Pepper patch burn: what to do?

Pepper patch is a well-known and affordable remedy for reducing pain from radiculitis, neuralgia, arthrosis, myositis, sciatica and other painful sensations. But applying the patch does not always bring relief: with particularly sensitive skin, a burn from the pepper patch may occur - usually of an allergic nature. In this case, the patient notes the appearance of redness, burning and even the formation of blisters. Why does this happen, and what can be done in such a situation?

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Epidemiology

Unfortunately, there are no statistics on the frequency of pepper plaster burns. Presumably, such a reaction is most common in young people with sensitive skin, mainly people with light hair. Their skin has a fairly thin stratum corneum with a low lipid content and a low level of protection. In this case, weak barrier protection and the allergic disposition of the body are the leading factors in increasing skin reactivity.

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Causes of a pepper patch burn

Pepper patches do not always bring only benefits. Some components of the pepper coating on the patch can cause a hypersensitivity reaction in a person, or, simply put, a burn. Such a reaction can develop not only to pepper, but also to the glue with which the patch is fixed to the skin surface.

Of course, the most common is considered to be a burn from red pepper, which is present in the pepper coating of the patch. Firstly, red pepper is a strong irritant and allergen. Moreover, different people have different skin sensitivity, so in addition to allergies, a banal hypersensitivity reaction can also develop, especially in cases of improper use of the external agent (for example, with prolonged wearing of the patch).

Risk factors

People with light hair and skin are more susceptible to developing external hypersensitivity reactions than dark-skinned or dark-skinned people. This can be explained by the weak production of substances in the skin that provide internal protection for the epidermis. Thus, those with pale skin that does not tan well and often suffers from sunburn have a higher chance of getting a burn from a pepper plaster.

In addition to skin type, additional risk factors may include:

• hereditary hypersensitivity;
• tendency to allergic reactions;
• weak immune defense;
• the presence of bad habits such as smoking and alcohol abuse;
• presence of dermatoses (psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis);
• pregnancy period or other periods associated with changes in hormonal levels.

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Pathogenesis

The concept of a pepper plaster burn implies an excessive tissue reaction to an irritant – the pepper component of the plaster coating. Clinically, this is expressed in symptoms similar to a regular thermal or chemical burn.

Hypersensitive skin tends to lose moisture as it becomes irritated, which is an additional sign of a reaction. A disrupted local immune response leads to damage to the surface layers of tissue. There is a free release of histamine and other substances that accompany the development of an inflammatory reaction, which is externally manifested by a so-called burn.

With prolonged exposure to the pepper component, damage to the deep layers of the dermis may be observed, with the formation of large blisters, with subsequent peeling of the damaged skin.

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Symptoms of a pepper patch burn

In the vast majority of cases, the first signs of a burn from a pepper plaster appear directly at the site of its application.

• In the area of the skin where the patch was applied, slight redness and itching may be detected. These symptoms may disappear without a trace in about three days.
• With deeper damage, peeling and the appearance of small blisters may be observed, which tend to open and merge with each other.
• When an allergy develops, redness can also be found on other areas of the skin.
• Swelling and dermatitis may develop in the affected area.

If the burn is caused by an allergy to the components of the pepper layer on the patch, it is very important to consult a doctor in a timely manner. This will help stop the allergic process in time and prevent the development of complications.

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Stages

1. The mild stage of a burn occurs with minor symptoms. In the area where the patch is applied, you may notice slight redness, accompanied by discomfort (for example, itching).
2. The average stage of a pepper plaster burn is characterized by obvious redness of the skin, itching, peeling and small rashes similar to hives.
3. A severe stage of a pepper plaster burn is accompanied by the appearance of ulcers, blisters, sometimes bleeding and a local increase in temperature.

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Complications and consequences

As a rule, burns from pepper plaster are not severe, since the percentage of irritating components in it is small and cannot damage deep tissues.

If the burn is a sign of an allergic process, then the consequence of such damage in complex cases may be further development of allergy with respiratory dysfunction, development of allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis, anaphylactic shock. When using pepper patches, such a complication occurs extremely rarely, but one should not forget about such an unfavorable consequence.

When erosions and bleeding areas appear, scars can form - keloids, discolored areas of scar tissue on the skin. Keloids themselves are not dangerous, but they can cause some aesthetic discomfort.

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Diagnostics of a pepper patch burn

A pepper plaster burn is diagnosed mainly only clinically. The fact of prior use of the plaster, characteristic external signs - all this allows the doctor to establish the correct diagnosis already during the initial consultation.

Serological (immunological) analysis may be required to clarify the presence of an allergen and cross-allergic processes, as well as the degree of immunological disorders. In this case, it may be necessary to determine the titer of specific antibodies of different types, changes in the number of leukocytes and lymphocytes in the blood.

In some cases, a skin provocation test is prescribed.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnostics are carried out between an allergic reaction and a chemical burn of the skin. To clarify the diagnosis, it is sometimes possible to take smears and scrapings from the damaged skin.

Treatment of a pepper patch burn

If a person discovers a burn from a pepper plaster, the first thing he needs to do is to do the following:

• remove the pepper plaster;
• treat the skin with an alcohol solution or panthenol;
• take an antiallergic drug (Zyrtec, Diazolin, Tavegil, etc.)

If the burn is accompanied by a breach in the integrity of the skin, severe discomfort and the formation of blisters on the skin, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

In case of severe burn from pepper plaster, the doctor may prescribe medications:

• external antibacterial agents (ointments - erythromycin, lincomycin, gentamicin) - to prevent complications and infection of the wound surface;
• hormonal ointments (hydrocortisone, prednisolone, Lokoid) – eliminate symptoms of discomfort, relieve redness and itching.

It is recommended to use prolonged-release antiallergic agents such as Claritin, Loparamide, Cetirizine.

Medicines Used for Pepper Plaster Burn

	Dosage and method of administration	Side effects	Special instructions
Locoid	Hormonal ointment that should be applied to the affected area 1-3 times a day.	With prolonged use, dermatitis, allergies, skin atrophy, and the development of steroid dependence are possible.	Hormonal topical preparations cannot be used for a long time.
Zyrtec	Take in the form of tablets or drops, 1 tablet or 20 drops per day.	The drug may cause drowsiness, headaches, hand tremors, and diarrhea.	You should not drive a car while taking this medicine.
Erythromycin ointment	The ointment is applied to clean skin damaged by a burn up to 3 times a day, without rubbing.	Dryness and peeling of the skin may occur in areas where the ointment is applied.	The drug is not used for a long time due to the possible development of addiction.
Panthenol	An ointment based on dexpanthenol is applied to damaged skin as needed, several times a day.	Rarely the drug causes dermatitis and allergic reactions.	Panthenol is considered a safe drug and can be used even in early childhood.

Vitamins

In order to speed up the healing of a pepper plaster burn, it is necessary to protect the skin from sunlight and prevent the wound from rubbing against clothing. Additionally, to improve tissue regeneration, it is recommended to include in the diet foods rich in vitamins, especially ascorbic acid, vitamins A, E and group B.

So, carrots, white cabbage, hard cheese, dairy products, liver, red and yellow fruits, sea fish, and chicken egg yolk are rich in vitamin A.

Vitamin B can be obtained from legumes, nuts, buckwheat, potatoes in their skins, dark breads, beets, and mushrooms.

Ascorbic acid is found in sufficient quantities in greens, berries, kiwi, and citrus fruits.

Vitamin E is present in large quantities in vegetable oils, tomatoes, and asparagus.

Physiotherapy treatment

In case of a pepper plaster burn, additional physiotherapy procedures may be prescribed:

• ultrasound around the resulting redness;
• electrophoresis with novocaine;
• UHF from 6 to 12 minutes.

During the skin recovery period, to prevent the formation of keloid scars, you can use:

• electrophoresis with enzymes (lidase, etc.), 20-30 minutes, 15 procedures in total;
• paraffin applications (t° from 50 to 55°C);
• Ultraphonophoresis with hydrocortisone or delagyl (10-15 minutes, 12 procedures in total).

Folk remedies

A shallow burn from a pepper plaster can be treated with the help of traditional medicine.

• Take 10 bay leaves, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water and leave to infuse until cool. Use the resulting infusion for poultices, once a day.
• We wash a small bunch of dill and apply it to the burn site for about 15 minutes. This method can be used daily.
• We thoroughly wash the plantain leaf and apply it to the burn site for 1 hour. After that, if the burn symptoms remain, the procedure can be repeated.
• Brew regular green tea without additives, soak a napkin in it and apply to the damaged area for 10 minutes. Compresses can be repeated 3-4 times a day.

If your skin has a strong reaction to the burn patch, it is better to wait with folk remedies and, first of all, seek help from a doctor.

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Herbal treatment

• Prepare a decoction from oak bark, taking 40 g of dry bark per 250 ml of boiling water. The decoction should be boiled for about half an hour, then strained and used for cold compresses.
• Prepare an infusion of oregano plant: infuse 2 tbsp. of the herb in 250 ml of boiling water for 45 minutes, then squeeze and strain. Use to treat the burn site.
• Prepare a St. John's wort decoction: take 250 ml of boiling water for 1 tbsp of dry plant, cook for 10 minutes and leave for another half hour. Use to wash the burn surface.
• Infuse 1 teaspoon of dry calendula in 250 ml of boiling water for half an hour. Filter the infusion and apply it to the affected area externally.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic preparations can be used as first aid for minor burns from pepper plaster. If the instructions for the preparations do not indicate other dosages, then use 2 tablets with a dilution of 30 every half hour, but no more than three times in a row. Experts say that relief should occur within one and a half to two hours after taking the first dose.

• Arsenicum album will help with a painful burn;
• Cantharis is especially in demand for blisters;
• Causticum can be used for mixed burns;
• Urtica urens is used for aching pain and the appearance of watery blisters (especially recommended if Cantharis does not help).

When using these drugs in high dilutions, they can be taken more frequently – every 15-30 minutes.

Prevention

Before using the pepper patch, it is necessary to conduct a hypersensitivity test by gluing a small piece of it to the inside of the elbow or knee. If after one and a half to two hours, after peeling off the patch, a pathological reaction occurs on the skin in the form of redness, burning and swelling, then you are contraindicated to use the pepper patch.

Before applying a pepper patch, you should carefully read the instructions for its use. Important: the patch cannot be left on the skin for as long as you like, but only for a period of time strictly specified in the instructions. You should not exceed this term, otherwise a burn from the pepper patch is inevitable.

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Forecast

With proper and timely first aid, the prognosis for pepper plaster burns is always good. Such an injury very rarely leads to complications and scarring. The main thing is to remove the plaster from the skin in time and prevent infection of the damaged tissues. A shallow burn from a pepper plaster usually heals within 3-4 days.