Allergies are considered common. Various causes can lead to the appearance of an ailment. Often it appears due to the use of certain medications. Iodine allergy is a common type of intolerance. She has her own symptoms that cannot be confused with other allergic reactions. How an allergy to iodine is manifested and how to treat it is described in the article.
Causes
Iodine is a low molecular weight substance (halogen), which in itself is not considered an allergen. But after penetration into the body, it becomes a hapten, increased molecular weight due to the reaction with high molecular weight proteins. In the body, conjugated immunoglobulins of class E are formed, with which sensitization is triggered.
External signs at the first contact usually do not appear. Only with repeated exposure to an allergen does an active allergy mediator release into the bloodstream. It manifests itself on medication. This list consists of:
- potassium iodide and sodium;
- lugol;
- alcohol solution of iodine;
- medications to treat the thyroid gland;
- antiseptics;
- radiopaque agents;
- drugs for arrhythmia.
The effect of iodine on each person is reflected in different ways. The development of an unpleasant state occurs in stages:
- The iodine-containing product is converted to the form that is required for synthesis with high molecular weight proteins.
- The formation of allergic immunoglobulins.
- The immune system triggers reactions that provoke external manifestations of allergies.
Many medicines have iodine. As indicated in the instructions for use, "Iodomarin" 200 mg is effective for iodine deficiency. In this case, care must be taken, since the remedy can cause allergies. As described in the instructions for use, "Iodomarin" 200 mg is not used for hyperthyroidism, toxic thyroid adenoma, herpetiform dermatitis Dühring.
Manifestation
How is iodine allergy manifested? Iododermatitis is detected after external use of funds with iodine. It manifests itself in the form:
- pink or red rashes;
- itchy skin;
- blisters with serous fluid inside;
- flushing of the skin;
- polymorphic erythema;
- bullous dermatitis.
These are skin symptoms of an iodine allergy. But they are also systemic. How is iodine allergy manifested? With an allergic reaction , the appearance of:
- increasing shortness of breath;
- swelling of the face;
- difficulty breathing;
- bronchospasm;
- arrhythmias.
These are the main symptoms of how an iodine allergy manifests itself. Severe manifestations of the disease include angioedema and anaphylactic shock. Allergies are usually mild or moderate. A great threat to health arises from the intravenous administration of contrast agents. Such procedures should be carried out only by an experienced and competent specialist.
Jodism
A side effect of an allergy is iodism, which has specific symptoms. The appearance of:
- taste of metal in the mouth;
- pain in the mouth;
- allergic rhinitis;
- increased salivation;
- slight burning sensation in the airways;
- hyperemia of the sclera and lacrimation of the eyes;
- allergic rash;
- toxic dermatitis.
With iodism, there may be intestinal disorders, fever. Similar symptoms can occur with prolonged use of iodine-containing drugs.
Diagnostics
Does a person have an iodine allergy? How to check? To do this, pass a simple test. An iodine alcohol solution is applied with a cotton swab to thin skin. If redness or a rash occurs on this site during the day, this is a confirmation of a predisposition to allergies. In the absence of a trace in the body there is a lack of trace elements.
In clinical conditions, it is necessary to perform diagnostics before the planned introduction of iodine-based radiopaque agents. For this, the necessary medication is administered in a small dose. If there are no pathological symptoms, and good health is observed, then the diagnosis can be continued. If symptoms of an allergic reaction are identified, they must be eliminated with antihistamines, and then a suitable contrast medium should be selected.
During the diagnosis, age and the presence of chronic pathologies are of particular importance, in which there may be an iodine allergy:
- bronchial asthma;
- hyperthyroidism;
- heart and vascular diseases;
- age from 60 years.
A substantial diagnostic method is skin tests. After such an event, the doctor may prescribe an effective treatment method.
Therapy
How to treat an iodine allergy? She is treated according to a similar principle as the other forms of the disease. First, you need to limit the intake of allergen in the body - iodine. The use of drugs with this trace element must be discontinued. This is necessary to neutralize the accumulation of iodine in the body.
To stop the symptoms, the doctor prescribes drug therapy, which includes taking several drugs:
- Antihistamines - “Loratadina”, “Telfast”, “Tsetrina”, “Erius”.
- For emergency care, 1st generation drugs are used - Diphenhydramine, Suprastin.
- Enterosorbents - Polysorb, Smecta, Atoxil.
Do not self-medicate. Any drug should be prescribed by a doctor. They are also prescribed the dosage and duration of treatment. Only following the above rules will it be possible to eliminate an allergy to iodine.
Iodism treatment
If the ailment proceeds in the form of iodism, then a special treatment regimen is prescribed:
- It is necessary to exclude all iodine-containing agents.
- Requires taking antihistamines or injecting them.
- A course of 10 sessions of intravenous injection of calcium chloride is performed.
- Probiotics are taken to restore intestinal microflora - Linex, Bifilife.
A treatment course prescribed by a doctor will eliminate the symptoms of an iodine allergy. Therapy for iodism gives excellent results.
Elimination of skin symptoms
Skin manifestations are eliminated by anti-inflammatory, regenerating external agents:
- "Gistanom."
- Fenistilom.
- "Solcoseryl."
- Desitin.
With the development of anaphylactic shock, emergency qualified assistance is needed, intravenous administration of antishock agents - Adrenaline, Dexamethasone. With severe bronchial spasm, which violates the respiratory function, the surgeon performs a tracheotomy and a special tube is inserted.
Diet
With iododermatitis, it is necessary to exclude the use of food in which this component is present in large quantities. Such a substance is contained in:
- sea kale;
- hake;
- cod liver;
- freshwater fish;
- side;
- salmon
- flounder.
Iodine is present in shrimp, sea bass, mackerel, cod, herring. It is advisable to consult a doctor about nutrition. You need to know the exact list of products that are acceptable for consumption.
ethnoscience
Similar remedies are common among many people who prefer natural remedies rather than pharmaceutical medicines. There are recipes to eliminate the itching that appeared from drugs containing iodine.
Coconut oil is the best way to eliminate itchy skin. It is enough to apply it in a small amount to painful areas. Vaseline is also used, with which itching is not only eliminated, but skin irritation is reduced - you just need to apply it with a thin layer to the rash site.
Itching is eliminated with baking soda. To do this, prepare the slurry: dilute 3 parts of baking soda with 1 part of water. The paste is applied to the itchy place. But do not use the product on damaged or combed skin. Traditional medicine is considered effective and safe.
Iodine replacement
If you are allergic to iodine - how to replace it? Zelenka is suitable for treating wounds. It is advisable to consult with a specialist about a suitable drug. The analogues of iodine include:
- Fine crystalline iodine.
- Iodinol.
- Alcohol "Iodine".
Each drug is accompanied by instructions. You must read it before using any medium. Active ingredients, indications and contraindications are indicated there. Compliance with the instructions will prevent the occurrence of side effects.
Prevention
If an allergy has arisen, getting rid of it will be difficult, and sometimes impossible. But it will be possible to minimize exacerbation of the disease, if you do not allow contact with allergens. Prevention measures include:
- checking the composition of drugs for the presence of iodine;
- prohibition of seafood;
- careful selection of antiseptics, as they can also contain iodine;
- with an allergy to iodine, there may be a cross allergy to chlorine, fluorine, bromine, so contact with them should also be limited.
Diagnosis with the introduction of contrast fluid with iodine is not carried out with:
- pregnancy
- hemorrhagic vasculitis;
- severe diabetes mellitus;
- thyroid pathology;
- bronchial asthma;
- atopic dermatitis;
- renal failure;
- dehydration.
The manifestation of an iodine allergy can be corrected if drugs and products with these components are excluded. In some cases, you can replace it. In any case, the manifestation of the symptoms of the disease is the reason for contacting a specialist. He will tell you about ways to correct your lifestyle, and choose the best treatment option. Thanks to effective therapy, iodine allergy can be eliminated.