How to cause skin irritation

Red and irritated skin is a common problem, but what are the symptoms and what are the causes? Let's look at natural remedies and traditional medicines that we sometimes have to resort to to soothe skin irritation.

Symptoms of irritated and red skin

The skin is a very important organ because it plays a role protective barrier for the whole body. When the skin is irritated, it means that changes in the physiological state and pH balance of the skin.

Skin irritation can present with a variety of symptoms, such as burning, redness, dryness and itching. It can affect any category of people, but most often affects children, pregnant women, etc. animals (even dogs suffer from skin irritation)!

Skin irritation may be caused by diseases, such as dermatitis or psoriasis, or non-pathological causes such as sun, sweat or hair removal.

Common symptoms that accompany skin irritation:

1. Skin redness: is the most common symptom of skin irritation, and is associated with dilation of the skin's blood vessels as a result of local inflammation.
2. Burning: is a symptom of skin irritation, often accompanying redness of the skin. However, there is a burning sensation of the skin without redness in cases of hypersensitivity. The cause of the burning sensation lies in hyperstimulation of the nerve endings of the skin.
3. Peeling: This is a symptom that is associated with the loss of cells of the first layer of skin and which is accompanied by dry skin.
4. Spots, blisters and blisters: These are skin eruptions that may take the form of erythematous macules (non-raised) or blisters and vesicles. Often associated with viral infections or allergies, and accompanied by itching.
5. Pimples: associated with the phenomenon of inflammation caused by bacteria, are a typical manifestation of acne.
6. Itching: The exact origin of itching is not yet understood, but it is thought to be related to the stimulation of specific nerve circuits or the release of certain chemical transmitters.
7. Dryness: occurs as a result of excessive dehydration of the epidermis and is often accompanied by flaking.
8. Edema: also called angioedema, has no clearly defined cause. May be accompanied by itching.

Possible causes of skin irritation

Skin irritation may be caused pathological and non-pathological factors. Some of them cause systemic irritation of the epidermis, covering the entire skin, while others cause localized irritation in a specific part of the body.

Pathological causes of skin irritation

Pathological skin irritation is associated, in most cases, with the action of the immune system, which attacks the skin in response to a stimulus that can occur both externally and internally (in the case of autoimmune disorders).

Diseases that can cause skin irritation include:

1. Psoriasis: is a disease whose origin is still not clearly understood, although it is associated with autoimmune disorders. Immune system cells attack the skin, causing peeling, irritation, redness, minor injuries and itching. Typically, skin lesions are concentrated on the elbows, back and knees.
2. Dermatitis: The term “dermatitis” refers to a collection of diseases that cause skin irritation, redness, blistering, spots and itching. They come in different types:

1. contact dermatitis caused by skin contact with irritants;
2. seborrheic dermatitis associated with excessive activity of the sebaceous glands;
3. atopic dermatitis, which usually affects children and manifests as redness around the mouth and in the folds of the skin.

Non-pathological causes of skin irritation

Even non-pathological causes of skin irritation are very varied and can come from the method of hair removal, exposure to sunlight and even food intolerance:

1. Razors: Hair removal using razors and blades is mainly used by men for shaving. However, razor blades can cause redness and irritation, and sometimes small abrasions. The razor is also used as a hair removal method by women for areas such as the legs, groin and armpits. The last two areas are especially prone to irritation after hair removal, as the skin there is thinner and more delicate. An electric razor, especially one without a blade, causes less irritation.
2. Waxing: Irritates the skin because it forcibly removes hair from its natural location. Forcibly pulling out hair can lead to the formation of red dots and a red halo in the area of ​​the damaged follicle.
3. Depilatory cream: which is used to remove hair from large areas of the body, such as the legs in women or the chest and back in men, can cause skin irritation due to the chemicals contained in it, which can change the delicate balance of the skin.
4. Exposure to the sun: the sun's rays have a contradictory effect on human skin - on the one hand, they are a source of health and vitamin D, on the other, they cause skin aging and the development of possible irritations. The skin becomes irritated due to improper exposure to the sun: prolonged exposure to the sun without protection, during the hottest hours.
5. Sweat: Excessive sweating can cause skin irritation, especially in areas such as the inner thighs or armpits where the skin is subject to friction. Irritation usually manifests itself as itching and redness.
6. Sebaceous cysts: These are accumulations of fat that form under the skin. They are usually asymptomatic, but if they become inflamed, for example from friction with clothing, they can cause redness and pain at the epidermal level.
7. Detergents and cosmetics: The use of detergents and cosmetics can cause skin irritation due to the very harsh chemicals contained in these products.
8. Insect bites: When an insect injects chemicals into the bite site, it causes an irritative reaction in the body, including redness and itching.
9. Radiation: People undergoing radiation treatment to fight tumors often experience skin irritation at the point of entry of the X-ray radiation, the effect is very similar to a sunburn.
10. Foods: Skin may be irritated by certain foods, such as hot red peppers.
11. Chafing: Although indirect, colds and allergies can cause skin irritation, especially in and around the nose. In this case, irritation occurs due to constant rubbing of the skin with a handkerchief.
12. Salt and chlorine: Sea water or chlorinated pool water can cause redness and irritation of the skin, with or without itching, especially in those people who have sensitive skin.
13. Cold: a decrease in temperature causes dryness and inflammation of the skin, often even cracking. This is due to decreased skin hydration.

Natural Remedies for Irritated Skin

To treat skin irritation you can use products based on natural substances, herbal medicines, foods and much more.

Let's look in detail:

Aloe vera: contains anthraquinones catharsis, cinnamic acid and aloin; has a regenerating and anti-inflammatory effect and stimulates the immune system. In fact, aloe vera is the basis of many cosmetics and skin care products. Not recommended in case of pregnancy.

Rosehip oil: essential oil, which is obtained from rose hips, contains active substances such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, linolenic acid and vitamin C. These active components restore the normal balance of the skin, improve skin hydration, and counteract irritation and dryness. Also not recommended during pregnancy.

Borage oil: It is obtained from the borage plant. It contains mucus, polyunsaturated fatty acids and other active substances that help fight skin inflammation, soothe irritation and moisturize the skin. If pregnant, please discuss with your doctor.

Leaf salad: Lettuce infusion can help combat skin irritation due to its soothing effect. To prepare it, put lettuce leaves in warm or hot water, then heat it. Apply to problem areas for half an hour. Residual water is an excellent toner for the face and neck.

Warm baths: Combining the effects of warm water (not hot, so as not to irritate the skin) and oatmeal helps soothe inflammation, burning and irritation of the skin.

Cold compresses: Applying something cold to irritated skin helps neutralize itching, swelling and redness, and provides an immediate feeling of relief.

Finally, regarding the role dietary nutrition, products that contain vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, help keep skin youthful and prevent irritation. These products include almonds, pine nuts, and sunflower seeds. It is also important to drink at least two liters of water per day to keep your skin hydrated; take foods containing probiotics, such as yogurt, to help your immune system function; eat plenty of fruits and vegetables as sources of vitamins, water, fiber and mineral salts.

Pharmacological remedies for skin redness

In some situations, such as when skin irritation is accompanied by persistent itching, peeling, redness or burning with pain, pharmaceuticals may be used to relieve symptoms and reduce inflammation.

The most commonly used ointments are based on hydrocortisone – powerful anti-inflammatory substance.

Alternatively you can take cortisonewhen skin irritation is systemic. Cortisone-based treatment is indicated mainly for psoriasis and dermatitis.

In any case, with the exception of the usual manifestations of skin irritation, which can be easily dealt with on your own, you should contact a specialist, such as dermatologist or good herbalistwho can give correct advice about treatment.

IRRITANTS belong to the oldest medicinal groups. Since, according to the ideas of old medicine, irritation of the skin could lead to the distraction of the “painful beginning” from the internal organs outward, then R. s. received names corresponding to these ideas, which were retained until recently: derivantia (from the Latin derivo - I distract); revulsiva (from Lat. revePo - distract, pull out), exhi-toria (from Lat. exhio - extract, pull out), epispastica "(from Greek epispasticos - ^attracting). Kobert proposed a more accurate, but rarely used name - dermerethistika (from the Greek derma - skin and erethiso - irritate). As R. s. ch. arr. such substances, which, due to their volatility or easy solubility in lipoids (or both properties), easily penetrate the skin, a. namely iodine tincture, ammonia, chloroform, alcohol, various volatile essential oils, turpentine, mustard oil, etc. However, among R. s. There are also substances that are difficult to penetrate into the skin, for example. cantharidin. Because all these substances are very different in their chemistry. composition and structure, then chemical. or pharm. classification of R. s. very difficult (see below). When exposed to R. s. one should distinguish between ‘having therapy. meaning: a) a local reaction that occurs at the site of application, b) a reflex reaction that occurs in organs remote from the site of irritation, and c) no therapy. significance of the reaction associated with the absorption and intake of R. from. into the blood. This last effect, a side effect in relation to the therapeutic one, if it is expressed strongly enough, can lead to poisoning (cf. the danger of kidney damage when absorbing cantharidin). The local pre-action, accessible to direct observation, has always attracted the greatest attention, at one time serving as the basis for the doctrine of R. s as distracting. This local reaction, depending on the choice of remedy, and Ch. arr. depending on the duration of its use, leads to varying degrees of irritation, ranging from mild, quickly transient redness and swelling of the skin to severe inflammation with the formation of blisters, suppuration, ulcers and scabs (for a detailed description of the process of skin irritation, see Dermatitis, signs of dermatitis and dermatitis of exogenous origin). Due to the fact that to obtain a certain degree or nature of irritation, some substances were used: and are used preferentially over others, a classification of R. with arose long ago, the edges can be called clinical. It distinguishes: 1) R. s., causing redness of the skin, rubefaeientia, for example. essential mustard oil; 2) R. with, causing the formation of blisters, “blisters”, vesicantia, for example. cantharidin; 3) R. e., causing the formation of pustules, pustulantia, or suppurantia; “suppurative” R. s., which are not used in modern medicine, include croton oil, tartar emetic, etc. The strong effect of some R. s. (for example, ammonia) leads to tissue death, i.e., an effect characteristic of the group of cauterizing agents, caustika, s. necrotica, s.escharotica. Experimental studies in recent years have revealed significant differences in the processes of skin irritation caused by various substances, and therefore Heubner (Heubner, 1925) proposed Pharmakol. classification of R. s. The latter, meaning not only R. s. (i.e. pharmacotherapeutic group), but R. substances in general, strives to divide the latter according to the signs of their predominant action into certain tissue elements. This classification distinguishes: 1) poisons that irritate sensitive nerve endings (for example, veratrine, the active principles of pepper and paprika; 2) cellular poisons (for example, cantharidin); 3) capillary poisons (eg dionin); 4) capillary and. nerve poisons (eg histamine); 5) cellular poisons with a simultaneous effect on. capillaries (eg arsenic, mustard gas); 6) cellular poisons with a simultaneous effect on capillaries and nerve endings (for example, essential mustard oil). Strict differentiation of individual groups - R. s. however, it is not possible, since when cellular elements are damaged, decay products are formed (histamine or similar active substances), which can be active in relation to nervous and vascular elements. Because at the same time the therapist. their use is still based on Chap. arr. to empirical data, then the wedge, classification continues to retain its significance. Showing a’n and I for the application of R. s. very diverse. Despite the complexity of the effect they cause, it is still possible to highlight in some cases of this application the predominant significance of irritation of sensitive nerve endings, i.e., a reflex reaction, and in others
hi—inflammatory irritation, i.e. cellular and vascular reactions. Vigorous irritation of a limited area of ​​the body surface with a chemical. agents are used for the purpose of reflex stimulation of “vital centers” in conditions characterized by acute weakening of breathing, blood circulation and loss of consciousness (fainting, drug poisoning, etc.). Being the fastest and most accessible measure, it is often quite effective, and in cases where subcutaneous administration of various excitantia and analeptica (caffeine, camphor, etc.) may be ineffective due to a sharp impairment of absorption and blood circulation, it has a special advantage. Since in the conditions considered here, excitation of the centers of the medulla oblongata is of particular importance, the choice of the place of stimulation is determined by those reflexogenic zones from which this excitation is especially easily caused. Most often, irritation of the mucous membranes of the nose is used, for example, sniffing ammonia, less often - the mouth, for example. pouring a few drops of cognac into the mouth. Despite the fact that the method of application of R. s. on mucous membranes, for theoretical reasons, could be considered separately (Cobert identifies an independent group of agents that irritate the mucous membranes - phlegmerethistica, from the Greek phlegma - mucus), it is quite similar in its mechanism of action to skin irritation. Among skin irritants, mustard plaster is often used in these cases, which is usually placed on the heart or epigastric region. A similar reflex effect is produced by fairly strong mechanical irritation (for example, tapping the back of the hand), and in certain manipulations used in cases of fainting, elements of all three of these methods of irritation can be found (for example, rubbing the temples with cologne—mechanical and chemical irritation of the skin and chemical irritation of the nasal mucosa). Along with intense, but short-term, and b. or m. strictly localized will apply *1T. niya R. s. They are also used for the purpose of moderate stimulation (resp. toning) of the central nervous system in general, especially the autonomic innervation and its trophic function, for which less intense but longer-lasting irritation of large skin surfaces is used. The latter can directly lead to improved well-being and a feeling of vigor and strength (“Lustgefiihl” and “Kraftgefuhl” by Goldscheider). Indications for such use R. s. usually coincide with indications for various physical therapy. procedures (see Hydrotherapy, Massage, Physiotherapy) and partly cope with them. So, rubbing with aromatic vinegar, aromatic alcohol, etc. in weak patients, especially during prolonged febrile conditions, rubbing in green soap, ointments with a small content of turpentine, etc. in outpatient patients (often with various tbc forms). Especially often R. s. apply ъ in order to calm pain, and given the uncertainty of the mechanism of their analgesic action, some authors (Richaud) still consider it possible to justify the previous names of R. s. their meaning as “more responsive”. Since this “pain distraction” occurs when the sensitive nervous elements of the skin are irritated, there is no doubt that its mechanism involves a reflex effect on the central nervous system, changing its reaction to impulses coming from the main painful focus. Pain relief, as observations of a number of medical generations have shown, is achieved with particular success at certain ratios of the localization of pain and the place of application of R. with, and it must be assumed that in this effect those processes of interaction between the skin and visceral innervation, which occur in within the same segment of the spinal cord. The possibility of such interaction became clear after the works of Ged, Mekenzie, Vernoe and other authors (see. Symptomatic pain & Autonomic nervous system- afferent pathways and reflexes, Geda zone). These works established that in diseases of internal organs, zones of increased sensitivity arise in certain areas of the skin surface. The emergence of Hed's zones is explained by the irradiation of excitation from sensitive conductors coming from the internal organs to those nerve cells that receive impulses from the corresponding area of ​​​​the skin. The same irradiation explains the ability to localize pain in cases of damage to internal organs. Comparison of the localization of Ted zones and skin areas,
which in diseases of the internal organs have traditionally been and are selected for R.'s application, speaks extremely convincingly in favor of the segmental nature of the “painkiller” reflex. In addition to changes in the reactivity of the central nervous system, skin irritation can reflexively affect And. processes occurring in the diseased organ itself. Because the origin of pain is internal. organs and skeletal muscles, an important role is played by changes in their blood supply associated with fluctuations in the lumen of blood vessels, and spasmodic. muscle contractions, then the analgesic effect of R. s. may also depend on reflex vasodilation: and relaxation of the muscle/patient, organ. With little knowledge, on the one hand, anat.-physiol. the substrate of cutaneous-visceral reflexes, and on the other hand, the nature of those stalemate. processes on which a reflex effect is possible to one degree or another, the use of R. s. (as well as their choice and “dosage”) continues to remain empirical.—Local effect of R. s. used in dermato-. logzi in cases where they strive to cause blood flow to the affected area of ​​the skin, and in some cases, to aggravate a sluggish inflammatory process. Therapy requires special consideration. use of inflammatory (or near-inflammatory) irritation of healthy skin. It was widely used in the past and is often used in modern medicine, most often in inflammatory processes in various internal organs. If in the past it was believed that skin hyperemia caused by R. s. is capable of “diverting” blood from the underlying organ, then, according to Bier, on the contrary, it extends to the underlying organs (an opinion that is associated with such an outstanding pharmacologist, like N. Meyer), and therefore can lead to a reduction in pain and resolution of the inflammatory process in these organs, similar to what occurs with hyperemia caused by heat or other techniques (see. Vira method). Therapist. the significance of inflammatory skin irritation is explained in the present. time and the fact that at the site of irritation various products of increased metabolism and cellular decay are formed; the latter, due to the increased permeability of the vessels of the inflammatory focus, easily enter the blood and, being very active in their ability to play the role of agents, do not. n. nonspecific therapy, give an effect similar to parenteral administration of a foreign protein, autohemotherapy, etc. (Petersen et al.). * Special studies devoted to the question of the action of R. s. and skin irritation in general on the number of leukocytes in the circulating blood did not give consistent results: some authors observed an increase, others a fall, and some a decrease followed by an increase in the number of leukocytes. Since protein therapy measures usually result in a consistent decrease in pain and improvement in well-being, it should be noted that a similar effect of R. s. In addition to the above-mentioned reflex effect, it can also occur in this way. To confirm these views, Peterson, Weichardt and others also refer to the fact that the use of P. s. has become widespread for the same diseases, for which protein therapy has been especially readily used in recent years (various rheumatic and rheumatoid diseases, etc.). The peculiarity of the nonspecific effect when using R. with, in contrast to protein therapy, is that it is direct only in relation to skin tissue, while the humoral effect occurs indirectly, due to the absorption of substances formed during skin irritation. Therefore, R. s. can be considered as agents that enhance the immune function of the skin, presented in the teachings of. n. esophylaxis.—To cause inflammatory or similar type of action, skin irritation is used. image, rubefacientia (lubricating the skin with iodine tincture or applying mustard plasters, which gives a more intense and longer-lasting effect); Vesi-cantia (Spanish fly preparations) is used much less frequently. Pustulantia, used in old medicine, was abandoned altogether, because... causing suppuration of the skin makes the doctor’s task extremely difficult and should be considered contraindicated. Ability R. s. give an effect similar to that achieved with protein therapy, makes clear the breadth of indications for their use, which occurred in old medicine, which incorrectly interpreted their method of action, and at the same time destroys the skeptical attitude towards them that existed before last ten
years, when the method of this action was unclear. All of the above speaks of the extreme diversity of processes that arise when using R. with, and thereby the difficulty of analyzing therapy. the roles of individual processes. The fact that V In the pursuit of a therapeutic effect, it is advisable to use all these processes, which is well proven by the fact that the most favorite (in other words, empirically the most preferred) of the applied R. s. is mustard oil, (resp. mustard plasters), which, as follows from numerous studies (see Heubner's classification above), has the most versatile effect on the skin.—Protivindications for the use of R. with . are, first of all, diseases of the skin itself that limit the use of R. with. at the site of existing irritation, a state of increased sensitivity of the skin to irritation (the latter can be selective in nature - cf. intolerance to iodine, etc.), as well as diseases of the body that can impair the reversibility (resp. healing) of irritation (for example, diabetes , in which there is a tendency to gangrene of the skin), why the use of R. with special care is required. in weak patients in general. Repeated or long-term use of R. with is also contraindicated, especially in cases of use of those drugs that can be absorbed in quantities sufficient to give a resorptive effect (cf. irritation and inflammation of the kidneys when using a blister plaster, as well as turpentine). In cases where this danger does not occur, it should be repeated when using R. with. change the location of the irritation to avoid severe skin inflammation, which can lead to difficult-to-heal ulcers. Of the individual groups of R. s. identified by various authors. The following groups (according to Cobert) are of particular importance: 1) salts (brine, sea, mud baths); 2) acids, mainly volatile: carbon dioxide (natural and artificial carbon dioxide baths), formic acid and acetic acid; 3) alkali, both volatile (ammonia) and non-volatile (potash, soda, sulfur liver, green soap); 4) iodine; 5) essential oils, resins, balms, camphor (mustard, rosemary oil, turpentine, camphor, etc.). This group includes numerous R. s. traditional medicine, such as garlic juice, mashed onion and many others; 6) Spanish flies. R. s. are used. most often in the form of liquids or liquid ointments, and substances that are often themselves capable of causing skin irritation (water, liquid paraffins, fatty and essential oils, alcohol, chloroform, etc.) are used as vehicula, as well as in the form of b . or m. thick ointments, plasters, ointment sticks and pastes. One of R.'s most favorite products is mustard flour, which is usually used in the form of mustard paper. Lit.: Bier A., ​​Treatment of congestive hyperemia, St. Petersburg, 1908; Novitsky P., On the distracting effect of local skin irritants, dissertation, St. Petersburg, 1880; Cobet R., Uber die Wertbestimmung von Hautreiz-mitteln, Munch, med. Wochenschr., 1923, p. 161; Gold-. scheiderA., Uber die Bedeutung jder Hautreize fur die Therapie, Ztschr. f. rhysikal. Therap., B. XLII, 1932; Heubner W., Zur Pharmakologie der Reizstoffe, Arch. f. Pathol. u. experiment. Pharmakol., B. CVII, 1925; Petersen W.u. "Weichardt, Proteintherapie, V., 1923; Sametinger E., Die Wlrkung von Iod-tinktur u. Senfol auf den Gaswechsel und die Durch-blutung der Haut, Arch. f. Pathol. u. exper. Pharmakol., B. CLIX, 1931. &B. Karasik.

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Chemical irritation of the skin is one of the types of reactions of the dermis in response to exposure to chemically active substances. Such irritation cannot be ignored. The fact is that even a small amount of chemicals that come into contact with the skin can cause significant damage to it. You should not expect chemical irritation to go away on its own. It is even possible that an area of ​​skin may die and that it will not be able to recover on its own.

Chemical skin irritation should be distinguished from a chemical burn. Thus, during chemical irritation, the deep layers of the skin are not damaged and the layer of stem cells, which are responsible for the creation of new tissue, is not captured.

Symptoms of chemical irritation are as follows:

Severe redness of a limited area of ​​skin. The color returns to normal quite slowly, on average it takes from 4 to 24 hours.

A local increase in body temperature in the area where the chemical has entered.

Swelling of the skin.

Short-term painful sensations of low intensity may occur. Sometimes irritation is accompanied by burning and itching of the skin.

Peeling of the skin intensifies several days after exposure to the chemical substance on the skin. This is explained by the fact that the damaged epidermis is being renewed.

It should be noted that chemical skin irritation does not require medical attention if the symptoms go away on their own after 4-5 days. If, in addition to the listed symptoms, blisters appear on the skin, then we are talking about a chemical burn. In this case, medical consultation is mandatory.

Causes of chemical skin irritation

The causes of chemical irritation of the skin come down to exposure to certain chemicals.

The following types are distinguished:

Acids, including: acetic, citric, hydrochloric, salicylic, oxalic and boric. Irritation upon contact with a small amount of the substance is not extensive; a dense crust may form on the skin.

Gases, including: vapors of phenol, gasoline, alkalis, acids, mustard gas, methyl bromide. Skin irritation when gases come into contact with it is most often not severe, but quite extensive.

Some medications, for example, Metrogyl gel, Zinerit, Baziron, Benzoyl peroxide. Irritation occurs when these products are used incorrectly, especially when they are applied excessively to the skin.

Skin irritation is possible due to prolonged exposure to antibiotics. Pharmacists, doctors, and nurses are most often exposed to this type of irritation. Irritation occurs with prolonged skin contact with streptomycin, penicillin and other antibacterial agents. Skin irritation may occur after applying gray mercury ointment to it.

It is possible that chemical irritation may occur on the skin after contact with certain plants, for example, primrose flowers, leaves of figs, parsnips, plants of the ranunculaceae family, etc. In this regard, tropical and meadow plants are especially dangerous.

Separately, you should consider chemical irritation of the skin after applying cosmetics to it (creams, masks, foams, lotions, tonics, peelings, etc.). Irritation may arise due to the fact that they may contain low-quality components that unscrupulous manufacturers used to create their own product. Sometimes skin irritation is due to the fact that an expired product has been applied to it.

Metals and metal salts, petroleum and mineral oils, paints and alkalis can cause chemical burns. In this case, urgent medical attention is necessary, as the skin damage will be quite deep.

Treatments for chemical skin irritations

Treatment of chemical skin irritation comes down to competent first aid to the victim. First of all, it is necessary to remove as much as possible the chemical agent that caused the unwanted reaction. To do this, place your skin under a stream of cool boiled or distilled water. If this is not possible, then ordinary running water will do. The minimum duration of washing the damaged surface is 5 minutes. You should not delay this procedure, since the speed of elimination of irritation depends on the timely provision of first aid.

The following tips can help eliminate chemical skin irritation:

It is important that the damaged skin is not exposed to soil particles, house dust, or any biological fluid (saliva or blood of an animal or person). This is the only way to prevent skin infection. To do this, an aseptic bandage is applied to the skin. It is best to use a bandage for this purpose.

If a person experiences discomfort, pain or burning, then you can take a tablet of Citramon, Nimesulide, Meloxicam or another NSAID.

As soon as the opportunity arises, an antiseptic and wound-healing ointment should be applied to the irritated surface of the skin: Bepanten, Levomethyl, Levomekol, D-panthenol. After this, the skin must be bandaged again.

Ointments with silver salts - Argedine and Argosulfan - help speed up tissue restoration after chemical irritation.

It should be taken into account that chemical irritation should not be eliminated using folk remedies. The reaction between chemical components and plant substances can be completely unpredictable, so there is a risk of deeper tissue damage.

To eliminate chemical irritation of the skin, it is important to know which products act as neutralizers for certain substances:

Phosphorus must be removed from the skin with water by completely immersing it in liquid.

Alkali cannot be neutralized with acids, and acids with alkali. If you ignore this rule, even more heat will be released, which will lead to increased irritation.

Before applying a bandage, the wound should be washed for at least 15 minutes. If this is not done, the chemical (even a small amount) under the bandage can burn through the tissue to the bone.

It is forbidden to treat the irritated surface with hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or potassium permanganate. Each of these solutions can harm the skin.

A popular method of traditional medicine is to apply badger or bear fat to the irritated surface. However, this should not be done, as it creates an excellent environment for the proliferation of bacteria and microbes, which will contribute to the development of suppuration.

Chemical skin irritations can be eliminated yourself at home if you act correctly. If no improvement is observed after 3-4 days, you should definitely consult a doctor.

Author of the article: Kuzmina Vera Valerievna | Nutritionist, endocrinologist

Education: Diploma from Russian State Medical University named after. N.I. Pirogov, specialty “General Medicine” (2004). Residency at the Moscow State Medical and Dental University, diploma in Endocrinology (2006).