Allergic Reactions and Blood Vessel Ruptures: Causes and Solutions

Allergic symptoms

This summer, I suddenly developed an allergic reaction in the bends of both arms.
I visited a clinic and was prescribed a topical ointment that was too potent, which caused a large area of my skin to break down.
After switching to a milder ointment, the allergy stabilized, but I have experienced sudden occurrences of blood vessel rupture in the affected areas, appearing gradually without any scratching.
I am currently wearing long sleeves, making it difficult to determine the cause.
The symptoms of the allergy and the blood vessel rupture are new to me.
Additionally, I have measured my blood pressure at the hospital twice: the first reading was 146, and the second was 134, which is significantly higher than my usual readings of around 100.
However, I was under stress at that time and had insufficient sleep in the days leading up to the measurements.
I would like to ask: 1.
Is the allergy due to contact with something, or was it always present but triggered by an underlying issue? 2.
What could be the possible causes of the blood vessel rupture and purpura? Currently, I suspect it may be related to changes in weather and blood pressure.

tiwener e, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/02/25

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology

It is difficult to determine the cause from a literal description; a visit to a dermatologist for an examination is necessary for proper assessment.

Reply Date: 2023/02/25

More Info

Understanding allergic reactions and blood vessel ruptures can be complex, as both conditions can arise from various underlying factors. In your case, the sudden onset of allergic reactions on your arms, particularly in the flexural areas, could be attributed to several potential triggers.
1. Causes of Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions can be caused by contact with allergens, which can include substances like certain foods, medications, environmental factors (like pollen or dust mites), or topical agents (like creams or soaps). In your situation, it is possible that the strong ointment you initially used may have contained ingredients that your skin reacted to, leading to the allergic response. The switch to a milder ointment that stabilized your condition suggests that the initial product was likely a significant irritant or allergen for you.
Additionally, it is important to consider that allergies can develop over time. You might have been exposed to a substance previously without any reaction, but due to changes in your immune system or skin sensitivity, a reaction can occur later. Stress and lack of sleep, as you mentioned, can also exacerbate allergic responses by weakening the immune system.

2. Causes of Blood Vessel Ruptures (Purpura): The appearance of blood vessel ruptures, or purpura, can be linked to several factors. Common causes include:
- Trauma or Injury: Even minor bumps or pressure can lead to bruising, especially in sensitive areas like the arms.

- Blood Pressure Fluctuations: Elevated blood pressure, as you noted with readings of 146 and 134, can put additional stress on blood vessels, making them more prone to rupture. Stress and lack of sleep can contribute to these elevated readings.

- Vascular Health: Conditions affecting the integrity of blood vessels, such as vasculitis or other vascular disorders, can lead to increased susceptibility to ruptures.
- Medications: Certain medications, particularly blood thinners or those affecting platelet function, can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

- Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions such as thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), clotting disorders, or even vitamin deficiencies (like Vitamin C or K) can lead to easy bruising and blood vessel fragility.

Given your situation, it would be prudent to consult with a healthcare provider, particularly a dermatologist for the allergic reactions and possibly a hematologist for the blood vessel issues. They may recommend blood tests to evaluate your platelet count and clotting factors, as well as assess your vascular health.
In terms of management, avoiding known allergens and using gentle skin care products can help mitigate allergic reactions. For the blood vessel ruptures, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and ensuring adequate sleep can be beneficial. If blood pressure remains a concern, lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise, along with regular monitoring, may be necessary.

In summary, both allergic reactions and blood vessel ruptures can stem from a variety of causes, and understanding these can help in managing your symptoms effectively. It is essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying causes and appropriate treatment options tailored to your specific situation.

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