease is characterized by severe itching, intensifying at night days. Most common on the arms and legs, these tend to be the feet, wrists and hands.

Pityriasis versicolor is a disease caused by a fungus, characterized by low infectiousness and associated with excessive sweating. The development of the disease begins in the area of ​​the hair follicle, where yellow dots appear, after the dot they increase in size and turn into yellowish-brownish spots with visible borders, ranging in size from 10 mm or more, the skin in the affected areas is covered with pityriasis-like scales.

Pityriasis rosea - at the beginning of the disease, a red-pinkish spot appears on the skin of the chest and/or back with peeling in the central part, after which a spot-like rash of usually symmetrical shape forms on other parts of the body.

Herpes zoster - manifests itself in the initial period as a group of blisters up to 50 mm, localized on one side of the chest, abdomen, head or shoulder; when it appears on the affected area, sensitivity worsens, accompanied by pain; after the blisters disappear, areas of hyperpigmentation and/or scars remain on the skin .

Lichen planus - the rash usually appears as clusters of nodules and forms lines, rings or arcs on the skin with equally spaced elements. Common sites of injury: torso, inner surface of extremities, genitals. The disease causes itching.

Molluscum contagiosum - shiny vesicles with smooth walls, translucent with a typical inclusion in the center of pinkish, reddish or yellow colors, with sizes from 2 to 10 mm. Upon palpation, white mushy contents are released.

Rubrophytosis is a disease of a fungal nature, in one hundred percent of cases a person’s feet are affected, at the initial stage it is keratinization and peeling of the skin between the 3rd and 4th toes; during the course of the disease, manifestations in the form of erosion and blisters are possible; if the disease develops, the entire surface of the foot is affected.

Ostiofolliculitis - pustules up to 3 mm containing whitish-gray pus inside with a pink border around the circumference, frequent places of manifestation are the face, scalp, places where the surface of the extremities is folded, within a week the pustules dry out to form a yellowish crust, after the crust disappears, signs remain peeling and pigment spots.

Inguinal athlete's foot is a lesion of the skin, usually in the area of ​​folds in the groin (locations may vary). In the initial stage of the disease, spots of a reddish hue of regular shape and with an unchanged surface appear. As the disease progresses, the heel usually merges and forms a lesion on the skin with scalloped borders. The main area of ​​the lesion is covered with crusts, erosions and scales.

Rash of non-infectious nature:

Urticaria - large and medium-sized blisters that suddenly appear and sometimes merge with each other. There is a pinkish border at the edges; the central part of the blister has a dull appearance.

Acne - can appear all over the body, but more often occurs on the face, usually during puberty, and is divided into comedones (clogged pores), papules, pustules, and cysts. With illiterate treatment and an advanced form, scars may appear on the skin after curing acne on the skin.

Lupus erythematosus - manifests itself primarily in open areas of the body: the upper body, face, head, neck; skin changes are often noticeable on the cheeks and bridge of the nose, shaped like a butterfly with wings.

Vitiligo – white spots become noticeable on the skin, varying in shape and size, the spots may merge into one.

Solar keratosis - formed as a result of excessive exposure to sunlight on unprotected skin, looks first as redness then as a keratinized dry crust, affects mainly older people; if not treated promptly, carcinoma (skin cancer) can develop.

Psoriasis is characterized by the appearance of a large number of bright pink papules covered with scales; as the disease progresses, the number of papules increases, they merge into large plaques, most often the rashes at the initial stage appear in the area of ​​​​the bends of the elbows and legs, as well as on the head.

Of course, not too often, but it still happens that there are such unusual people who are allergic to the sea. Against this background, it is important to be aware of the symptoms that can appear upon any contact with sea water, and you should also know how you can help the body with such a seemingly unusual type of allergy. Such intolerance to sea water can occur due to blooming algae or microelements, as well as sea salt, they can cause a corresponding reaction in the body.

Prevention

So as not to be tormented by the question: “What should I do if I am struck by bather’s scabies?” — you just need to choose the right body of water for swimming. You should not swim in a body of water with such inhabitants as:

In such reservoirs, cercariae will certainly be found, since they are carried by waterfowl, especially ducks. At the same time, cercariae do not swim to a depth of more than 80 cm. They become more active on sunny days than in cloudy weather, and they can infect humans from June to September. That is why, when you want to swim in a stagnant body of water, you need to think, is this pleasure worth such serious and unpleasant consequences?

A few days ago we were relaxing with our family on the lake. Naturally, in such heat we often swam. After an hour or two, red spots appeared on everyone’s body, which were also itchy. I bought anti-allergy ointment. The inflammation on the skin slowly began to subside. What could it be? Maybe you should see a doctor? Please give me some advice. The water in the lake itself was clean and warm... Ekaterina AVERCHENKO, Braslav district

Ekaterina, I must disappoint you. It is in such a warm, clean and transparent reservoir, in shallow water, well warmed by the sun, that favorable conditions are created for the reproduction and development of larvae of helminths of waterfowl - cercariae. These are microorganisms invisible to the naked eye that can move freely in water, accumulate in coastal aquatic vegetation and actively attack waterfowl or humans.

People who bathe for long periods in water contaminated with cercariae may develop a painful condition called schistosomatid allergic dermatitis (cercariasis), or, colloquially, swimmer's itch.

The disease develops within a few hours after leaving the water: in places where the helminth larvae penetrate, and more often these are the legs, thighs, buttocks, the skin turns red, tingling, burning, and itching are felt. Then a rash appears in the form of hives, blisters, blisters can be the size of a pea. Sometimes victims experience weakness, dizziness, and sleep disturbances. In severe cases, with multiple lesions of cercariae, fever and dry cough are noted. Severe symptoms disappear after 7-10 days, and skin pigmentation at the site of the rash and mild itching remain for up to 2-3 weeks.

To avoid infection, the following rules should be followed:

• do not feed wild waterfowl in areas intended for swimming;
• swim on specially equipped beaches, away from accumulations of river mollusks and nesting areas of waterfowl;
• stay in the water for no more than 5-10 minutes (to protect against the penetration of larvae, the skin can be lubricated with nourishing creams and oils, vaseline-based repellents);
• If possible, choose areas of the lake with a depth of more than 1 meter for swimming and do not linger in shallow water;
• After leaving the pond, rinse with tap water, and if this is not possible, then wipe dry with a towel (especially the legs and thighs).

If it was not possible to avoid cercarial dermatitis, relieve itching

Menthol and diphenhydramine ointments, Vietnamese balsam, and rinsing with soda solution will help. In severe cases, you should seek help from a medical facility.

Bath oils are beneficial because they coat the skin, forming a protective layer, and retain moisture. After taking a bath, lightly pat your skin dry with a towel and apply moisturizer to irritated areas. Then apply the cream to the rest of your skin.

When choosing a bath oil, be sure to ensure that it contains the following ingredients; almond/sweet almond oil, emu oil, olive oil, apricot kernel oil, jojoba oil, vitamin E, borage oil, evening primrose oil.

Q: The baby bath products I buy say they are suitable for baby's delicate skin. Why does my daughter get a rash after swimming?

A: There are many reasons why these products can cause irritation. Some products disrupt the pH of the skin, while others contain chemicals that irritate the skin and provoke an allergic reaction in sensitive people.

Experiments have proven that soap can disrupt the protective function of the skin: the pH balance of the skin is normally 5.5, but after using soap it increases to 7.5, which makes you unprotected from irritants and allergens. Soap-free products are also not a good alternative to soap, as they can change the pH balance and make the skin susceptible to germs.

Don't trust products that foam and bubble easily. Most likely, they contain the synthetic ingredient sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or its “close friend” sodium laureth sulfate (it is milder, but can still cause irritation). Studies have proven that SLS disrupts the protective function of the skin for more than a month after use. Therefore, avoid cleansers, shower gels, shampoos and bubble baths that contain SLS. After your skin has been damaged by SLS, apply a moisturizer with natural oils to speed up the skin's repair process.

Tip: If you want to take a bath, stay in it for no longer than 15 minutes, so as not to wash away the protective fat layer from the skin (especially if the skin is already dry). Add 1-2 teaspoons of oil of your choice to the water.

Moisturizing bath recipe

Mix a teaspoon of oil (olive, coconut or almond) with a teaspoon of your favorite moisturizer and stir the mixture into the bath - this will dissolve the oil in the water faster.

Add half a cup of apple cider vinegar and 6-8 drops of rose oil to a bath of warm water. If you find it difficult to afford, replace the apple cider vinegar with white and omit the oil. Vinegar, especially apple cider vinegar, eliminates inflammation and helps restore the skin's acidic pH. After the bath, dry your skin and apply moisturizer.

Apple cider vinegar may increase itching in some people; If this happens to you, run the bath again and add baking soda to it - this will help relieve the itching.

Signs of an allergy to sea water

During contact with sea water, a certain rash may be localized on the body of a person, which, as a rule, appears on the arms, neck, stomach or knees. This rash, among other things, can also be accompanied by urticaria, although in some cases it goes away independently and separately from it. The main difference between urticaria and a rash is that the former is accompanied by redness with lighter centers of localization. It also causes very severe itching and an unpleasant burning sensation. This is an allergy to the sea.

If no treatment measures are taken, the area affected by the rash begins to grow and spread. Urticaria can also be accompanied by the appearance of blisters, which come in different sizes, from small millimeters to large ones, reaching several tens of centimeters. For this reason, if you experience any allergy to the salty sea, you should immediately contact a doctor, who will have to choose the right treatment.

On the beach - barefoot, by the pool - in slippers

Some ladies are afraid to walk barefoot on the sand - they say, you can catch a fungus. In fact, this is not true at all. From this point of view, the beaches are safe. In addition, walking on the sand is very useful. Firstly, in this way you strengthen the immune system and increase the overall tone of the body, and secondly, this is an excellent prevention of flat feet. But if you prefer to sunbathe by the pool, you still have to take care of your feet. In principle, antimycotic sprays and aerosols will help protect them from fungus, with which it is convenient to treat the skin of the sole and interdigital folds, however, they are instantly washed off with water. Therefore, it is better to purchase any antifungal ointment, for example mifungar or lamisil, and spread it over the entire foot, from the heels to the interdigital folds, and cover the nails with a special antifungal varnish. Make the journey from the sun lounger to the pool exclusively in shoes. In the evening, take a shower, dry your feet and apply antibacterial powder. By the way, about sun loungers. Their surface can be teeming with millions of bacteria that your neighbors left behind. Therefore, stock up on antibacterial wipes and, putting aside false shame, wipe the seat with them.

How is it different from other types of allergies?

It should be said that this type of allergic reaction is not at all accompanied by coughing or sneezing and neither fever nor swelling are typical for it. The only thing that should be emphasized is that there is currently no data on anaphylactic shock. An allergy to sea salt water can go away on its own in just a few hours, but in any case, this is not a reason for self-medication, but you should definitely consult a specialist. It is important to note that such allergies can be aggravated by direct interaction of the body with the sun's rays.

Good mood and wrinkles

For the sun to become your friend, let’s get to know it better. Did you know that our luminary consists of three types of rays - UVA, UVB and, accordingly, UVC. As long as the ozone layer is intact, you can forget about the latter. But the rays of the first two types interest us much more. They are the ones who turn you into the coveted “chocolate”, and also promote the synthesis of vitamin D3, which is responsible for the health of bones and teeth, improve mood, boost immunity, dry out acne, prevent fungal diseases and even treat psoriasis! The “hormone of joy” serotonin is also produced under the influence of the wonderful luminary. Morning sun is best for sunbathing. Never sunbathe during the day, or rather, from 12 to 15 hours. During this period, the so-called vertical ultraviolet rays reign in the sky. They are the most dangerous. Clouds in the sky and a refreshing breeze are no excuse; they often burn out in such weather. “I never got out of the sea” is also not an excuse: water is not a hindrance to the sun’s rays. Once you exceed your time limit during which the body copes with insidious ultraviolet radiation, problems begin. So don’t be surprised if you notice that the number of wrinkles you have has increased dramatically! With an “overdose” of the sun, collagen and elastin fibers of the skin are destroyed, which causes dehydration, slows down metabolic processes, increases the risk of allergic reactions and the likelihood of pigmentation. You can age at least six months in one summer! But this is far from the worst thing. Scientists have already proven that excessive tanning can provoke the occurrence of cancer.

Causes of an allergic reaction to salt water

According to many doctors, sea allergies can be caused by extremely weak human immunity. People who are most susceptible to it are those who have some problems in the proper functioning and functioning of the adrenal glands, liver, in general, all those organs that should be responsible for processing any incoming substances into the human body.

In addition to the health problems listed above, an allergic reaction can also occur due to other types of pathogens, such as:

• water temperature, as a rule, urticaria mainly occurs due to contact with cold water;
• significant salt content in the water, which, by the way, is typical for our Black Sea;
• the period of flowering of various marine plants and algae;
• poisons secreted by jellyfish;
• any industrial waste that ends up in sea water.

Water all around

Most of the fair sex, unlike men, prefer to swim in a very warm sea, lake or river. And in vain! After all, hot water plus an abundance of various secretions of the human body is a favorable environment for the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms. For example, a sea with a temperature of +26o C loses its disinfecting properties. Doctors no longer recommend swimming in such water. And if the temperature rises another two degrees, it becomes downright dangerous. The sea turns into a “broth” of staphylococci, E. coli and other bacteria.

Treatment of allergies to sea water

At the moment, this type of allergic reaction of the body has not yet been fully studied; for this reason, there are no clear methods for treating absolutely any of its manifestations. It is obvious that people prone to reacting to sea water have a significant amount of histamine in their body, as well as immunoglobulin “E”. This is actually why experts prescribe medications that reduce their levels in people. Medical prescriptions for allergies, as a rule, include both regular creams and taking various tablets.

Diagnosis of the disease

Often, only an allergist can identify the cause of an allergy. At the appointment, the doctor examines the patient and collects anamnesis.

In doubtful cases, skin tests are performed in the clinic (see “Skin tests for diagnosing allergies”). If sensitivity to sea salt is suspected, a water test is performed: a compress moistened with sea water is applied to the hand for 30 minutes. After 15 minutes, the result is assessed. The presence of hay fever is checked by nasal testing: a few drops of a control drug are instilled into the nose.

These studies involve certain risks. They are not given to children under 5 years of age, pregnant women, or the elderly. The presence of allergies in this group of patients is assessed by the amount of immunoglobulins E in the venous blood.

Determining the cause

But before you begin treatment for sea allergies (photo below), you still need to establish the cause of the specific pathogen. An allergic reaction can occur due to swimming at sea in cold water; in this case, it would be logical to plunge only into warm or at least slightly warmed bodies of water. If there is a constant reaction to the level of salt in the water, then most likely you will have to choose a resort where this trace element will be practically absent. In addition, during the flowering period of all kinds of marine plants, it is also not recommended to plan your vacation.

Can you be allergic to the sea? As we have already found out, maybe.

Comfortable, beautiful and stylish!

As for coloring, be patient and wait until the end of summer. Your hair needs a vacation too! In addition, under the sun's rays their color changes, and not for the better. “Red flame” turns crimson, red shades resemble rust, and highlights turn yellow. It’s better to take a course of restorative procedures or, as a last resort, limit yourself to toning. By the way, leave the hairdryer at home. Hair loves fresh, and especially sea air. In addition, even very long strands will become completely dry in 15-20 minutes.

Highly specialized specialists

However, despite the insufficient study of the reaction of some people to sea water, there are still highly specialized specialists in medicine who are more accurately able to determine the diagnosis of the disease, and, accordingly, prescribe the necessary, perhaps even complex, treatment. Of course, we are talking about an allergist. It happens that he may need the help of other colleagues, such as, for example, a dermatologist or a gastroenterologist, because against the background of any allergic reactions, there is most likely a violation of some other organs in the activity of the human body.

Taking antihistamines

As a treatment for sea allergies, it should also be taken into account that the intervals between immersions in salt water during rest should be quite long, against the background of this, taking antihistamines is also extremely important. As a rule, it is better to give preference to medications in the form of gels, ointments and various creams. Thanks to their use, the production of histamine will be blocked, which will allow you to fully enjoy your vacation without the occurrence of any allergic force majeure.

Antiallergic drugs prescribed by doctors block special receptors in the human body that are caused by the activity of so-called histamine. This is a special substance that is a chemical biologically active element. In situations where its effect is significantly enhanced, allergic reactions develop. When the effects of histamine weaken under the influence of certain medications, the influence and manifestation of allergies also become less pronounced, as a result of which it completely disappears. Against the background of intolerance reactions to foreign elements, histamine H1 receptor blockers are widely used.

How else to treat allergies to salt water in the sea.

Vitamins

In addition to antihistamines, agents that act as antioxidants, as well as vitamins of groups “B”, “C” and “E” are ideal as internal medicinal drugs.

Of course, any use of medications must be strictly supervised by the treating specialist. As a rule, the doctor selects the most effective drug only after examining the body. After all, it is not immediately known whether a person is allergic to water or not. It is likely that one or another negative reaction appears due to the influence of other negative factors.

Most often, sea allergy on the legs manifests itself in the form of urticaria.

Beach chores

To make summer unforgettable for you, and in a good sense of the word, you need to adhere to some simple rules. Believe me, following them, you won’t ruin your vacation. After all, all recommendations are related to concern for beauty and health. So, the first thing you may encounter is sunstroke or heatstroke. As soon as you feel dizzy, have tinnitus, and your skin becomes damp, wash your face with cold water or wipe your body with a damp cloth. Drink some mineral water and rest in a cool room for about 1.5 hours. By the way, the most comfortable temperature for a person is considered to be around 18-20o C, and when we are undressed - no more than 28o C. Anything above this figure is real stress for the body.

Features of allergies to sea water

If tourists vacationing at the sea suddenly develop a rash, not everyone will compare this reaction of the body with swimming in sea water. Often, people may cite their diet or the presence of dust in a hotel room, as well as blooming exotic plants, as causes. Therefore, you need to know how to distinguish one or another type of allergic reaction, which is quite easy to do with regard to intolerance to marine elements, here are the main differences:

• against the background of an allergy to sea water, there are no standard symptoms characteristic of other types of reactions, except for redness;
• there is a practical impossibility of anaphylactic shock;
• with an allergy to salt water in the sea (photo available), there is no respiratory depression, attacks of which can sometimes torment patients suffering from a response to dust or other relevant pathogenic substances.

The main feature of this type of allergy is that due to insufficient study of this type of pathology, medications that would guarantee a complete cure for it have not yet been developed.

Thus, unfortunately, any specialist will answer positively to the question of whether water can cause an allergic reaction. This is especially true in conditions of severe pollution of the human environment, and during prolonged exposure to the sun, as well as various other factors that will contribute to the occurrence of such a reaction to the sea. But this does not mean at all that you cannot plan a vacation to the warm southern shores; rather, on the contrary, relaxation will be very useful for anyone, you just need to pay attention to the characteristics of your body and take into account all the factors that will help reduce the risk of allergies to the sea. In a child it can manifest itself especially strongly.

Camouflage for skin

To protect your skin from scorching sun rays, use creams containing special filters that act like a screen, that is, they reflect a significant part of harmful ultraviolet radiation. They are divided into chemical absorbents, which are “absorbers” of rays, and physical “blockers,” which scatter UV radiation. Each company has its own cosmetic products with useful ingredients that nourish and moisturize the skin, and also prevent the aging process. As a rule, these are vitamins, as well as extracts of aloe, chamomile, calendula and green tea. Any sunscreen comes in several versions: cream, gel or lotion. Focus on your skin type. For oily skin, lotions are more suitable; for dry skin, cream will undoubtedly be “to your liking”, and for sensitive skin – milk or mousse. Sticks and lipsticks are a separate group. They are used to protect the most sensitive areas of the face that burn the fastest. This is the nose area, as well as the forehead, chin, lips and ears. The main “trick” of any sunscreen lies in the SPF coefficient. The number on the package tells you how many times this cream or lotion enhances the natural functions of your skin. For example, a product with SPF 20 will help you avoid turning into “Signora Tomato.” But be careful! Like any cosmetics, sunscreen can cause allergies. Be sure to do a preliminary test: rub a drop of cream on your wrist and wait a few hours. Keep in mind that the abbreviation SPF refers only to UVB rays and does not reflect the level of protection against UVA radiation. Therefore, there should be another mark on the tube: broad-spectrum (broad spectrum). The word sunblock means that with this drug you will not tan at all. It completely blocks access to UV rays. If you already have tanned skin or are naturally dark-skinned, you can use “tanning oils” that have a minimal sun protection factor. But they moisturize, nourish and soften. Please note that you should apply protective cream not on the beach, but 15-20 minutes before going outside. Distribute the product in a thin layer, using soft and gentle movements and do not stretch the skin! Particular attention should be paid to the so-called sun terraces. This funny term is used by experts to describe any protruding areas of the body: cheekbones, nose, ears, shoulders, chest, lower back, knees and back of the lower leg. The most vulnerable part is the lips. Therefore, cover them with a protective product every hour. By the way, before going into the sea, you need to update your “camouflage”, because water, like a powerful lens, enhances the effect of ultraviolet rays. If you use a sunscreen with water-resistant properties, it will withstand swimming for 40 minutes, waterproof will last about an hour.

So, let's protect ourselves from the sun:

• To avoid wrinkles on your forehead, buy a cream with 20 SPF.
• Cheekbones require 30 SPF protection.
• Ears need cream with 20 SPF.
• Lubricate your chin, cheeks and neck with lotion with 15 SPF protection.
• There is a threat of hyperpigmentation - buy a cream with 20 SPF.
• To prevent your neckline from becoming flabby, use a cream with 20 SPF.
• For the lower back, a cream with 10 SPF will be enough.
• Apply Cream with 20 SPF to your knees.
• The skin may begin to peel, so lubricate it with a cream with 20 SPF protection.