Exudative diathesis

Small children often suffer from inflammatory diseases of the skin. One of the most common is exudative diathesis. Its second name is atopic dermatitis. This disease is chronic and is transmitted mainly by inheritance. However, there are certain allergens that can cause an attack of the disease at any age, even in an adult.

ICD-10 code

The International Classification of Diseases classifies this type of diathesis as dermatitis and eczema. As mentioned above, the second name of the disease is atopic dermatitis. According to the ICD 10 code, this disease can be found under the number L20-L30. This category includes dermatological problems. In particular, dermatitis and eczema.

L20-L30 Dermatitis and eczema.

• L20 Atopic dermatitis.
• L21 Seborrheic dermatitis.
• L22 Diaper dermatitis.
• L23 Allergic contact dermatitis.
• L24 Simple irritant and contact dermatitis.
• L25 Contact dermatitis, unspecified.
• L26 Exfoliative dermatitis.
• L27 Dermatitis due to substances taken internally.
• L28 Simple chronic lichen and pruritus.
• L29 Itching.
• L30 Other dermatitis.

As can be seen from the information presented above, there are quite a few types of dermatological diseases. The most common of them is directly exudative diathesis.

Causes of exudative diathesis

Pediatricians note that the disease develops due to the inability of the child's body to adapt to environmental conditions. The causes of exudative diathesis are rooted in the negative impact of certain allergens. They can irritate the mucous membranes and lead to rashes.

Children suffering from diathesis are prone to allergies. They are affected not only by diseases of this type, but also by infections, together with respiratory diseases. The body's resistance is too low, in such conditions the irritant unfolds its harmful activity.

The tendency to diathesis originates from genetics. The genetic factor is the most common cause of atopic dermatitis. The probability of inheriting such a "treasure" increases if not only parents but also close relatives suffer from diathesis.

Some products can trigger an attack of rash. The main allergens include: chocolate and citrus fruits. This often happens when introducing complementary foods. The first encounter with an allergen can occur in the womb. But this is possible if the woman consumed a certain product in increased quantities.

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Pathogenesis

Exudative diathesis is often classified as a psychosomatic disorder. Itching, irritability and restless sleep are the main symptoms of psychosomatic pathology. When assessing a person's condition, special attention is paid to the severity of the symptoms. The pathogenesis is based on hereditary dysfunction of the immune system. The main role in this process is played by hypersensitivity of the first type.

In people suffering from exudative diathesis, a certain imbalance of Th1 and Th2 cells with a predominance of the Th2 response prevails. The fatness of the cells is increased, there are enough basophils. All this provokes the development of inflammation and increased activity of Langerhans cells to present the allergen. A characteristic feature of the disease is the excessive content of IgE in the serum.

The antibodies produced can cause mast cell degranulation and stimulate macrophages. The possibility of releasing biologically active substances is not excluded. Significant disturbances in the functioning of the autonomic nervous system play an important role in the pathogenesis. It has been proven that its influence on the process is due to the symmetrical arrangement of skin lesions.

Symptoms of exudative diathesis

The first symptoms may appear after milk proteins are consumed. Similar properties are possessed by: citrus fruits, strawberries, oatmeal and even eggs. The main symptom of exudative diathesis is the appearance of redness on the skin. In the affected areas, the skin becomes dry and flaky. Symptoms are alleviated by cold. It is enough to go outside, as the main symptoms will disappear on their own. However, upon returning home, they will bother the child with the same force.

People suffering from diathesis begin to experience unpleasant symptoms from an early age. Babies constantly suffer from diaper rash, on the scalp there is a milky crust or scales, inside which there is a secretion of the sebaceous glands. Various rashes accompanied by severe itching may appear.

Children prone to diathesis often suffer from rhinitis, acute respiratory viral infections and conjunctivitis. Moreover, everything is prolonged. It is possible to develop false croup, problems with stool. When the baby turns 2 years old, the symptoms will begin to manifest themselves, not so pronounced. However, in some cases, a smooth transition of diathesis into allergic rhinitis or bronchial asthma is recorded.

First signs

The symptoms of exudative diathesis are characterized by their diversity. The lesion can cover the skin and mucous membranes. The first signs appear immediately after birth. The disease progresses in waves. At the same time, lethargy in children, excess weight, pale skin are noted. Sometimes, on the contrary, babies are too thin, restless, and the skin is easily injured. There are problems with stool, body temperature can rise for no reason.

The first symptoms are rashes on the skin. This may be seborrhea, characterized by formation in the area of the fontanelle, crown and eyebrows. Milk scab is not excluded. This condition is characterized by reddening of the cheeks in the form of a blush. White scales are visible on top of it. The skin is rough.

Strophulus. A rash may appear on the skin, visually resembling small nodules. It is accompanied by severe itching.

Childhood eczema. When scratching the rash, the wounds may become infected. As a result, weeping wounds and pustules appear. Less often, this condition is characterized by excessive dryness and abundant peeling.

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Exudative-catarrhal diathesis

This is a specific condition of the body, which is characterized by the appearance of infiltrative-desquamative processes on the skin and mucous membranes. This type of disease is called exudative-catarrhal diathesis. It occurs mainly in children. The disease is diagnosed in 60% of cases. Most often, the symptoms disappear on their own, by the age of 2-3 no manifestations of the disease are recorded. However, in 20% of cases there is a risk of diathesis turning into allergic diseases.

The first months of a baby's life may be accompanied by constant rashes. Moreover, they have different character and severity. Basically, seborrheic crusts appear on the head, diaper rash in the buttocks area and milk scabs. At an older age, various types of rashes are recorded. Excess body weight is typical for children with diathesis. Moreover, underweight can suddenly change to excess weight. The lymph nodes are enlarged, the stool is frequent or unstable. The child is susceptible to acute respiratory diseases, rhinitis, otitis and bronchitis.

The course of the disease is varied. Most often, it is wave-like. Calm is replaced by focal rashes. Certain allergens, in particular vaccination, food and neuropsychic stress, can influence this.

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Exudative diathesis in children

Some children have a specific skin condition. It is characterized by increased irritability when exposed to certain allergens. This condition is more often recorded in children and is called exudative diathesis. In 80% of all cases, its development is provoked by genetic factors. If someone in the family suffered from diathesis and the incidence rate among relatives is high, the probability of the disease occurring in the child remains.

The main feature of diathesis is its inconstancy. It can manifest itself in different ways and occur in waves. Diathesis is more common in children in the first months of life. Over time, the problem self-liquidates. The possibility of diathesis developing into an allergic disease is not excluded.

When the disease manifests itself, it is important to feed the baby correctly and follow basic hygiene rules. It is impossible to cure diathesis once and for all. The condition can only be maintained.

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Exudative-catarrhal diathesis in children

This condition is characterized by increased vulnerability of the skin and mucous membranes. Most often, exudative-catarrhal diathesis is recorded in children under 2-3 years of age. After this, the process disappears without a trace or flows into a complicated form. The disease can occur in both latent and obvious varieties. It can manifest itself from birth.

This condition cannot be classified as a disease. Yes, it is often called this word. However, diathesis is simply a predisposition to the disease. In most cases, it is inherited. It is extremely rarely affected by certain irritants.

For the development of diathesis, one hereditary factor is not enough. This condition can develop with sensitization of the body and the presence of a certain allergen. Negative factors in the womb can affect this. Abuse of any product lays the foundation for an allergic reaction to it in the baby.

The first manifestations of the condition are recorded in the 3rd-5th month of life. The baby suffers from diaper rash, his cheeks are reddish, and the skin is peeling. Pustules and wet wounds may appear. All this is accompanied by severe itching. When scratching the wounds, there is a risk of infection.

Exudative diathesis in adults

The clinical picture of the disease is hyperemia. Morphological elements of the rash can affect the rash. Exudative diathesis in adults is accompanied by severe itching, dry skin and severe peeling. Generalized lesions are characteristic. Rarely, rashes are localized on the face and other limited areas. This is a feature of the manifestation of diathesis in adults.

The main symptoms can develop after a certain irritant enters the body. This includes certain food additives and food products. These can be berries, eggs, fish, nuts, citrus fruits and seafood.

Aerosol allergens include: plant pollen, household dust and animal hair. Exudative diathesis occurs in the case of allergic dermatitis. Rhinitis is added to the general symptoms. The general condition of the person is unsatisfactory. Severe itching, lacrimation and photophobia are bothersome.

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Consequences

Usually the disease goes away on its own and does not entail serious complications. It is impossible to eliminate diathesis. The condition of the child and adult must be constantly supported. Contact with allergens should be avoided. In case of diathesis, follow a certain diet and drug therapy. It is difficult to predict the consequences of this condition.

In many cases, diathesis disappears without a trace. It can manifest itself at a more mature age, but this process is provoked by excessive contact with an allergen. In particular, this can be the use of a prohibited product in large quantities. In most cases, repeated manifestation of diathesis is not recorded.

Sometimes this process is replaced by asthma or allergic rhinitis. With age, the child may be bothered by various rashes. It is enough to maintain this condition and competently eliminate focal lesions.

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Complications

Exudative diathesis is not capable of entailing serious consequences. The disease disappears on its own by the age of 2-3. There are cases when the disease bothers a person throughout his life. There is nothing terrible in this process, fatal complications are not observed. The patient will have to maintain his own condition throughout his life. It is enough to avoid contact with potential allergens and suppress attacks in time.

If diathesis has passed on its own and has not manifested itself after 3 years of life, you can not worry about it. This condition has retreated and will not bother. Sometimes diathesis flows into the form of allergic rhinitis or bronchitis. In this case, it is necessary to follow certain recommendations.

Diathesis is not a dangerous disease. If you follow the basic rules, no complications can arise.

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Diagnosis of exudative diathesis

Diagnostic methods allow to identify the cause of the disease and prescribe high-quality treatment. Diagnosis of exudative diathesis consists of collecting basic data about the patient. It is necessary to perform specific allerological diagnostics, physical examination and collection of allerological anamnesis. In addition to this, a general blood test is taken. This will allow to identify the main allergen and begin to eliminate it.

Collection of anamnesis has its own peculiarities. In this case, the doctor should pay attention to the family predisposition to allergic reactions, observe the baby's diet. The food that the mother ate during pregnancy plays a special role in identifying the allergen. In addition, attention is paid to the specifics of the parents' work. Perhaps they deal with perfumery, chemistry or the food industry. A connection is made between the food consumed and the appearance of skin rashes.

Possibly, pollen, gastrointestinal diseases, certain conditions in the apartment, etc. act as an allergen. From this point of view, it is not easy to determine the allergen. Therefore, this issue should be handled by an experienced specialist.

After a thorough anamnesis, the etiology of the disease and the most likely allergen are determined. Then a physical examination is performed. The doctor evaluates the baby's condition, his skin, the location of the rash and the prevalence of lesions.

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Tests

To assess the allergic status and identify the main reason for the development of the condition, additional studies are used. In the absence of exacerbation, a skin test is taken using a prick test. This analysis shows susceptibility to the effects of a particular allergen.

During periods of exacerbation or severe diathesis, laboratory methods are used. They allow determining the quantitative content of total IgE and specific IgE in the blood serum.

Only specialists can conduct provocative tests on children. This is done according to special indications for severe systemic reactions. Another diagnostic method is an elimination-provocation diet. To determine the pathology, the tests are supplemented by functional and instrumental studies. They are selected individually, depending on the patient's condition.

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Instrumental diagnostics

In case of exudative diathesis, these examination methods are not used. Instrumental diagnostics are appropriate for other forms of the disease. If the allergen cannot be determined by all standard methods, additional studies are used.

It is possible to conduct an ultrasound of the thymus gland. The lymph nodes can be examined in detail. It is often necessary to examine the liver, spleen and adrenal glands. Ultrasound methods allow us to identify possible abnormalities in these organs. However, these procedures are advisable in the case of lymphatico-hypoplastic diathesis. The exudative form does not require this. In some cases, chest X-ray is used to obtain a more accurate picture.

In the case of exudative diathesis, it is sufficient to take an allergen test, collect a complete anamnesis and blood test.

Differential diagnostics

This method allows us to distinguish diathesis from diseases with similar symptoms. Differential diagnostics is used when it is necessary to distinguish the disease from contact and seborrheic dermatitis, scabies, microbial eczema, pink lichen and immunodeficiency diseases.

For this purpose, special tests for allergens are taken. It is necessary to identify the main causative agent of the condition. This will allow you to exclude several possible variants of the disease. In order to assess the allergic status and identify the main cause, they resort to the help of a prick test. It involves puncturing the skin and placing the suspected allergen in this place.

If the condition is acute or severe, laboratory methods are used. Their main function is to determine the quantitative content of total IgE and specific IgE in the blood serum. Tests are carried out only under the supervision of the attending physician.

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Treatment of exudative diathesis

First of all, it is necessary to find out what the child has a persistent allergic reaction to. There are three main ways for an allergen to enter the body. It can enter through food, skin, and respiratory tract. In this case, the treatment of exudative diathesis varies depending on the main allergen.

• Contact route. Baby clothes should not contain synthetics. The country of manufacture and place of purchase are taken into account. Baby clothes should not be worn cheaply. Various dyes and materials can lead to the development of diathesis. Clothing care also plays a special role. It is necessary to use special natural powders developed for children. Microbes from clothing can only be destroyed by exposure to high temperatures. If after changing clothes and proper care the baby's condition does not improve, then this is not the reason.
• Respiratory tract. Insects, dry fish food, dust, and pet hair can cause diathesis. In this case, you should try to eliminate these allergens. If the condition does not improve, this is clearly not the cause.

After an independent attempt to determine the allergen, you should consult a doctor. The specialist will prescribe medication based on the data obtained and special laboratory tests.

Medicines

First-generation drugs will help eliminate the unpleasant itching. These include: Tavegil, Suprastin and Diphenhydramine. To eliminate the inflammatory process, they resort to the help of such drugs as: Aspirin or Sodium Salicylate.

A sufficient amount of vitamins will help to get rid of diathesis. You can replenish their amount with the help of preparations: Thiamine, Riboflavin and Ascorbic acid.

• Tavegil. The drug is taken orally during meals, one tablet in the morning and evening. The duration of treatment depends on the child's condition. The drug cannot be used during lactation and for children under one year. It can lead to the development of nausea, vomiting, allergic reactions from the body.
• Suprastin. The drug is administered intravenously or intramuscularly. The initial dosage is 20-40 mg. The number of injections is determined by the attending physician, including the duration of therapy. The solution cannot be used for glaucoma and at the age of up to one month. It can lead to the development of disorders of the central nervous system.
• Diphenhydramine. The drug is used internally at 30-50 mg, up to 3 times a day. The duration of therapy can be 15 days. The drug should not be used in case of hypersensitivity, glaucoma and bronchial asthma. It can cause general weakness, fatigue and irritability.
• Aspirin. The drug is used with extreme caution. The daily dose does not exceed 1-4 tablets per day, depending on the patient's condition. The drug cannot be used during pregnancy, with hypersensitivity and at the age of up to 4 years. May cause allergic and intestinal disorders.

• Sodium Salicylate. The product is used after meals, 0.5-1 mg 3-6 times a day. It should not be used in case of hypersensitivity. Allergic reactions may develop.
• Thiamine. The drug is used after meals in a dosage of 10 mg at a time. It can be used up to 5 times a day. Use is strictly prohibited in case of hypersensitivity to the drug. May cause allergic reactions.
• Riboflavin. It is used at 0.005-0.01 grams per day. The duration of therapy is prescribed by the doctor. The drug cannot be used in case of hypersensitivity. It can lead to the development of negative reactions from the gastrointestinal tract.
• Ascorbic acid. Use one piece 3-5 times a day. Do not use if a person is allergic to vitamin C. May cause depression of the insular apparatus.

Folk treatment of exudative diathesis

Folk methods are famous for their rich and effective recipes. However, it is highly inadvisable to use them without the knowledge of the attending physician. Folk treatment is aimed at suppressing the main symptoms of diathesis.

• Recipe #1. To prepare, take one part of fir oil and one part of baby cream. The latter ingredient can be replaced with olive oil with added vitamin C. The resulting components are mixed together and applied to the affected areas of the skin. The procedure is performed until the main symptoms disappear.
• Recipe #2. An effective remedy can be prepared on the basis of fir and serous ointments. Take 3 parts of the main components and add 4 parts of baby cream. All ingredients are mixed together and applied to the skin.
• Recipe #3. Medicinal baths help to quickly and efficiently get rid of diathesis. The water temperature should not exceed 38 degrees, 500 grams of oak bark are added to it. Then the child should be lowered into the bath for 15-20 minutes. The effect is truly amazing.

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Herbal treatment

Diathesis can be eliminated with the help of special medicinal plants. Herbal treatment has proven its effectiveness and safety. It is not for nothing that in ancient times most people were treated thanks to the medicinal properties of certain plants.

• Recipe #1. Take 2 tablespoons of succession and pour 500 ml of boiling water over them. Leave the resulting infusion for 12 hours. Then strain everything and take 100 grams three times a day. This infusion can be used as a bath.
• Recipe #2. To prepare, take 5 grams of gentian herb, elecampane rhizomes and yarrow. Mix all ingredients together and add 500 ml of water. Boil the mixture for 10 minutes and let it brew for about half an hour. Take one tablespoon of the decoction 3 times a day. Duration of therapy is 1-2 months.
• Recipe #3. Pour 500 ml of liquid over a tablespoon of wheatgrass rhizomes. It is important that the plant is dry and crushed. Boil the mixture for 15 minutes, then let it sit for 2 hours and strain. Take half a glass 3-4 times a day before meals.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic preparations allow you to fight only the main manifestations of diathesis. They are not able to eliminate it completely. This process depends on the protective features of the body, contact with the allergen and the psychological situation in the family. Homeopathy is not able to fight a specific disease. Its action is aimed at improving the health of the body as a whole.

To eliminate diathesis, people often resort to the help of such preparations as: Calcium carbonate, Calcium phosphate, Calcium silicate, Sulfur, Silica and Club moss. These are far from all homeopathic preparations. Their main effect is to improve the health of the entire body.

In childhood, homeopathy can be used after consultation with a pediatrician. Due to the fact that these drugs have not been tested, their effect on the baby's body can be extremely negative. It is not worth risking on your own.

Surgical treatment

This disease is not eliminated surgically. In most cases, it proceeds calmly and completely disappears by the age of 3. Surgical treatment in this case is not advisable. And, in fact, there is nothing to remove with exudative diathesis. The disease is characterized by rashes that occur upon contact with an allergen. It is enough to identify the underlying cause of the disease.

The question of treatment should be decided by a doctor. However, parents can also conduct allergen tests themselves. If it is not possible to identify it, a specialist will do this. Usually, it is enough to exclude contact with the allergen and undergo a course of treatment. In this case, the disease either recedes or eventually turns into a chronic form of rhinitis. Surgical treatment is also not indicated in this case.

Today, exudative diathesis is eliminated only by means of drug treatment. Due to the lack of need for surgical intervention.

Prevention

Primary preventive measures consist of preventing the possible development of diathesis. This issue is especially acute in families susceptible to the influence of this disease. This indicates that the child has a high probability of developing diathesis. Therefore, during the period of bearing a child and breastfeeding, it is necessary to follow a special diet. It is important not to abuse the same product. This is primary prevention, there are also secondary measures.

If the disease has developed, it is necessary to properly prevent exacerbation processes. It is necessary to exclude contact with those allergens that can cause an attack of diathesis. This can be certain food, communication with animals, an emotional environment in a team or at home. You can resort to vaccination. However, it is not carried out during an exacerbation.

If you notice a child's tendency to diathesis in time and start taking preventive measures, it is quite possible to get rid of the disease. Control over the disease allows you to completely eliminate acute attacks.

Forecast

According to fixed data, recovery is observed in almost 30% of all cases. Of course, the remaining 70% are forced to suffer from diathesis throughout their lives. However, even in this case, the prognosis is positive. This is not a fatal condition. It is enough to simply exclude contact with the main allergen and adhere to a certain diet during periods of exacerbation.

An unfavorable prognosis is possible if the disease occurs together with bronchial asthma, or is caused by its presence. In particular, if the disease was recorded in both the child's parents and close relatives. An unfavorable prognosis is also observed if exudative dermatitis is combined with vulgar ichthyosis or persistent infection.

An unstable situation in the family, the presence of constant psychological pressure leaves a special mark. This can also be recorded in a children's group. Belief in one's own strength and recovery has a small impact on the prognosis.

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