Burning from pepper plaster: what to do?

Pepper plaster is a known and affordable means for reducing pain in radiculitis, neuralgia, arthrosis, myositis, sciatica and other painful sensations. But not always the application of the patch is accompanied by relief of the condition: with especially sensitive skin, a burn from the papillary patch may occur, as a rule, 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?

[1]

Epidemiology

Unfortunately, there is no statistics on the incidence of burns from the papillary patch. Presumably, such a reaction is most common in young people with sensitive skin, mostly people with blond hair. Their skin has a thin enough horny layer with a low lipid content and a low level of protection. In this case, weak barrier protection and allergic mood of the body is the leading factor in increasing skin reactivity.

[2], [3], [4], [5]

Causes of the burns with pepper plaster

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

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

Risk factors

People with blonde hair and skin are more likely to develop external hypersensitivity reactions than swarthy or black people. This can be explained by the weak production in the skin of substances that provide internal protection of the epidermis. So, the owners of pale skin, which is not easily sunburned and often suffers from sunburn, there is more chance of getting a burn from the papillary patch.

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

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

[6], [7], [8],

Pathogenesis

The concept of a burn from pepper plaster implies under itself an excessive reaction of the tissue to a stimulus - the pepper component of the plaster coating. Clinically, this is expressed in symptoms similar to a conventional thermal or chemical burn.

For hypersensitive skin, it is inherent to lose moisture as it irritates, which is an additional sign of the reaction. An impaired local immune response leads to damage to the surface layers of tissues. There is a free release of histamine and other substances that accompany the development of the inflammatory reaction, which is externally manifested by a so-called burn.

With prolonged exposure to the pepper component, damage to deep layers of the dermis can be observed, with the formation of significant bubbles, with further delamination of the damaged skin.

[9], [10], [11]

Symptoms of the burns with pepper plaster

In the overwhelming majority of cases, the first signs of a burn from the papillary patch appear directly on the site of its application.

• In the skin area where the adhesive was stuck, there is a slight reddening and itching sensation. These signs can pass without a trace in about three days.
• With a deeper lesion, there may be peeling, the appearance of small vesicles, which tend to open and merge with each other.
• When developing allergies, redness can be found in other areas of skin.
• In the affected area, edema and dermatitis may develop.

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 in time to stop the allergic process and prevent the development of complications.

[12], [13]

Stages

1. An easy stage of the burn proceeds with a minor symptomatology. In the area of application of the patch you can see a slight reddening, accompanied by uncomfortable sensations (for example, itching).
2. The middle stage of the burn from the papillary patch is characterized by pronounced reddening of the skin, itching, flaking and small rashes like hives.
3. The severe stage of the burn from the papillary patch is accompanied by the appearance of ulcers, blisters, sometimes - bleeding and local fever.

[14]

Complications and consequences

As a rule, burns from the papillary patch have a moderate degree, since the percentage of irritant components in it is small and can not damage the deep tissues.

If the burn is a sign of an allergic process, then the development of an allergy with a violation of the respiratory function, the development of allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis, anaphylactic shock can become a consequence of such a defeat in complicated cases. When using papillary patches, this complication happens extremely rarely, but one should not forget about such an unfavorable consequence.

With the appearance of erosion and bleeding areas, scars can form - keloids, discolored areas of scar tissue on the skin. Keloids in themselves are not dangerous, but they can cause a certain aesthetic discomfort.

[15], [16], [17]

Diagnostics of the burns with pepper plaster

Burns from papillary patches are diagnosed, mainly, only clinically. The fact of preliminary use of the patch, characteristic external signs - all this allows the doctor to establish the correct diagnosis already at the initial consultation.

Serological (immunological) analysis may be needed in order to clarify the presence of allergen and cross allergic processes, as well as the degree of immunological disorders. 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 diagnosis is conducted between an allergic reaction and a chemical burn of the skin. To clarify the diagnosis, it is sometimes possible to take smears and scrapes from damaged skin.

Treatment of the burns with pepper plaster

If a person finds a burn from a pepper bandage, then the first thing he needs to do is:

• remove pepper plaster;
• treat the skin with alcohol solution or panthenol;
• take an antiallergic drug (zirtek, diazolin, tavegil, etc.)

If the burn is accompanied by a violation of the integrity of the skin, severe discomfort and the formation of vesicles on the skin, it is recommended to see a doctor.

In the severe course of a burn from a pepper patch, a doctor can prescribe medications:

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

It is recommended to use antiallergic agents of prolonged exposure, such as Claritin, Loparamid, Cetirizine.

Medications used for burns from pepper plaster

	Dosage and route of administration	Side effects	Special instructions
Lokoid	Hormonal ointment, which should be applied to the affected area 1-3 times a day.	With prolonged use, dermatitis, allergies, skin atrophy, development of steroid dependence are possible.	Hormonal external drugs can not be used for a long time.
Zirtek	Take in the form of tablets or drops, 1 tablet or 20 drops per day.	The drug can cause drowsiness, pain in the head, trembling in the hands, diarrhea.	When taking the drug, you should not drive the car.
Erythromycin ointment	Ointment is applied to clean skin damaged by a burn, up to 3 times a day, without rubbing.	Perhaps the appearance of dryness and peeling on the skin in places of application of ointment.	The drug is not used for a long time because of the possible development of addiction.
Panthenol	Ointment based on dexpanthenol is applied to the 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 accelerate the healing of the burn from pepper plaster, it is necessary to protect the skin from sunlight, not to allow rubbing of the wound against clothing. Additionally, to improve tissue repair, it is recommended to include in the diet foods rich in vitamins, especially ascorbic acid, vitamins A, E and Group B.

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

Vitamin B can be obtained from legumes, nuts, buckwheat porridge, potatoes in the skin, dark varieties of bread, beets, mushrooms.

Ascorbic acid in sufficient quantity is contained in herbs, berries, kiwi, citrus.

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

Physiotherapeutic treatment

In case of burns from the pepper patch, additional physiotherapeutic procedures may be prescribed:

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

In the period of skin regeneration, to prevent the formation of keloid scars, you can use:

• electrophoresis with enzymes (lidase, etc.), for 20-30 minutes, only 15 procedures;
• paraffin applications (t ° from 50 to 55 ° C);
• ultraphonophoresis with hydrocortisone or delagam (for 10-15 minutes, only 12 procedures).

Alternative treatment

A shallow burn from pepper plaster can be eliminated by resorting to alternative medicine.

• Take 10 pieces of bay leaf, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water and insist until it cools. We use the received infusion for lotions, once a day.
• We wash a small bunch of dill and apply to the burn, about 15 minutes. This method can be used daily.
• We carefully wash the plantain leaf, apply it to the burn for 1 hour. After this, if the symptoms of the burn remain, the procedure can be repeated.
• Brew ordinary green tea without additives, we moisten the napkin in it and apply it to the damaged place for 10 minutes. Compresses can be repeated 3-4 times a day.

If the skin reacts badly to a burn bandage, it is better to delay using an alternative treatment, and, first of all, seek medical help from a doctor.

[18]

Herbal Treatment

• Prepare the broth from the bark of oak, taking 40 g of dry bark for 250 ml of boiling water. The broth should be boiled for about half an hour, then strain and apply for cold lotions.
• Prepare an infusion of oregano: insist 2 tbsp. L. Herbs in 250 ml of boiling water for 45 minutes, then squeeze and filter. We use it to process the burn site.
• Prepare a decoction of St. John's wort: 1 tbsp. L. Dry plant we take 250 ml of boiling water, cook for 10 minutes and for another half an hour we insist. We use it to wash the burn surface.
• We insist for half an hour 1 tsp. Dry calendula in 250 ml of boiling water. The infusion is filtered and applied for external treatment of the affected area.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic preparations can be used as a first aid for small burns from the papillary patch. If other dosages are not indicated in the instructions to the preparations, then 2 tablets are used with a dilution of 30 every half hour, but no more than three times in a row. Experts argue that already within one and a half to two hours after taking the first dose should come relief.

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

When using these drugs in large dilutions, they can be taken more often - every 15-30 minutes.

Prevention

Before applying the pepper patch, a hypersensitivity test should be performed by gluing a small piece of it onto the inside of the elbow or knee fold. If after 1.5-2 hours, after peeling off, the skin will develop a pathological reaction in the form of redness, burning and swelling, then you are not allowed to use pepper band-aid.

Before sticking the pepper patch, you should carefully read the instructions for its use. Important: the plaster can not be on the skin for as long as desired, but only strictly specified in the instructions period of time. Do not exceed this term, otherwise the burn from pepper plaster is inevitable.

[19], [20], [21]

Forecast

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