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Allergic contact stomatitis is inflammation caused by contact with sensitizing agents. Toothpastes, mouthwashes, dentures and some spices may be the most allergenic. Allergic contact inflammation manifests itself as swelling and redness in the lining of the mouth, accompanied by pain and burning, especially when eating.
A few words about allergic contact stomatitis
It is a minor and rare inflammation that occurs as a result of contact with sensitizing agents. Usually passes quickly. However, there are situations in which an allergic reaction is the cause of an immediate threat to life. The most common allergen in this case is food.
The causes of allergic contact stomatitis
In fact, inflammation can be caused by many factors (in theory). However, as practice shows, inflammation is most often caused by food, such as eggs and nuts. In addition, chemical compounds (especially drugs), gases, dust and dental prostheses play an important role. Also in dentistry, anti-inflammatory agents that can sensitize and heavy metals, such as mercury, which are found in dentures, are used. In addition to the drugs that most often cause inflammation are disinfectants and penicillin.
Symptoms of allergic contact stomatitis
Allergic contact stomatitis causes severe burning and itching in patients. In addition, the formation of swellings, ulcers, erythematous and lichenoid changes is observed. Blisters may form. The range of symptoms is therefore very large. At the beginning of inflammation, the patient experiences a tingling and burning sensation, after which swelling and shine of the mucosa form. In some cases, the mucosa may peel off.
Contact stomatitis is considered a special case exudative erythema multiformey and Quincke’s angioedema.
Erythema exudative multiforme is a condition that is often a sign of the body’s hypersensitivity to chemicals, medications or viral agents. Erythema can occur in virtually any age group, regardless of gender (although the most severe form usually occurs in women). However, half of the erythema cases are diagnosed mostly in young people under 20 years of age. The onset of the disease is quite rapid, the first symptoms appear immediately after taking medications or as a result of an infection. Erythema multiforme can occur in several forms, ranging from the mildest to the most severe. The most dangerous, however, is necrolysis of the epidermis, which can even result in death due to pulmonary embolism and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Quincke’s angioedema is a type of allergic reaction similar to hives but with a much deeper location. In most people, it manifests itself as swelling of the subcutaneous tissue. The swelling is painful and diffuse (it has no clear boundaries). Most often it affects the face (eyelid, lips), but it can affect any part of the body, as well as the digestive, respiratory and urinary systems. Edema changes may persist for 1-3 days. Usually, the skin covering the swelling is pale, although it may sometimes appear erythematous. Swelling is not accompanied by itching; disappears without leaving a trace.
How to Treat Allergic Contact Dermatitis?
Diagnosis. Allergic contact dermatitis is diagnosed using patch tests.
In the treatment of allergic contact dermatitis, the most important thing is to eliminate the cause of the ailments and to administer anti-inflammatory, disinfecting and antiseptic preparations to the patient. In a few cases, attempts are made to treat with steroids and vascular sealants. Only in the case of exudative erythema multiforme, antibiotics, steroids, anesthetics and disinfectants are routinely given.
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- Changes in the oral mucosa due to allergies