Nicotinic acid, whose effect on the body has been studied relatively recently, has several names: vitamin B3, PP, niacin. It is used not only in medicine, but also in cosmetology. In this material, we will talk about the features of this substance, precautions when using it, and find out if nicotinic acid can cause allergies.
Features of the substance
Once nicotinic acid was used as an effective drug to combat pellagra, a severe disease. The disease developed due to an inadequate diet. For centuries, it raged in the countries of Asia, Africa and Europe.
Somewhat later, the beneficial effect of the vitamin was revealed in the pathologies of the digestive system, neuritis, pregnancy, which is difficult. Vitamin normalizes redox biochemical reactions in organs and tissues. And due to the fact that the basis of lifeany cell are redox reactions, nicotinic acid is necessary for the normal functioning of organs and tissues. It is its deficiency that leads to pellagra - a disease that experts have given the name "three D" - its main manifestations are diarrhea, dementia and dermatitis.
Niacin lowers blood cholesterol, promotes normal tissue growth, activates the blood circulation process. In addition, the vitamin relieves psycho-emotional stress, improves memory and attention. This substance is found in food - in seafood and meat, liver and eggs, potatoes, herbs and cereals.
Despite the many positive properties, vitamin B3 doctors today prescribe with caution - in some cases, nicotinic acid causes an allergy, which is manifested by numerous symptoms from the skin, respiratory organs, mucous membranes. In addition, its use may cause unwanted side effects. Next, we will tell you how an allergy to nicotinic acid manifests itself, what should be done to diagnose and treat the pathology.
Medical applications
Nicotinic acid (Acidi nicotinici) is widely used in medicine. The active substance of the drug is nicotinic acid, which promotes vasodilation. That is why it is often prescribed as a sedative. Drugs containing niacin are effective in the treatment of the initial stages of schizophrenia and arthritis. Vitamin PP normalizesbody lipid metabolism.
Use in cosmetology
Nicotinic acid in cosmetology is used not only for medicinal purposes, but also for prevention. Vitamin B3 masks promote hair and nail growth by stimulating blood circulation. Can there be an allergy to nicotinic acid? Experts answer this question in the affirmative. Moreover, such a reaction of the body to vitamin B3 is not such a rare occurrence. At high concentrations of this substance, a negative reaction may develop. This is due to the fact that nicotinic acid stimulates the production of histamine, which is found in significant concentrations in the body with allergies.
Side effects
Taking nicotinic acid, a person may feel tingling in the body, burning of the skin, a rush of blood to the head. In addition, blood pressure may decrease, red rashes may appear on the skin of the face, neck and hands. With frequent and prolonged use of the drug, other side effects from the digestive system may appear: diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
Sometimes the liver is disrupted. All changes and pathological conditions must be reported to the doctor, who will decide on the advisability of further use of this drug.
Precautions for use
Nicotinic acid should not be used without a doctor's prescription. Particular care should be taken when taking the drug inside. It should not be appliedat:
- gastritis;
- liver disease;
- hypotension;
- diabetes;
- taking anticoagulants.
How might a reaction occur?
The symptoms of an allergy to nicotinic acid are not much different from the manifestations of any other hypersensitivity. The intensity of their manifestations largely depends on how the drug was taken - internally or externally.
Dermatological signs
Skin manifestations of allergy to nicotinic acid proceed according to the mechanism of an immediate type, with the rapid appearance of bright signs or in a delayed form, when the pathology makes itself felt 6-48 hours after taking the drug. The most common urticaria is characterized by:
- swelling and redness of the skin;
- blistering rash;
- severe itching;
- significant increase in body temperature.
Toxicoderma
A special type of negative reaction characterized by extensive skin lesions. Symptoms of an allergy to nicotinic acid include:
- Rash on the skin in the form of nodules, spots, vesicles, blisters.
- Irritation, itching, swelling, redness.
- A sharp increase in body temperature to high values.
Unlike urticaria, in which blisters disappear almost without a trace, toxicoderma is accompanied by the formation of ulcers and erosions. This is one of the main signs of pathology. Violations of the integrity of the skin can cause a secondary infection that penetrates intodamaged areas. This leads to suppuration, the appearance of pain, expansion of the boundaries of the affected area.
Lyell's syndrome, which is characterized by severe intoxication, high fever (up to 40 ° C), necrotic changes in the mucous membranes and skin, is a form of toxicoderma.
Respiratory disorders
On the part of the respiratory system, an allergy to nicotinic acid manifests itself:
- dyspnea, shortness of breath;
- dizziness, sweating;
- paroxysmal dry cough;
- squeezing sensation in the chest.
These symptoms are due to spasm in the bronchial area. Allergies can cause the development of Quincke's edema. Pathology affects the larynx, shortness of breath is observed. One of the first signs of edema is the growing hoarseness of the voice. The lumen of the respiratory tract narrows and the body experiences a lack of oxygen. This is a very serious pathology, accompanied by swelling of the face, neck, hands, and can be fatal due to asphyxia.
Anaphylactic shock
This reaction to vitamin B3 is not common, but it is necessary to be aware of it. Shock can develop at lightning speed or begins with the so-called precursors:
- headache;
- general weakness;
- chill;
- Quincke's edema;
- urticaria;
- profuse sweating;
- chest pain;
- shortness of breath;
- vomit;
- diarrhea;
- fever.
The patient then faints anddespite the fact that even at the stage of "harbingers" there is a threat to life, for example, due to Quincke's edema, at this moment it is maximum. Due to impaired circulation, there is practically no time left for assistance.
The patient suffers from oxygen starvation (hypoxia), may fall into a coma and needs urgent anti-shock measures.
Vitamin B3 for hair
When an allergy to nicotinic acid for hair occurs, as a rule, symptoms appear only on the skin. With intolerance to vitamin PP, complications can occur. If the scalp turns red after applying the mask, you should not sound the alarm - this can only be a manifestation of side effects.
Symptoms of hypersensitivity include:
- irritations on the skin;
- atopic dermatitis;
- skin swelling;
- severe burning;
- hyperemia.
How to diagnose pathology?
You need to see a doctor to determine the cause of an allergy to nicotinic acid. How to check that it is this substance that causes a negative reaction? Doctors use two main methods to detect allergens: detection of antibodies in the blood and skin tests.
The first analysis is more accurate, since, in addition to determining the allergen, it is possible to establish the stage of the disease, its type and the complexity of the course of the pathology.
Manifestation of symptoms of allergy to nicotinic acid: what to do?
Treatment of this pathologycarried out by a doctor depending on the severity and form of its manifestations. Not always therapy includes a course of medications. On the contrary, doctors are trying to reduce their use to a minimum in order to reduce the risk of developing cross-allergy to drugs other than niacin.
First Aid
What to do if you are allergic to nicotinic acid at home? First of all, if signs appear, it is necessary to stop taking the drug and consult a doctor. After examining and conducting the necessary research, he will prescribe a comprehensive treatment.
In case of aggravated symptoms (Quincke's edema, anaphylactic shock), you should urgently call an ambulance.
Opt-out
The most effective way to treat pathology is the principle of elimination, that is, the termination of contact with the substance. It must be remembered that niacin is part of many multivitamin complexes; the drug is used for cosmetic procedures. It is important to study the composition of any medicines and even dietary supplements in advance, do not purchase skin and hair care products that contain nicotinic acid.
Diet
With any kind of drug intolerance, food plays an important role in stabilizing the condition. A patient having hypersensitivity to niacin reacts acutely to food that is allergenic. From the diet should be excluded:
- citrus;
- tomatoes;
- strawberries;
- nuts;
- seafood;
- alcohol;
- chocolate;
- honey;
- coffee.
At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that the diet is balanced. The patient should not experience a lack of elements that are necessary for the normal functioning of all organs and systems.
Antiallergic drugs
Drugs of this group are prescribed in the presence of vivid symptoms of sensitivity. It must be understood that even antihistamines are sometimes reaction provocateurs. Therefore, it is necessary to use them only as prescribed by a doctor and under his strict control. Do not exceed the dosage and frequency of administration. Typically, doctors prescribe the following antihistamines:
- Erius.
- Cetirizine.
- Zyrtec.
- Loratadine and others
For emergency use, "Dexamethasone", "Prednisolone", "Adrenaline" in the form of injections, inhalation "Salbutamol" is prescribed for Quincke's edema, generalized urticaria, bronchospasm, anaphylactic shock.
Sorbents
To quickly remove allergens from the body, it is recommended to take sorbents. They, in addition to their main function, normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract, relieving the symptoms of intoxication. The most effective drugs in this group are:
- "Smekta".
- White coal.
- Enterosgel.
Activated black carbon is allowed. It costs less, but the effect appears a little later.
Prevention measures
Doctors believethat it is easier to prevent the development of an allergy to nicotinic acid than to treat it. To do this, you must follow simple rules:
- Reduce the intake of allergenic foods in the diet when treating drugs containing nicotinic acid in their composition.
- Only after the appointment by the attending physician and receiving his recommendations on the use of drugs, it is possible to use them.
- Strengthen immunity, treat infectious and inflammatory diseases so that they do not become chronic.
- Before applying vitamin to hair for the first time, do a skin test. This will help prevent backlash.
