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One of the most complex and at the same time important problems of modern medicine are diseases of the skin and its appendages. And this is no coincidence. After all, the human skin is one of the most mysterious structures of the body. They are characterized by a special structure, regulatory mechanisms and many important functions. One of them is to provide an aesthetic appearance, which cannot but be relevant for modern society. Especially for the female half.
But the world around us is not entirely friendly towards the human body, constantly presenting insidious surprises. It is the skin, as one of the barriers, that is the first to participate in the process of protecting and separating vital systems and organs from harmful environmental agents. Of course, the main blow of external aggression falls on it. So there are various dermatological diseases, one of which is oral dermatitis.
Description of the disease
Peroral dermatitis is a pathological process, the mechanism of which is an inflammatory lesion of the skin around the mouth, chin and adjacent areas of the face, manifested by papular-spotted rashes. The definition is so simple and clear that it would seem that it reveals all the information about this disease, excluding any relevance of its further description. But this is far from true. After all, a lot of different skin lesions in a given area or other, more complex processes in which such dermatitis is only a small symptom can be characterized in exactly the same way. This fact becomes the reason why it becomes expedient to describe the basics of development and criteria for diagnosing this disease.
Another important point in the definition of this type of dermatitis and the separation of concepts is the presence of its other names. In medical circles, it is called oral dermatitis, which is the correct concept. But given the fact that in everyday life the disease is called oral dermatitis, this material is written taking into account the terminology of ordinary people.
Symptoms of oral dermatitis
The clinical picture of the disease is quite bright and specific. But in order not to miss other types of dermatitis, it is subject to a clear systematization. Symptoms of oral dermatitis are reduced exclusively to local manifestations. There are no general reactions of the body. The main symptom is rash. They have clear features that are characteristic only for this process.
Localization. Corresponds to the area located around the mouth and lips. A specific criterion is the presence between the red border of the lip and the beginning of the zone of rashes of a clear whitish strip of unchanged skin.
Prevalence. In addition to the perioral area, rashes can spread to the chin, nasolabial triangle and to the sides of the corners of the mouth. They never appear in more remote areas.
Amount. At the beginning of dermatitis, individual elements of a rash appear on the chin in the form of single papules (pimples.) In the case of progression of the process, their expansion occurs. They begin to appear simultaneously in all areas, grouping into island formations.
Character. This is perhaps the most central feature on which the verification of the diagnosis is based. Rashes are characterized by relative polymorphism (consist of many elements.) Primary – maculopapular, in the form of small pimples, slightly rising above the surface of the skin. May be filled at the top with a small amount of clear liquid. Over time, they turn into crusts and peeling of the skin.
Color and size. The papules themselves are whitish, located against the background of red spots. The diameter of the first does not exceed 2-3 mm, the second can spread in the form of strips that merge with each other without clear boundaries.
related processes. They occur in the case of an aggressive course of oral dermatitis or its inadequate treatment. Manifested in the form of development of pustular lesions of the skin, its irritation, weeping with aggravation of inflammatory changes.
Causes of oral dermatitis
Modern science has not been able to establish clear etiological (causal) factors of this disease. But the studies carried out clearly established the natural facts:
Mostly women are ill, and therefore they are at risk.
The anamnesis is almost always aggravated by the simultaneous use of several types of cosmetic products for facial skin care (tonal, moisturizing creams, scrubs, etc.)
Long-term use of ointments based on glucocorticoid hormones, especially fluorinated compounds (fluorocort, flucinar.) As a result, an immune imbalance occurs, which inevitably leads to the colonization of pathogenic microflora on the surface of thinned skin. This refers to the side effects of these dosage forms. Interestingly, oral dermatitis occurs after the abrupt cessation of their application.
General immune disorders, manifested by allergic reactions and autoimmune processes in the body. As a rule, such patients are prone to oral dermatitis.
Diseases of the digestive system and its dysfunction. Occurs in 37% of patients.
All these facts indicate that oral dermatitis is a polyetiological (multifactorial) disease, which is based on an infectious process against the background of a violation of local protective skin reactions.
Oral dermatitis in children
In the structure of the general morbidity for this pathology, pediatric patients account for no more than 5-7%. This is due to the fact that children do not use cosmetic and hormonal ointments. The exception is teenagers. This age group is prone to oral dermatitis for the following reasons:
hormonal changes in the body, which are often accompanied by a violation of the structure of the skin and its functioning;
frequent development of various variants of pustular lesions of the skin of the face, which requires the use of hormonal ointments;
immune imbalance in a growing organism;
hypovitaminosis caused by an increased need for nutrients.
There were no differences in the clinical course of oral dermatitis in children and adults.
Treatment of oral dermatitis
Despite the fact that no clear causes of the disease have been identified, many years of efforts and observations still managed to achieve good results in its treatment. The main secret is an exceptionally comprehensive approach, which includes:
refusal of all types of cosmetics at the time of exacerbation of the process. The duration of this event is several weeks, possibly even months. The skin needs to rest and acquire a new structure;
categorical refusal to use hormone-containing ointments on the skin of the face. But still, if it happens that the patient is already using them, they cannot be abruptly canceled. This is inevitably the strongest exacerbation of the inflammatory process. It is necessary to gradually reduce the number and frequency of their application;
diet therapy. Nutrition must be correct in all respects. Fried, smoked, spicy dishes and spices are excluded. Food should be more plant-based with a high content of vitamins and cooked in boiled form;
antihistamines. Thanks to their action, a reduction in puffiness and puffiness of the face is achieved.
antibacterial drugs – as prescribed by a doctor.
Local therapy with ointments. A very good result is observed against the background of their application. As for the local application of glucocorticoids, they should not be used, with the exception of a strong exacerbation of oral dermatitis against the background of a sudden withdrawal syndrome.
treatment of the skin with aqueous solutions of antiseptics in case of secondary complications of an infectious nature.
Only such an approach to the correctness of therapeutic measures for oral dermatitis can help to get rid of this unwanted guest forever.
Take care of your skin and then it will take care of you!