Rash Dermatitis
It is a delayed allergic contact dermatitis caused by urushiol, the main ingredient of urushi, and when the oil secreted by lacquer tree adheres to the skin, a rash with itching and blistering occurs in many people (about 85%).
After repeated exposure, the skin becomes resistant (like an immune system) to it and symptoms almost disappear.
Contents for this article
Symptoms
The following is a summary of the results of a questionnaire (322 people in total) from the "Research on Lacquer Rash in the Urushi Industry".
Itching, red swelling, burning, blistering, etc.
Part of the body
Hands, arms, weak skin areas, face, neck, whole body, etc.
Degree
Mild (erythema) 43.6%, moderate (erythema/edema) 36.2%, severe (erythema/edema/blistering) 20.2%
Duration of disease onset
35.5% most often within 1 month, 5.2% within 1 day at the shortest, 61.1% total up to 7 days, with more than half of the rashes occurring within 7 days.
Duration of healing
7.3% within 2~3 days, 57.7% within 2 weeks, and 42.% within 1 month or more.
It can be inferred that lacquer tends to cause rashes and is difficult to heal.
If the rash is repeated, it becomes like chronic eczema. Inappropriate treatment can also result in a spray rash.
Urushi rash. (June 2024)
Treatment
If you are certain that you have been in contact with urushi and the rash is localized, you can treat it at home.
| 1. | Immediately wash the skin of the contacted area with warm water and soap. |
|---|---|
| 2. | Wash all clothing worn at the time of contact. |
| 3. | Wash all items that may have been exposed to urushi/lacquer tree (e.g., gardening tools, golf clubs, dog leashes, pet hair). |
| 4. | Do not scratch the rash. |
| 5. | Do not break a blister. |
| 6. | Take a warm bath with colloidal oatmeal or baking soda, or a short cold shower. |
| 7. | Apply carmine lotion for itching, hydrocortisone for mild cases, and cold compresses. |
| 8. | Antihistamines to reduce itching, but not topical antihistamines, which may aggravate the rash and itching. |
Urushi rash usually heals in 1~3 weeks, but if there is no improvement after 7~10 days or if you suspect a bacterial infection, you should see a doctor.
If there is breathing difficulty, difficulty swallowing, swelling, or numerous rashes or blisters, it is recommended to go to the emergency room immediately.
Medical Remedy
The following is a summary of the relevant sections from "Research on Research on Urushi Rash in the Urushi Industry"
A generalized, generalized, scattering rash may occur during periods of severe inflammation or inadequate treatment (autosensitized eczema). Treatment is divided into acute and chronic phases.
Acute Phase
| ・ | Use strong topical steroids, with cold compresses if erythema, swelling, burning, or burning sensation is severe. |
|---|---|
| ・ | Apply tincture oil to serous papules, blisters, and erosions. Zinc ointment when crusting occurs. |
| ・ | Prolonged use of topical steroids is absolutely contraindicated in the treatment of facial lesions. |
| ・ | Short-term use of steroids to quickly alleviate pain |
|---|---|
| ・ | Antihistamines, anti-allergic agents, and anti-inflammatory drugs |
| ・ | Intravenous glycyrrhizin |
Chronic Phase
When itching is severe, antihistamines and antiallergic agents should be taken. Long-term use of topical steroids requires attention to prevent fungal infections and secondary infections.
References
2024.05.14
2024.06.23