Bruising in leukaemia VS ordinary bruising

Bruising or bleeding is one of the most common symptoms associated with a blood cancer diagnosis. According to our 2018 patient survey, “Living with Leukaemia”, frequent bruising and bleeding precedes a diagnosis of leukaemia in 24% of patients.

Bruising is defined as bleeding that occurs underneath the skin, causing black, blue or purple marks to visibly appear on the skin’s surface. Most of the time there is no reason to worry about bruising as it is the body’s natural response to injury. However, because bruises from leukaemia are very similar in appearance to ordinary bruises, they can be too easily dismissed as harmless.

The manner in which you get bruises and how long they last can be a tell-tale sign of leukaemia and may be a reason for you to book an appointment with you doctor. Spotting the difference between harmless and harmful bruising may be key in diagnosing leukaemia early.

Spotting the difference

Although bruises from leukaemia are very similar to ordinary bruises, there are a few things you can look out for to help spot the difference:

1. They occur in unusual places – In cases of leukaemia, quite often bruises will appear in places that you wouldn’t normally expect, especially; the back, legs, and hands.

For children, bruises may start to appear on the face, buttocks, ears, chest, and head.

“I noticed some unexplained bruises on my right hand and lower limbs.”

2. There are lots of them – It is not unusual to have a few bruises on your body at once, especially if you are an active person. However, multiple bruises without explanation is a reason for concern.

“I counted 40 bruises on my body; I just thought I bruised easily.”

3. You can’t explain why they are there – The bruises may appear without any clear reason. In other words, bruising without damage to that part of the body. They might also develop after very slight knocks that wouldn’t normally cause a bruise.

 “I was bruising where I didn’t remember hitting myself.”

4. They take longer than usual to disappear – Bruises may last for longer than you would expect or might continue to grow in size.

A normal bruise tends to heal after around two to four weeks. Therefore, if a bruise lasts for more than four weeks, we recommend getting it checked by your GP.

“The bruises tended to sort of keep on bleeding underneath the skin. 

5. You have been experiencing excess bleeding – Since bruising is a form of bleeding (it’s just underneath the skin), unusual bleeding from other areas of the body can also be a sign of leukaemia (e.g. heavy periods, frequent nosebleeds or bleeding gums).

“I was almost constantly bleeding from the mouth and the bruises were all over my body.”

So what causes bruising and bleeding in leukaemia?

As with most of the symptoms of leukaemia, bruising is caused by a deficiency of healthy blood cells within the bone marrow. The bone marrow is a spongy tissue found in the centre of some of your bones. It contains stem cells which develop into all the various blood cells. In leukaemia, the bone marrow starts to produce an excess amount of abnormal or un-developed (cancerous) white blood cells. These cancerous cells eventually accumulate and “crowd out” the normal blood cells in the bone marrow, preventing them from being produced.

One blood cell type that can be crowded out by the rapidly dividing leukaemic blood cells are the platelets. Platelets are small cell fragments that flow through the blood and are responsible for causing blood to clot after you injure yourself. Therefore, if you have leukaemia, you are more likely to bruise because your body is unable to produce enough platelets to plug up your bleeding blood vessels. Healthy adults will have between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets in every microlitre of their blood; any less than this will cause bleeding. The scientific name for this is “thrombocytopenia”.

Small red spots (petechiae)

As well as medium-to-large bruises, you might notice “rashes” appearing on your skin. Small, pinhead-sized red spots on the skin (called “petechiae”) may be a sign of leukaemia. These small red spots are actually very small bruises that cluster so that they look like a rash.

“I noticed an unusual rash on his torso whilst giving him a bath.”

They can be purple, red or brown in colour and usually they occur on the arms, legs and stomach, but they can also be found on the inside of your mouth and around your eyes. The spots are caused by damage to very small blood vessels in the skin (called capillaries). Due to a lack of platelets, people with leukaemia cannot properly seal these damaged blood vessels so that small amounts of blood leak into the skin. Normally, petechiae is harmless and is caused by physical strains to the body. For example, hard coughing, vomiting and crying can cause petechiae to occur in the face. However, it may be that someone with leukaemia may start to notice this becoming a problem when it wasn’t before.

Paleness

Finally, leukaemia can change the appearance of the skin in a completely different way. As well as leaving dark coloured bruises and rashes over the body, you may find that your skin pales elsewhere. People with leukaemia sometimes appear paler than normal because of anaemia. Because red blood cells can also be crowded out in the bone marrow, skin that is paler than a person’s usual complexion may occur due to a reduced amount of functioning red blood cells supplying the skin.

Signs That Itch is a Medical Problem – Cleveland Clinic

There’s no feeling more urgent and frustrating like the need to scratch an itch — especially if it’s in a spot you can’t reach. And to add even more discomfort, it feels like the more you scratch, the more your skin itches. What gives?

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Usually, the culprit behind the itchy skin mystery is not so threatening: dry skin.

While dry skin is most apparent in the winter, aging also has an effect. As we get older, hormone levels change and skin becomes more thin and dry. However, caring for your skin and using moisturizers regularly can help offset these effects.

In other cases, itch can signal other undiagnosed medical issues that need a doctor’s attention.

Dermatologist Shilpi Khetarpal, MD, says, “Usually, the problem is traced to dry skin, however reactions to medications and other underlying conditions can also cause itching,” she says.

“It’s a symptom you don’t want to ignore, especially if it continues for an extended period of time. ”

How to ease itchy, dry skin

Dry skin is the most common culprit for itch. Here’s what can strip your skin of moisture, and what to do to soothe your skin:

• Winter air, inside and out. A drop in temperature and humidity can leave skin parched, while indoor heating can strip it of even more moisture.
  Tip: To help skin bounce back, use a humidifier at home set at 50% or higher.
• Hot showers. While steamy showers can temporarily soothe skin, they actually end up drying skin out more quickly.
  Tip: Switch to quick showers with lukewarm water, rather than hot.
• The wrong soap. Some soaps are harsh and strip the skin of all natural moisture. Sounds pleasant, doesn’t it?
  Tip: Read labels carefully and choose a mild, fragrance-free soap that moisturizes as it cleanses.
• Too much towel action. Vigorous toweling off after showering can strip the skin and increase dryness.
  Tip: After a shower, pat dry instead of rubbing the skin.
• Mediocre moisturizers. Use moisturizer after washing, but choose wisely. Avoid lotions containing fragrance, as they can dry out skin.
  Tip: Go for fragrance-free lotions containing ceramide, a molecule that traps water in the skin to restore the skin barrier.
• Harsh detergents. Fragrance in laundry detergents and fabric softeners as fragrance can irritate dry skin.
  Tip: Look for free and clear laundry products.

How to decipher your itch

If you wonder what’s causing your itch, here are some symptoms to watch for:

• Dry skin. Your skin feels dry and itchy and appears flaky. Moisturizers help ease the itch, even if relief is temporary. 
• Reactions to medications. If you’ve started a new medication, watch for an itch that comes with a skin rash.
• Skin conditions, like eczema and hives. Itching will usually affect specific areas, and you may see redness, bumps or blisters on your skin.
• An underlying illness. Itching typically involves your whole body, and your skin generally looks normal.

Do you suspect an underlying illness?

Conditions that may cause itching are varied and include liver disease, kidney failure, iron deficiency anemia, thyroid problems, and even certain cancers in rare cases (leukemia, lymphoma).

In these cases, itching will typically affect your whole body while your skin appears normal. If you think an underlying medical problem could be involved with your itching, call your doctor. Treatment of the underlying illness will improve the itching.

When to see your doctor

In general, your itchy skin should improve within weeks if you follow simple skin care steps.

“If these changes do not bring relief and are distracting you from your daily routines or affecting your sleep, you should see your dermatologist,” Dr.  Khetarpal says. When skin is very dry, it may require a prescription ointment or cream, she says.

Swimmer’s Itch – Lakes and Oceans

Is this your child’s symptom?

• An itchy harmless rash caused by tiny parasites in fresh water lakes
• Less commonly occurs in salt water (called clam digger’s itch)

Symptoms of Swimmer’s Itch

• Itchy skin rash
• Begins within 2 hours of swimming in a fresh water lake. It can also occur in salt water, although this is less common.
• The rash only occurs on areas exposed to the lake water. The legs are commonly involved. The bathing suit area may be spared.
• The first symptom is itching or burning of the skin.
• Then small red spots appear within 1 or 2 hours. The spots appear at sites where a parasite has gotten into the skin.
• The spots turn into small red lumps over 1 or 2 days.
• The spots can be quite itchy for up to 7 days. The rash gradually fades away over 2 weeks.
• Also called cercarial dermatitis

Cause

• Swimmer’s itch is caused by a very tiny parasite. (You can only see it with a microscope). It gets into the skin of humans by mistake.
• The rash and itching are the body’s allergic reaction to parasites in the skin.
• This parasite can be found in lakes in every state (US). It is also found in lakes in Canada and over 30 other countries. In the US, Michigan and other Great Lakes region states are most involved.
• It is less common in salt water (called clam digger’s itch).
• The parasites get into the lakes from the droppings of water birds. Their normal life cycle involves birds and snails. It dies off quickly in human skin.

Repeat Contact (Exposure) and the Body’s Reaction

• Swimmer’s itch is the body’s allergic reaction to the parasite. Each time the body is exposed, the more intense the reaction will be. This is called sensitization.
• After first-time contact, the onset of itching and rash takes 1 to 2 weeks.
• For repeat contact, the onset of itching and rash is within 2 hours.
• The more the exposures, the faster the rash occurs. It also causes the rash and itching to become more severe.

When to Call for Swimmer’s Itch – Lakes and Oceans

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

• Spreading red area or streak with fever
• Spreading red area or streak that’s very large
• Your child looks or acts very sick

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

• Spreading red area or streak, but no fever
• Severe past allergic reaction to lake swimming that needed oral steroids
• You think your child needs to be seen

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

• Severe itching not better after 24 hours of using steroid cream
• Scab that looks infected (drains pus or gets bigger). Care Advice: apply an antibiotic ointment 3 times per day until seen.
• Swimmer’s itch lasts more than 2 weeks
• You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

• Swimmer’s itch suspected. (Itchy rash that starts within 2 hours of being in a lake or ocean)

Seattle Children’s Urgent Care Locations

If your child’s illness or injury is life-threatening, call 911.

Care Advice for Swimmer’s Itch

1. What You Should Know About Swimmer’s Itch:
   • Swimmer’s itch is caused by a small parasite found in many lakes. It is less common in salt water. The parasite normally only attacks water birds.
   • The main symptoms are itching and a rash.
   • For swimmers, the rash can be widespread.
   • For children who wade, the rash may occur only on the legs.
   • No specific medicine is needed. Reason: The parasites die once they pass into the skin. The itching is a temporary allergic reaction.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Steroid Cream for Itching:
   • To help with the itch, put 1% hydrocortisone cream (such as Cortaid) on the rash. No prescription is needed. Use 3 times per day.
   • Baking soda paste is another option. Make this by putting baking soda into a cup. Slowly, stir in water until it reaches a thickness like paste. Put it on the itchy spots as needed.
3. Cold Pack for Itching:
   • Put a cold pack on the most itchy spots. You can also use ice wrapped up in wet washcloth.
   • Do this for 20 minutes 4 times a day.
4. Allergy Medicine for Itching:
   • For severe itching, give an allergy medicine (such as Benadryl). Give it 4 times per day. No prescription is needed.
   • Caution: Do not use if age is under 1 year. Reason: Benadryl is a sedative. Give your doctor a call for advice.
5. Try Not to Scratch:
   • Help your child not to scratch.
   • Cut the fingernails short.
   • Reason: Prevents a skin infection from bacteria.
6. What to Expect:
   • The spots turn into small red lumps over 1 to 2 days.
   • The spots can be quite itchy for up to 7 days.
   • The rash gradually fades away over 2 weeks.
7. Return to School:
   • The rash cannot be spread to others.
8. Prevention of Swimmer’s Itch:
   • Avoid swimming in areas where swimmer’s itch has been a known problem.
   • Towel yourself dry right after swimming or wading. Reason: Wipe off parasites before they get under the skin.
   • The rash is usually worse with each exposure. So, it’s very important to try to prevent recurrences.
9. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Rash becomes infected
   • Itching becomes severe
   • Rash lasts over 2 weeks
   • You think your child needs to be seen
   • Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the ‘Call Your Doctor’ symptoms.

Last Reviewed: 10/07/2021

Last Revised: 09/30/2021

Copyright 2000-2021. Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.

Bruises and Blood Spots Under the Skin

Topic Overview

Bruises

Bruises develop when small blood vessels under the skin tear or rupture, most often from a bump or fall. Blood leaks into tissues under the skin and causes the black-and-blue color. As bruises (contusions) heal, usually within 2 to 4 weeks, they often turn colors, including purplish black, reddish blue, or yellowish green. Sometimes the area of the bruise spreads down the body in the direction of gravity. A bruise on a leg usually will take longer to heal than a bruise on the face or arms.

Most bruises are not a cause for concern and will go away on their own. Home treatment may speed healing and relieve the swelling and soreness that often accompany bruises that are caused by injury. But severe bruising, swelling, and pain that begin within 30 minutes of an injury may mean a more serious problem, such as a severe sprain or fracture.

If you bruise easily, you may not even remember what caused a bruise. Bruising easily does not mean you have a serious health problem, especially if bruising is minimal or only shows up once in a while.

• Older adults often bruise easily from minor injuries, especially injuries to the forearms, hands, legs, and feet. As a person ages, the skin becomes less flexible and thinner because there is less fat under the skin. The cushioning effect of the skin decreases as the fat under the skin decreases. These changes, along with skin damage from exposure to the sun, cause blood vessels to break easily. When blood vessels break, bruising occurs.
• Women bruise more easily than men, especially from minor injuries on the thighs, buttocks, and upper arms.
• A tendency to bruise easily sometimes runs in families.

Occasionally after an injury, blood collects and pools under the skin (hematoma), giving the skin a spongy, rubbery, lumpy feel. A regular bruise is more spread out and may not feel like a firm lump. A hematoma usually is not a cause for concern. It is not the same thing as a blood clot in a vein, and it does not cause blood clots.

Bruises that do not appear to be caused by an accidental injury may be caused by abuse. It is important to consider this possibility, especially if the bruises can’t be explained or if the explanations change or do not match the injury. Report this type of bruising and seek help to prevent further abuse.

Blood spots

Blood spots under the skin may be either purpura or petechiae. Purpura might look like bruises, but they are not caused by an injury as most regular bruises are. Petechiae don’t look like bruises. They are tiny, flat, red or purple spots in the skin, but they are different than the tiny, flat, red spots or birthmarks (hemangiomas) that are present all the time.

Sudden unexplained bruising or blood spots under the skin or a sudden increase in the frequency of bruising may be caused by:

Medical treatment for abnormal bruising or blood spots focuses on preventing or stopping bleeding, changing or adjusting a medicine that may be causing the bruising, or treating the medical problem that is causing the bruising.

If the skin is injured over a bruise, be sure to watch for signs of a skin infection.

Check Your Symptoms

Do you have bruises or blood spots under the skin?

If a bruise is rapidly spreading, you need try to stop the bleeding under the skin. Wrap the area (not too tightly) with an elastic bandage, such as an Ace wrap, and keep it on until you see a doctor. You can also put direct pressure on the area for 15 minutes at a time.

Yes

Bruises or blood spots under skin

No

Bruises or blood spots under skin

How old are you?

Less than 3 years

Less than 3 years

3 years or older

3 years or older

Are you male or female?

Why do we ask this question?

• If you are transgender or nonbinary, choose the sex that matches the body parts (such as ovaries, testes, prostate, breasts, penis, or vagina) you now have in the area where you are having symptoms.
• If your symptoms aren’t related to those organs, you can choose the gender you identify with.
• If you have some organs of both sexes, you may need to go through this triage tool twice (once as “male” and once as “female”). This will make sure that the tool asks the right questions for you.

Has there been a decrease in how alert or aware you are or how well you can think and respond?

Yes

Decreased level of consciousness

No

Decreased level of consciousness

Are there red streaks leading away from the area or pus draining from it?

Do you have diabetes, a weakened immune system, peripheral arterial disease, or any surgical hardware in the area?

“Hardware” includes things like artificial joints, plates or screws, catheters, and medicine pumps.

Yes

Diabetes, immune problems, peripheral arterial disease, or surgical hardware in affected area

No

Diabetes, immune problems, peripheral arterial disease, or surgical hardware in affected area

Do you think you may have a fever?

Do you feel lightheaded or dizzy, like you are going to faint?

It’s normal for some people to feel a little lightheaded when they first stand up. But anything more than that may be serious.

Are you bleeding now?

Yes

Abnormal bleeding now present

No

Abnormal bleeding now present

Do you think that the bruising may have been caused by abuse?

Yes

Bruises may have been caused by abuse

No

Bruises may have been caused by abuse

Has the number or size of bruises or blood spots increased for no clear reason?

Yes

Unexplained increase in size or number of bruises or blood spots

No

Unexplained increase in size or number of bruises or blood spots

Was the increase in bruises or blood spots fast?

Yes

Rapid increase in the number or size of bruises or blood spots

No

Rapid increase in the number or size of bruises or blood spots

Do you take a medicine that affects the blood’s ability to clot?

This may include blood thinners and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can cause bleeding and can make it harder to control bleeding.

Yes

Medicine may be causing bruises

No

Medicine may be causing bruises

Were the bruises caused by an injury?

Yes

Bruises caused by injury

No

Bruises caused by injury

Did a large, painful, very swollen bruise develop within 30 minutes after the injury?

Yes

Bruising within 30 minutes of injury

No

Bruising within 30 minutes of injury

Have you had bruises or blood spots for more than 2 weeks?

Yes

Bruises or blood spots for more than 2 weeks

No

Bruises or blood spots for more than 2 weeks

Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind of care you may need. These include:

• Your age. Babies and older adults tend to get sicker quicker.
• Your overall health. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care sooner.
• Medicines you take. Certain medicines, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants), medicines that suppress the immune system like steroids or chemotherapy, herbal remedies, or supplements can cause symptoms or make them worse.
• Recent health events, such as surgery or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them more serious.
• Your health habits and lifestyle, such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug use, sexual history, and travel.

Try Home Treatment

You have answered all the questions. Based on your answers, you may be able to take care of this problem at home.

• Try home treatment to relieve the symptoms.
• Call your doctor if symptoms get worse or you have any concerns (for example, if symptoms are not getting better as you would expect). You may need care sooner.

Shock is a life-threatening condition that may quickly occur after a sudden illness or injury.

Adults and older children often have several symptoms of shock. These include:

• Passing out (losing consciousness).
• Feeling very dizzy or lightheaded, like you may pass out.
• Feeling very weak or having trouble standing.
• Not feeling alert or able to think clearly. You may be confused, restless, fearful, or unable to respond to questions.

Shock is a life-threatening condition that may occur quickly after a sudden illness or injury.

Babies and young children often have several symptoms of shock. These include:

• Passing out (losing consciousness).
• Being very sleepy or hard to wake up.
• Not responding when being touched or talked to.
• Breathing much faster than usual.
• Acting confused. The child may not know where he or she is.

Abnormal bleeding means any heavy or frequent bleeding or any bleeding that is not normal for you. Examples of abnormal bleeding include:

• Nosebleeds.
• Vaginal bleeding that is different (heavier, more frequent, at a different time of month) than what you are used to.
• Rectal bleeding and bloody stools.
• Bloody or pink urine.
• Gums that bleed easily when you eat or gently brush your teeth.

When you have abnormal bleeding in one area of your body, it’s important to think about whether you have been bleeding anywhere else. This can be a symptom of a more serious health problem.

Many prescription and nonprescription medicines may reduce your blood’s ability to clot and cause bruising or bleeding under the skin. A few examples are:

• Aspirin and other medicines (called blood thinners) that prevent blood clots. Also, taking a nonprescription medicine with a blood thinner may increase your risk of bruising and bleeding.
• Medicines used to treat cancer.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen (for example, Advil or Motrin).
• Steroids, such as prednisone.

Symptoms of infection may include:

• Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in or around the area.
• Red streaks leading from the area.
• Pus draining from the area.
• A fever.

Symptoms of serious illness may include:

• A severe headache.
• A stiff neck.
• Mental changes, such as feeling confused or much less alert.
• Extreme fatigue (to the point where it’s hard for you to function).
• Shaking chills.

Symptoms of serious illness in a baby may include the following:

• The baby is limp and floppy like a rag doll.
• The baby doesn’t respond at all to being held, touched, or talked to.
• The baby is hard to wake up.

Certain health conditions and medicines weaken the immune system’s ability to fight off infection and illness. Some examples in adults are:

• Diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS.
• Long-term alcohol and drug problems.
• Steroid medicines, which may be used to treat a variety of conditions.
• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer.
• Other medicines used to treat autoimmune disease.
• Medicines taken after organ transplant.
• Not having a spleen.

Call 911 Now

Based on your answers, you need emergency care.

Call 911 or other emergency services now.

Sometimes people don’t want to call 911. They may think that their symptoms aren’t serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. Or they might be concerned about the cost. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call 911 for medical transport to the hospital.

Seek Care Today

Based on your answers, you may need care soon. The problem probably will not get better without medical care.

• Call your doctor today to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
• If you cannot reach your doctor or you don’t have one, seek care today.
• If it is evening, watch the symptoms and seek care in the morning.
• If the symptoms get worse, seek care sooner.

Seek Care Now

Based on your answers, you may need care right away. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care.

• Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
• If you cannot reach your doctor or you don’t have one, seek care in the next hour.
• You do not need to call an ambulance unless:
  • You cannot travel safely either by driving yourself or by having someone else drive you.
  • You are in an area where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down.

Make an Appointment

Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical care.

• Make an appointment to see your doctor in the next 1 to 2 weeks.
• If appropriate, try home treatment while you are waiting for the appointment.
• If symptoms get worse or you have any concerns, call your doctor. You may need care sooner.

Home Treatment

If your bruise does not require an evaluation by a doctor, you may be able to use home treatment to help relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness.

• Rest and protect a bruised area.
• Ice will reduce pain and swelling. Apply ice or cold packs immediately to prevent or minimize swelling. Apply the ice or cold pack for 10 to 20 minutes, 3 or more times a day.
  • For the first 48 hours after an injury, avoid things that might increase swelling, such as hot showers, hot tubs, hot packs, or alcoholic beverages.
  • After 48 to 72 hours, if swelling is gone, apply heat and begin gentle exercise with the aid of moist heat to help restore and maintain flexibility. Some experts recommend alternating between hot and cold treatments.
• Compression, or wrapping the bruised area with an elastic bandage (such as an Ace wrap), will help decrease swelling. Don’t wrap it too tightly, as this can cause more swelling below the affected area. Loosen the bandage if it gets too tight. Signs that the bandage is too tight include numbness, tingling, increased pain, coolness, or swelling in the area below the bandage. Talk to your doctor if you think you need to use a wrap for longer than 48 to 72 hours. A more serious problem may be present.
• Elevate the bruised area on pillows while applying ice and anytime you are sitting or lying down. Try to keep the area at or above the level of your heart to help minimize swelling.
• Gently massage or rub the area to relieve pain and encourage blood flow. Do not massage the bruised area if it causes pain.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
• If desired, apply a natural product directly to the bruise.
• Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. Smoking slows healing because it decreases blood supply and delays tissue repair. For more information, see the topic Quitting Smoking.

Symptoms to watch for during home treatment

Call your doctor if any of the following occur during home treatment:

• A bruise lasts longer than 2 weeks.
• Signs of skin infection develop.
• Symptoms become more severe or frequent.
• New symptoms develop.

Prevention

You can’t always prevent bruises, but most of the time bruises are not a cause for concern.

• If you take aspirin, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or blood-thinning medicines (anticoagulants), keep regular appointments with your doctor so that he or she can monitor your medicine dosages and make any necessary changes or adjustments.
• Eat a variety of foods to avoid dietary deficiencies. Nutritional deficiencies of vitamins C, K, or B12, or folic acid can affect blood clotting. Include a daily selection of:
  • Whole-grain and enriched breads, cereals, and grain products.
  • Vegetables.
  • Fruits.
  • Milk, cheese, and yogurt.
  • Meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dried beans and peas, and tofu.
• Do not take dietary supplements that may increase bruising, particularly if you take a blood-thinning medicine. Dietary supplements that may increase bruising include fish oil, vitamin E, garlic, ginger, and ginkgo biloba.

Bruises are often the first sign of abuse. You may be able to prevent further abuse by reporting it and seeking help.

• Call your local child or adult protective agency, police, or clergy or a health professional (such as a doctor, nurse, or counselor) if you suspect abuse.
• Seek help if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence.
• Seek help if you have trouble controlling your anger with a child in your care.

Preparing For Your Appointment

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

• Do you have a personal or family history of bleeding disorders or bruising easily?
• Are you taking any prescription or nonprescription medicines? Bring a complete list of your medicines with you to your appointment.
• Do you take any vitamins or dietary supplements? Describe your diet.
• Have you had any recent injuries or blood transfusions?
• Have you had any nosebleeds, bleeding gums, blood in the urine, unusual or unexpected heavy menstrual flow, or fever?
• Have you had any recent illness or changes in your health?
• Have you recently traveled outside the country or to a rural area?
• Do you have any health risks?

Credits

Current as of:
February 26, 2020

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP – Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney MD – Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD – Family Medicine

Current as of: February 26, 2020

Author:
Healthwise Staff

Medical Review:William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP – Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney MD – Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD – Family Medicine

Notalgia Paraesthetica in Adults: Condition, Treatments, and Pictures – Overview

52011
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Information for
Adults

caption goes here…

Images of Notalgia Paraesthetica

Overview

Notalgia paresthetica is a condition where the skin of the upper back becomes itchy, and there is often a darker patch of skin on the itchy area. Notalgia paresthetica may be caused by a problem with the nerve cells that provide feeling to the skin of the upper back (sensory neuropathy). Skin changes, if present, are due to chronic rubbing and scratching of the affected area.

Who’s at risk?

Notalgia paresthetica can affect people of any age, of any race, and of either sex. However, it is thought to be most common in middle-aged to older adults. Women seem to develop notalgia paresthetica more frequently than men.

Though researchers are not certain what causes notalgia paresthetica, some studies have demonstrated spine disease in the spinal bone (vertebra) at the level of the affected skin. Scientists speculate that spine disease due to age or injury may press on a nerve providing feeling to that area of the skin, which leads to itching.

Signs and Symptoms

The most common location for notalgia paresthetica is the upper back, especially between the shoulder blades. The area may be confined to only one side of the upper back, or it may occur in the middle of the upper back, over the spinal bones.

Notalgia paresthetica often occurs without any obvious changes to the skin. If skin changes do occur, there may be a well-defined patch of darker skin (hyperpigmentation) over the affected area.

Although periodic itching is the main symptom associated with notalgia paresthetica, some people notice pain, tingling, or a change in feeling (sensation) in the affected skin.

Self-Care Guidelines

Dry skin is a common cause of itching, so it helps to apply a moisturizer to the itchy area at least twice a day.

If moisturizers are not helpful, try an over-the-counter cream containing an extract of hot peppers, called capsaicin, and follow the package directions carefully. You will probably not get immediate relief, and the capsaicin cream may take up to 6 weeks to have its full effect. If the capsaicin cream is effective, symptoms will likely come back after you stop using the cream.

When to Seek Medical Care

If moisturizers and capsaicin cream are not helpful, see your doctor for an evaluation.

Treatments Your Physician May Prescribe

Your doctor may be able to diagnose notalgia paresthetica by taking your history and examining your skin. In addition, your doctor might order an X-ray or another type of radiologic study, such as an MRI or a CT scan.

If you do have a diagnosis of notalgia paresthetica, your doctor may try the following:

• Prescription-strength anesthetic cream
• Prescription-strength corticosteroid (cortisone) cream

If the itching or pain becomes intolerable or interferes with your activities, your doctor may prescribe an oral anti-seizure (anti-epileptic or anti-convulsant) medication, such as:

• Gabapentin
• Topiramate
• Oxcarbazepine

If these approaches are not effective, and if your symptoms are severe enough to justify it, more aggressive procedures may be performed to relieve pressure on the compressed nerve:

• Injection of local anesthetic near the compressed nerves as they exit the spine (paravertebral block)
• Spine surgery

Trusted Links

MedlinePlus: Itching
MedlinePlus: Skin Conditions
Clinical Information and Differential Diagnosis of Notalgia Paraesthetica

References

Bolognia, Jean L. , ed. Dermatology, pp.105. New York: Mosby, 2003.

Freedberg, Irwin M., ed. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine. 6^th ed. pp.402. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.

Breast Itch – Symptoms, Causes, Treatments

An itch is a tickling, irritating sensation accompanied by the persistent need to scratch. The medical term for itching is pruritus. In the breast, redness, swelling, soreness, flaking and scarring may occur in the area of itching. Although scratching may temporarily relieve your symptoms, it can cause more irritation or lead to infection. With most cases of itching, it is best if you can refrain from scratching and leave the area alone to heal.

Causes of breast itch vary and may include insect bites, allergies, trauma, and infections. The skin fold beneath the breast is a warm, shaded, moist area – a perfect environment for germs to grow. Fungal skin infections can thrive there. One of the itchiest infections you can contract is chickenpox, an extremely common childhood illness.

When wounds are healing they often start to itch, which is a sign of improvement. Eczema, contact dermatitis, scabies, and pinworm are other sources of itching. Breast itch can also be a symptom of inflammatory breast cancer, an aggressive form of breast cancer.

Most causes of breast itch are fairly mild and should not be a cause for concern. However, your health care provider should evaluate itching that is sudden, severe or unusual. Itching caused by a serious food allergy can come on rapidly with a strong need to scratch. This type of itching may be symptomatic of a serious anaphylactic reaction, which impairs breathing, causes swelling, fainting, and vomiting, and is considered a medical emergency.

Sudden itching can be a sign of anaphylaxis, a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction to a food, chemical, or insect sting.
Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if an itch is accompanied by any serious symptoms, including swelling of the face, swelling or constriction of the throat, difficulty breathing, fainting, change in level of consciousness or alertness, or rash.

Skin Care and Aging | National Institute on Aging

Cynthia had always been proud of her skin, especially her summer tan. But, as years went by, she saw her skin getting more fine lines and wrinkles. Cynthia began to worry about what other skin problems she might have. What are those brown spots on her hands and arms?

Your skin changes with age. It becomes thinner, loses fat, and no longer looks as plump and smooth as it once did. Your veins and bones can be seen more easily. Scratches, cuts, or bumps can take longer to heal. Years of sun tanning or being out in the sunlight for a long time may lead to wrinkles, dryness, age spots, and even cancer. But, there are things you can do to protect your skin and to make it feel and look better.

Dry Skin and Itching

Many older people suffer from dry spots on their skin, often on their lower legs, elbows, and lower arms. Dry skin patches feel rough and scaly. There are many possible reasons for dry skin, such as:

• Not drinking enough liquids
• Spending too much time in the sun or sun tanning
• Being in very dry air
• Smoking
• Feeling stress
• Losing sweat and oil glands, which is common with age

Dry skin also can be caused by health problems, such as diabetes or kidney disease. Using too much soap, antiperspirant, or perfume and taking hot baths can make dry skin worse.

Some medicines can make skin itchy. Because older people have thinner skin, scratching can cause bleeding that may lead to infection. Talk to your doctor if your skin is very dry and itchy.

Here are some ways to help dry, itchy skin:

• Use moisturizers, like lotions, creams, or ointments, every day.
• Take fewer baths or showers and use milder soap. Warm water is less drying than hot water. Don’t add bath oil to your water. It can make the tub too slippery.
• Try using a humidifier, an appliance that adds moisture to a room.

Bruises

Older people may bruise more easily than younger people. It can take longer for these bruises to heal. Some medicines or illnesses may also cause bruising. Talk to your doctor if you see bruises and don’t know how you got them, especially on parts of your body usually covered by clothing.

Wrinkles

Over time, skin begins to wrinkle. Things in the environment, like ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun, can make the skin less elastic. Gravity can cause skin to sag and wrinkle. Certain habits, like smoking, also can wrinkle the skin.

A lot of claims are made about how to make wrinkles go away. Most of them don’t work. Some methods can be painful or even dangerous, and many must be done by a doctor. Talk with a doctor specially trained in skin problems, called a dermatologist, or your regular doctor if you are worried about wrinkles.

Age Spots and Skin Tags

Age spots, once called “liver spots,” are flat, brown spots often caused by years in the sun. They are bigger than freckles and commonly show up on areas like the face, hands, arms, back, and feet. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that helps protect against two types of the sun’s rays (UVA and UVB) may prevent more age spots.

Skin tags are small, usually flesh-colored growths of skin that have a raised surface. They become common as people age, especially for women. They are most often found on the eyelids, neck, and body folds such as the armpit, chest, and groin.

Age spots and skin tags are harmless, although sometimes skin tags can become irritated. If your age spots or skin tags bother you, talk to your doctor about having them removed.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a very common type of cancer in the United States. The main cause of skin cancer is the sun. Sunlamps and tanning booths can also cause skin cancer. Anyone, of any skin color, can get skin cancer. People with fair skin that freckles easily are at greatest risk. Skin cancer may be cured if it is found before it spreads to other parts of the body.

There are three types of skin cancers. Two types, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, grow slowly and rarely spread to other parts of the body. These types of cancer are usually found on parts of the skin most often exposed to the sun, like the head, face, neck, hands, and arms. But they can happen anywhere on your body. The third and most dangerous type of skin cancer is melanoma. It is rarer than the other types, but it can spread to other organs and be deadly.

Check your skin once a month for things that may be signs of cancer. Skin cancer is rarely painful. Look for changes such as a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a bleeding mole.

A = Asymmetry (one half of the growth looks different from the other half)

B = Borders that are irregular

C = Color changes or more than one color

D = Diameter greater than the size of a pencil eraser

E = Evolving; this means the growth changes in size, shape, symptoms (itching, tenderness), surface (especially bleeding), or shades of color

See your doctor right away if you have any of these signs to make sure it is not skin cancer.

Keep Your Skin Healthy

Some sun can be good for you, but to keep your skin healthy, be careful:

• Limit time in the sun. It’s okay to go out during the day, but try to avoid being in sun during peak times when the sun’s rays are strongest. For example, during the summer, try to stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Don’t be fooled by cloudy skies. The sun’s rays can go through clouds. You can also get sunburned if you are in water, so be careful when you are in a pool, lake, or the ocean.
• Use sunscreen. Look for sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) number of 15 or higher. It’s best to choose sunscreens with “broad spectrum” on the label. Put the sunscreen on 15 to 30 minutes before you go outside. Sunscreen should be reapplied at least every 2 hours. You need to put sunscreen on more often if you are swimming, sweating, or rubbing your skin with a towel.
• Wear protective clothing. A hat with a wide brim can shade your neck, ears, eyes, and head. Look for sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of the sun’s rays. If you have to be in the sun, wear loose, lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants or long skirts.
• Avoid tanning. Don’t use sunlamps or tanning beds. Tanning pills are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and might not be safe.

Your skin may change with age. But remember, there are things you can do to help. Check your skin often. If you find any changes that worry you, see your doctor.

Read about this topic in Spanish. Lea sobre este tema en español.

For More Information About Skin Care and Aging

This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA). NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date.

Content reviewed:
October 01, 2017

90,000 Cell suicide: why sunburn is dangerous and how to sunbathe so as not to burn out

• Leonid Luneev
• BBC

June 20, 2020

Photo author, Getty Images

Quarantined, pale and people hungry for the sun begin to crawl out onto the streets, lawns and, if they are lucky, on the beaches to enjoy the sun’s rays and get the first, preferably bronze, but much more often – red tan. Or, simply, burn out.

Everyone is familiar with this unpleasant burning sensation and itching that occurs after the first hours of exposure to sunlight. Yes, at first glance, this is not at all scary, and why not be patient, because the reward will be the skin of a chocolate shade (again, if you’re lucky, it won’t get off you earlier, turning you into not the most graceful leopard).

In addition, they say that sunbathing is beneficial, that ultraviolet light kills microbes, helps the body produce vitamin D, and adjusts circadian rhythms.All this is true, but it is not for nothing that they call it radiation. In fact, this is nothing more than a sunburn, which causes enormous harm to the body at the cellular level.

Warm greetings from space

Photo Credit, Getty Images

Sunlight is electromagnetic waves, and after they have crossed outer space and the earth’s atmosphere, we end up with two types of ultraviolet radiation: near UV A (in English terminology UVA) and UV-B average (UVB). (There is also far and extreme ultraviolet light, but these rays are almost completely blocked by the atmosphere.)

The UVA rays are unlikely to cause burns, but they will penetrate deep into the skin and over time, this radiation will have a cumulative effect in the form of loose skin.

UVB rays carry more energy and are immediately apparent in the form of redness and itching.

Feel every cell

Photo author, Getty Images

In general, ultraviolet radiation damages the skin, striking DNA molecules, proteins, fat and so on.When these molecules absorb too much solar energy, intramolecular bonds are disrupted, the molecular structure changes, and previously resistant cells, in which the molecules were shaped and performed specific tasks, go wild. This can lead to the fact that the DNA code breaks down, and the necessary proteins cease to be produced.

Fortunately, every cell has an army of auto-correcting molecules that can intervene and repair a damaged piece of DNA.

Unfortunately, with active irradiation of the entire skin, autocorrectors are physically unable to cope with such damage.

If the damage to the cell becomes critical, it triggers the mechanism of apoptosis, or suicide. It sounds harsh, but without this, too many crippled cells will accumulate in your skin, and the skin will cease to perform its functions – with very sad consequences for the entire body.

A kind of vicious circle arises here: the code for self-destruction is embedded in your DNA, but if this particular section of DNA is damaged or escaped repair, then apoptosis will not be triggered, and the cell will begin to grow uncontrollably.This is how often cancers – carcinomas – occur.

Natural reaction

Photo author, Getty Images

You probably noticed that inflammation and itching do not come immediately, but after a couple of hours of exposure to the sun. This happens because the process of suicide of damaged cells does not start immediately: first they accumulate in your skin, then the immune system comes into action, but then …

White blood cells rush to those areas of the skin where dead and dying cells have accumulated, they begin to actively cleanse the body from fragments of dead cells.Your capillaries swell, begin to pass liquid through the walls: this is a natural process, but at the same time your skin turns red, itches and hurts.

Several hours pass, the cleaning is completed, and everything is back to normal, only in your skin the process of melanin production starts – the pigment that is responsible for blocking ultraviolet rays and gives your skin that desired tan.

How to get a tan and maintain your health?

Photo Credit, Getty Images

Of course, sunburn won’t kill you, at least not right away.After all, every time you burn in the sun, your cells are seriously affected by solar radiation, and at the DNA level, and sooner or later this can lead to cancer.

So, don’t sunbathe at all? No, why, you just need to do everything in moderation. If you know you are burning out quickly in the sun, or have just arrived at a resort and scare others with your pale bodies, in the early days, try to wear a long-sleeved shirt or dress, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.

It is clear that you will not be able to completely hide from the sun, and this is not necessary, because there are also sunscreens. Usually they are divided by SPF factors from 15 to 50 or even 75, protecting the skin by 95-99.5% for at least half an hour from both types of ultraviolet rays.

Photo author, Getty Images

In this case, of course, it is necessary to thoroughly cover the entire surface of the skin with the cream, wait until it is well absorbed, renew the coverage every two hours, and if you decide to take a dip (many say that tanning in water is enough for you stronger and faster), then make sure your cream is waterproof.

If you follow all these basic, in general, requirements, you will most likely get an excellent even tan without unpleasant accompanying sensations and, most importantly, without long-term damage to health.

The cosmetologist warned about the negative consequences of wearing masks

https://ria.ru/20200320/1568875495.html

The cosmetologist warned about the negative consequences of wearing masks

The cosmetologist warned about the negative consequences of wearing masks – RIA Novosti, 20.03.2020

The cosmetologist warned about the negative consequences of wearing masks

Protective masks, which have become extremely popular and even scarce goods against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, can cause the appearance of … RIA Novosti, 20.03.2020

2020-03- 20T05: 59

2020-03-20T05: 59

2020-03-20T05: 59

Coronavirus spread

society

china

beijing

covid-19 coronavirus

coronavirus in russia

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BEIJING, March 20 – RIA Novosti, Anna Ratkoglo. Protective masks, which have become an extremely popular and even scarce commodity against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, can, with prolonged use, cause the appearance of redness, allergies, inflammation and edema on the skin of the face, cosmetologist and owner of a beauty salon in Beijing Yu Xiaoying told RIA Novosti. that the mask gives at least a small, but still a sense of security, it makes breathing difficult, especially when walking fast, causes discomfort and leads to a deterioration in the condition of the facial skin.Yu Xiaoying emphasized that those with sensitive skin should be careful when choosing a mask and study its composition. According to her, “wearing a mask for a long time can cause excessive pressure and friction on certain areas of the skin, which in turn can disrupt function of the epidermal barrier and blood circulation, deep marks, redness, swelling may appear on the skin. “Then cover your face with a moisturizer, “the cosmetologist advises. She emphasized that if you notice any changes or damage to the skin, you should stop using cosmetics, including whitening and anti-aging products, you must use hypoallergenic and moisturizing products. for sensitive skin. “If the damage to the skin is serious, it is recommended to consult a doctor in a timely manner and begin treatment with drugs,” said the agency’s interlocutor.At the same time, even if there are no problems with the skin, you should be especially careful about facial hygiene. If there is a need to wear a mask, it is better to temporarily stop using skin care products with an oily texture, since in conditions of poor air circulation under the mask and increased sweating, the secretion of subcutaneous fat may increase, the pores become clogged, the inner surface of the mask will begin to adhere to the skin. which will lead to its damage. On the advice of the cosmetologist, you should also give up “heavy” make-up, after returning home from the street, you must immediately cleanse the skin. It is better to wash your face with warm water, but without using soap, it is preferable to use special mild face cleansers. You should also be careful about peeling, it should not be aggressive, it is better to use a mild scrub, but regularly. It is important to regularly moisturize the skin with masks. The effectiveness and necessity of wearing masks is more and more controversial in different countries, experts agree that they should first of all be worn by those who are sick, so as not to spread the infection.When the epidemic broke out in China, everyone here was forced to wear masks simply because it was impossible to quickly identify all cases, and such a measure as “mask mode” became an important obstacle to the spread of the virus. Following the example of China, many countries are strongly encouraged to wear masks for protection. Against the background of the improvement of the epidemic situation in China, the State Health Committee of the People’s Republic of China published a recommendation on the rules for wearing masks, which states, for example, that if you are at home, on the street, in places where there are no crowds of people, and in well-ventilated places, the mask may not be worn. Nevertheless, the “mask mode” still operates in the country, you cannot enter public places without a mask.

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BEIJING, 20 Mar – RIA Novosti, Anna Ratkoglo. Protective masks, which have become an extremely popular and even scarce commodity against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, can, with prolonged use, cause redness, allergies, inflammation and swelling on the skin of the face, cosmetologist and owner of a beauty salon in Beijing Yu Xiaoying told RIA Novosti.

Despite the fact that the mask gives at least a small, but still a sense of security, it makes breathing difficult, especially when walking fast, causes discomfort and leads to a deterioration in the condition of the facial skin. Yu Xiaoying stressed that for those with sensitive skin, the choice of a mask should be approached with special attention and its composition should be studied.

“Masks often contain polypropylene fibers, which can cause increased sensitivity of the skin, at the same time, the skin in the mask sweats, on its surface due to friction, dirt, sweat, inflammation, redness, blisters, acne can appear, in some cases symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis may occur, including itching, burning, tingling, redness, “Yu Xiaoying told the agency.

According to her, “prolonged wearing of the mask can cause excessive pressure and friction on certain areas of the skin, which in turn can disrupt the functions of the epidermal barrier and blood circulation, deep marks, redness, swelling can appear on the skin.”

March 19, 2020, 18:59 The spread of coronavirusThe doctor called a simple alternative to medical masks

“If you notice a slight reddening of the skin, then you should wash your face with warm clean water using light, fragrance-free milk that does not irritate the skin. Then cover your face with a moisturizer”, – the cosmetologist advises.

He emphasized that if you notice any changes or damage to the skin, then you should stop using cosmetics, including whitening and anti-aging products, you should use hypoallergenic and moisturizers for sensitive skin.

“If the skin damage is serious, it is recommended to consult a doctor in a timely manner and begin treatment with drugs,” the agency’s interlocutor said.

March 19, 2020, 20:56 The spread of coronavirus An Italian doctor spoke about the critical situation in hospitals

In this case, even if there are no skin problems, you should be especially careful about facial hygiene. If there is a need to wear a mask, it is better to temporarily stop using skin care products with an oily texture, since in conditions of poor air circulation under the mask and increased sweating, the secretion of subcutaneous fat may increase, the pores become clogged, the inner surface of the mask will begin to adhere to the skin. which will damage it.

On the advice of a cosmetologist, you should also give up “heavy” make-up, after returning home from the street, you must immediately cleanse the skin. It is better to wash your face with warm water, but without using soap, it is preferable to use special mild face cleansers. You should also be careful about peeling, it should not be aggressive, it is better to use a mild scrub, but regularly. It is important to regularly moisturize your face with masks.

March 10, 2020, 13:44 so as not to spread the infection.

When the epidemic broke out in China, everyone here was forced to wear masks simply because it was impossible to quickly identify all cases, and such a measure as “mask mode” became an important obstacle to the spread of the virus. Following the example of China, in many countries, the population is strongly advised to wear masks for protection.

Against the background of the improvement of the epidemic situation in China, the State Health Committee of the People’s Republic of China has issued a recommendation on the rules for wearing masks, which states, for example, that if you are at home, on the street, in places where there are no crowds, and in well-ventilated places , the mask can not be worn.Nevertheless, the “mask mode” still operates in the country, you cannot enter public places without a mask.

March 20, 2020, 02:00 Said on the air The doctor warned about the danger of a “strategic stock” of cereals at home It is not worth buying kilograms of cereals in stores: they have a certain shelf life. In addition, there is another important reason not to accumulate stocks of such products at home – it was named by pathomorphologist, parasitologist Elena Chernysheva in an interview with Sputnik radio. 90,000 Legs itch, bruises appear – Question to the dermatologist

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Medportal 03online.com carries out medical consultations in the mode of correspondence with doctors on the website. Here you get answers from real practitioners in their field. At the moment, on the site you can get advice in 71 areas: a COVID-19 specialist, an allergist, an anesthesiologist-resuscitator, a venereologist, a gastroenterologist, a hematologist, a geneticist, a hepatologist, a geriatrician, a gynecologist, a gynecologist-endocrinologist, a homeopathologist, a pediatrician, a pediatrician , pediatric dermatologist, pediatric infectious disease specialist, pediatric cardiologist, pediatric ENT, pediatric neurologist, pediatric nephrologist, pediatric ophthalmologist, child psychologist, pediatric pulmonologist, pediatric rheumatologist, pediatric urologist, pediatric surgeon, pediatric endocrinologist, defectologist, nutritionist, nutritionist clinical psychologist, cosmetologist, speech therapist, ENT specialist, mammologist, medical lawyer, narcologist, neuropathologist, neurosurgeon, neonatologist, nephrologist, nutritionist, oncologist, urologist oncologist, orthopedist-traumatologist, psychologist, parasitologist, proctiatrist, pediatrician , rheumatologist, radiologist, reproductologist, sexologist-andrologist, dentist, trichologist, urologist, pharmacist, physiotherapist, phytotherapist, phlebologist, phthisiatrician, surgeon, endocrinologist.

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Treatment of bumblebee stings and allergies

Treatment of bumblebee stings and allergies

Provides information on bumblebee bites, tips to reduce the likelihood of being bitten, and information on possible reactions to the bite and treatment of the bite site.You can download a poster on bumblebee bites and allergies here.

Bumblebee, honey bee and wasp stings

Bumblebees are found naturally in many countries. In addition, bumblebees and bees are used as pollinators in agricultural and horticultural crops.There are various subspecies with different appearances, including different colors and patterns. In general, bumblebees are larger than honeybees and have more hairs than wasps.

Only worker bumblebees and queens have a sting, as is the case with honey bees and wasps. Drones can’t sting. The sting is a weapon for defense. When a bee stings, poison is injected into the wound through the sting. In humans, this causes short-term acute pain, which then goes away. Sometimes (in about 1% of cases) an allergic reaction to the injected poison develops.
Responses to a bumblebee sting can vary.

Bumblebee or wasp have no barbs on the stinger. This means that a worker bumblebee or queen can pull the sting out and apply it again. The honeybee’s stinger has jagged edges. When a honey bee tries to remove a sting, it breaks out of the abdominal cavity along with the poisonous gland.

How to prevent bumblebee bites?

Bumblebees rarely sting.The chance of being stung by a bumblebee can be reduced by not provoking them and causing them to be aggressive. Above all, it is important to stay calm when working with bumblebees. Do not wave your hands near bumblebees, do not hit the hive, do not touch or hold bumblebees, etc.

Remember that bumblebees can react aggressively to odors such as alcohol, sweat, perfume, scented soap, aftershave, etc.In addition, rings, bracelets and watches can cause aggressive behavior (due to the smell of oxidation between the skin and jewelry). Bumblebees are attracted to the color blue, including blue and especially light blue clothing. Protective clothing can reduce the risk of bites. Bumblebees can sting through clothing.

Have you been stung? Bumblebee sting reaction

Usually a bumblebee bite results in non-allergic local reactions: swelling, itching and redness at the site of the bite, lasting only a couple of hours.This can happen immediately after the bite, but usually starts after a few hours. The swelling and itching may persist for hours or even days. In some cases, a local reaction can spread throughout the body; in this case, it may take longer for the symptoms to disappear. This is still considered a local, non-allergic reaction.

Measures to eliminate non-allergic, local reaction

Medical treatment is usually not required.Measures can be taken to minimize localized reactions, particularly if the bite affects a sensitive area, such as near the eyes. Anti-inflammatories should be taken as soon as possible after the bite. You can apply a cold compress to the bite site. In addition, there are a number of antipruritic ointments (such as those containing diethyl-m-toluamide).

In rare cases, when the site of the bite is in the mouth or throat, the victim should be taken to the hospital immediately, because this can lead to asphyxiation of the respiratory tract.At the hospital, the patient will be given corticosteroids and kept under observation.

Allergic reaction

In about 1% of the population, multiple bumblebee bites (or in some cases as little as two or three bites) can result in an allergic reaction, also called a general allergic reaction , a systemic allergic reaction or an anaphylactic reaction. Since the allergic reaction involves antibodies formed during the previous exposure to the antigen, the development of an allergic reaction after the first bite is impossible. An allergic reaction usually appears very soon after the bite (from a few seconds to half an hour after the bite).

Allergic reactions are divided into four levels in increasing order of severity:
1 degree – itching, redness and swelling (urticaria, rash) throughout the body
2 degree – symptoms of 1 degree and bowel problems (vomiting, diarrhea)
Grade 3 – Grade 1 and / or 2 symptoms and difficulty breathing and / or choking
Grade 4 – Grade 1 and / or 2 and / or 3 symptoms and palpitations, fainting, anaphylactic shock (accompanied by dizziness, excessive sweating and chills)

Measures to eliminate the allergic reaction

If the temperature rises or a level 1 reaction occurs, consult a doctor.You may need to follow the development of the situation. It is advisable to observe the victim in the hospital for some time, as the reaction may progress over time.

In case of vomiting and, of course, with symptoms of grade 3 or 4, the victim should be immediately taken to the hospital.
An antihistamine is helpful if an allergic reaction occurs. Antihistamine reduces tumors caused by histamine in venom. Corticosteroids may sometimes be prescribed. In the case of reactions of grade 3 or 4, you must first enter adrenaline. Adrenaline stimulates the heart, constricts blood vessels and opens the airways. Auto-adrenaline injectors are only sold by prescription, for example, if the patient has already had an allergic reaction to a bumblebee sting. Depending on local legislation, an auto adrenaline injector may also be available at companies that work with bumblebees.

Toxic reactions

Toxic reactions occur only if the victim has been stung dozens of times in a short period. General allergic reactions, such as cardiac arrhythmias or difficulty breathing, can occur in the nervous or circulatory system.In this case, the victim should be taken to the hospital for treatment and observation.

Hyperventilation

In addition to a severe grade 4 allergic reaction, hyperventilation resulting from shock can also lead to loss of consciousness.In such cases, you must also immediately call emergency medical help.

Increased risk

People who use certain medications (beta blockers) and pregnant women are at increased risk for allergic reactions after being bitten by bumblebees.

Allergy to bumblebees

If you have had an allergic reaction in the past, it may not necessarily happen the next time you bite. The chances are especially low if you have had a grade 1 or 2 reaction. The response to bumblebee stings can vary from case to case.Currently, a test using purified bumblebee venom can be done to determine if you will have an allergic reaction the next time you are stung. You can also use purified poison to desensitize.

Bee venom immunotherapy does not necessarily protect patients from allergy to bumblebee stings. This treatment is designed to reduce susceptibility to bumblebee venom. If you do not want to receive desensitization treatment, you can get a prescription for an epinephrine autoinjector from your healthcare professional.It can be carried around and used to inject adrenaline into the thigh in the event of a bite.

Information for doctors

Detailed information on remedial measures for allergic reactions can be obtained from Koppert upon request.
Contact your allergist or physician for more information.

Literature

A printed poster with illustrations can be ordered from Koppert. This poster is also available for download (URL).
Tip: Use the poster to include contact information for a doctor or emergency call.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems as it does not replace medical care.If you suspect a health problem, see your doctor.

90,000 After treating a cat or dog from fleas

Getting rid of fleas in an apartment is much more difficult than it seems. It may take up to three months of regular pet treatment before you finally get rid of fleas.

We are well aware that this process can turn into a real torment, so we recommend not waiting for fleas on your pet, but regularly treat your pets with Front Line Combo drops throughout the year.In addition to the action on ticks and adult fleas, Frontline Combo is designed to eliminate immature flea stages: flea eggs and larvae. It should also be understood what to expect as a result of flea treatment.

1. After contact with the treated animal, fleas become more active before death

It includes fipronil in Frontline Combo and Frontline Spot. Fipronil causes flea hyperactivity before dying. So you can see fleas climbing to the surface of the coat, and the pet may itch more often than usual until these fleas die.

Flea preparations do not kill parasites instantly: the flea must get on the animal. Frontline Combo / Spot It must be absorbed into the body of the parasite, only after that the flea will begin to die. It is a bit like a cold: it will take some time between you catching an infection and getting sick. It usually takes up to 24 hours for a flea that has jumped on a pet to die.

There are no drugs for fleas that would prevent their appearance on the pet. This means that no matter which drug you use, you can still see fleas on the animal until the drug kills the parasites.

2. A new generation of fleas hatch from pupae in your home and attack your pet

Typically, you have many more immature forms of fleas (eggs, larvae and pupae of fleas) in your home than adults on a pet. With the right temperature and humidity, flea eggs can hatch continuously and new adult fleas emerge from cocoons (pupae). These new fleas only hatch when there is a host animal (your pet!) Nearby, as they need to feed on blood regularly in order to live and reproduce.

After handling the pet, fleas should die within 24 hours and are less likely to lay eggs (as egg laying usually begins 24 hours after feeding). To prevent the larvae from hatching from the eggs, S-methoprene has been added to the Frontline Combo, which is aimed at acting against eggs and flea larvae. Front Line Combo will help you control the contamination of your home. When using Front Line Combo, Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) prevents flea larvae from hatching from eggs and pupating into pupae.