The skin, as a very complex organ that is extraordinarily sensitive under certain conditions, can become diseased even in children, resulting in what is known as prurigo simplex acuta. Prurigo simplex acuta occurs predominantly in children from 2 to 10 years of age.
What is prurigo simplex acuta?
Behind prurigo simplex acuta is a disease of the skin, which has very different causes. Unlike other skin diseases, prurigo simplex acuta does not trigger general symptoms of illness. Prurigo simplex acuta progresses in episodes, within which both the skin appearance and the condition of the affected children deteriorate. In medicine, prurigo simplex acuta is also classified under the synonym strophulus infantum and is primarily based on exanthema.
Causes
The identification of the causes of prurigo simplex acuta has not progressed too far, so the actual triggers for prurigo simplex acuta are not yet clearly understood. It is assumed in connection with the development of Prurigo simplex acuta that external factors are responsible. In the case of the skin disease prurigo simplex acuta, these are based on pollen or dust particles or are possible defense reactions of the body against insect bites. In this respect, prurigo simplex acuta is characterized by a so-called atypical disposition of the affected child. Not only children, but also adults who already suffer from an asthmatic or excematous disease often show a tendency to prurigo simplex acuta. Other causes of prurigo simplex acuta include psychological overload, various metabolic diseases, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease or other pre-existing conditions. Pregnant women may also be affected by prurigo simplex acuta.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
Prurigo simplex acuta is a form of prurigo that affects only children usually between the ages of two and years. It is characterized by the sudden formation of papules on the skin that cause unbearable itching. General symptoms are not observed. The skin lesions usually appear in summer and fall and usually heal within a few days or weeks without scarring. However, recurrences may occur frequently. The cause is thought to be allergic reactions associated with parasite infestations, skin infections, or even digestive disorders. Therefore, prurigo simplex acuta may occur together with intestinal problems. The papules appear especially on the trunk and extremity extensor sides. The extreme itching causes children to scratch open the papules. Bleeding occurs all over. However, the extreme itching stops in the process. The actual disease is harmless and heals by itself. But due to the scratching of the skin florescences, secondary infections with staphylococci may occur. This results in numerous pustules covered with yellow bark. Nevertheless, there is no tendency to eczema formation in prurigo simplex acuta. The skin lesions heal again without leaving any traces or scarring. However, there is always the risk of a new attack. However, the older the children get, the milder the attacks become. From the age of eight, the skin eruptions then stop completely.
Diagnosis and course
In the course of prurigo simplex acuta, it is assumed that the symptoms that occur are very similar to an allergy. Patients complain of skin irritation in prurigo simplex acuta, which occurs primarily on the upper and lower extremities and on the trunk and back. Typical changes of the skin in prurigo simplex acuta are extensive redness, papules and either hyperpigmentation or “discoloration” of the affected areas as well as an almost unbearable itching. If the nodules present in prurigo simplex acuta are opened by scratching, the itching stops. A scab forms on the bloody papules in prurigo simplex acuta. A sequelae of prurigo simplex acuta is a blotchy appearance of the skin.
Complications
Due to prurigo simplex acuta, patients suffer from various skin complaints and diseases. These usually occur in early childhood.It is not uncommon for patients to suffer from bullying and teasing, which can lead to inferiority complexes or reduced self-esteem. The permanent discomfort on the skin promotes a feeling of discomfort in those affected, and it is not uncommon for them to feel ashamed. As a rule, prurigo simplex acuta on the skin leads to marked redness and the formation of papules. A rash may also develop, which is not infrequently associated with itching. Furthermore, small blisters also appear on the skin. Permanent scratching injures the skin, so that it can also lead to the formation of scars. The quality of life of the affected person is considerably reduced and limited by prurigo simplex acuta. As a rule, treatment can be carried out with the help of medication. This does not lead to complications. However, in many cases, sufferers are also dependent on psychological treatment. Life expectancy is not usually reduced by prurigo simplex acuta.
When should you see a doctor?
The condition prurigo simplex acuta should always be examined and treated by a doctor. Failure to do so may result in severe complications that can significantly reduce the quality of life of the affected person. Early diagnosis and treatment always have a positive effect on the further course of the disease. The doctor should be consulted if the patient suffers from the formation of papules with severe itching, which appear without any particular reason. Furthermore, digestive disorders may also occur. In some cases, the disease may also cause the formation of pustules. The symptoms of the disease may occur in episodes and disappear again on their own. However, even after the complete disappearance of the symptoms, a visit to a doctor is very useful. In the first place, prurigo simplex acuta can be diagnosed and treated by a general practitioner or by a pediatrician.
Treatment and therapy
Based on the visual assessment of the affected person and their description, a general diagnosis can first be made in prurigo simplex acuta. A differential diagnosis should exclude scabies (scabies), dermatitis, or atopic dermatitis. If the diagnosis of prurigo simplex acuta is unequivocal, a multi-faceted treatment is carried out. This is based first of all on the therapy of a previous disease that could be a trigger, which in the case of prurigo simplex acuta is carried out in combination with psychosomatic support. In addition to topical applications of ointments and creams with glucocorticoids, the treatment measures for prurigo simplex acuta also include antipruriginosa against the annoying itching. If these procedures do not achieve positive effects in prurigo simplex acuta, so-called tetracyclines and antimycotics are administered. In addition, antidepressants (effective against depressive episodes) or antihistamines (used for allergies) can be prescribed for the treatment of prurigo simplex acuta. Neuroleptic drugs have also proven effective against prurigo simplex acuta.
Prevention
Patients affected by certain diseases or treatments (dialysis) that are significant as causative triggers for prurigo simplex acuta should pay close attention to the condition of their skin and consult a specialist if they experience initial or suspected symptoms of prurigo simplex acuta. Young children should be protected from insect bites to avoid prurigo simplex acuta. If there are signs of hypersensitivity to specific allergenic substances, this should be clarified in order to avoid unnecessary exposure to the causes of prurigo simplex acuta. Other preventive measures against prurigo simplex acuta are unfortunately not yet known.
Follow-up
After successful treatment of prurigo simplex acuta, good follow-up care can be helpful in preventing recurrence of the skin condition. The focus should be on existing underlying diseases. In particular, diabetes mellitus, liver and/or hormonal diseases increase the likelihood of prurigo simplex acuta and must therefore be recognized and treated to prevent recurrence.For this purpose, examinations of the liver, sugar and hormone values in the blood should be carried out by the family doctor, which must be repeated at regular intervals for control purposes if one of the above-mentioned diseases is present. If there are poor hormone values, additional therapy should be carried out by an endocrinologist. Depending on the underlying disease, drug therapy may be necessary. If liver values are poor, alcohol should be avoided and a liver-healthy diet followed. This consists primarily of avoiding products with animal innards such as kidney, liver and blood sausage. In the case of diabetes mellitus, a low-sugar diet may be indicated in addition to abstaining from alcohol. In addition, particularly meticulous cleansing of the skin areas is recommended after prurigo simplex acuta. This applies in particular if a bacterial infection of the skin could not be ruled out as the cause of the skin disease. Daily and thorough showering, as well as regular hand disinfection, especially after being in public toilets, are necessary for this purpose.
This is what you can do yourself
Prurigo simplex acuta is a skin disease with an extreme itching. Therefore, scratching the papules brings relief because the itching is immediately quenched at the scratched area. However, the skin is injured and the disease is aggravated. Therefore, scratching should be avoided at all costs or should be done in a way that is gentle to the skin. This is particularly difficult to do in this disease. Major skin injuries from scratching can be avoided with short and filed fingernails without sharp edges. Scratching gloves can also help prevent major skin injuries. Itching can also be alleviated by cooling the itchy areas. This is primarily aided by the daily use of cooling lotions prescribed for this condition. These lotions are part of the normal therapy for prurigo simplex acuta. Moist and cooling compresses are also helpful. Cold showers can also reduce itching. The living space should be kept at a low temperature. It is also important to wear airy and breathable clothing. This also applies to bedding. Sometimes ice and cooling elements applied to the skin also help. However, it is then necessary to protect the skin from frostbite. Furthermore, the skin should not be washed with hot water. It is also important to avoid skin contact with skin-irritating substances such as solvents, cleaning agents containing alcohol, and the use of certain detergents.
