Mantoux test was done in childhood. At the same time, the nurse or doctor strictly warned that it was impossible to wet her. So why can't mantu be wet? The answer to this question is both simple and complex. In order to correctly answer it, you should deal with the vaccine itself.
What is the Mantoux test for?
So, the main purpose of the Mantoux vaccination is to check for the presence of antibodies in the body that can counteract the tubercle bacillus. 3 days after it, doctors study the reaction, which manifested itself in the form of redness at the site of the test.
If the former slight redness remains on it, this indicates that antibodies that counteract the tuberculosis bacillus are produced in the body. But why can't the manta be wet?
The fact is that after moisture gets into the place of the sample, the red spot can increase significantly in size, and as a result, doctors fixing the result of the reaction recognize this as the absence of antibodies in the body that can counteract the tubercle bacillus.
As a result of this, you may be prescribed treatment and will not find out the details - whether you wet the vaccination site or not. After all, doctors have already warned about why the manta should not be wetted.
A significant increase in the red spot from the Mantoux reaction can be friction from tight clothing. Also, one of the reasons why the mantle cannot be wetted is that if moisture gets into the vaccination site, an allergic reaction may occur. It's all about the composition of the injected substance - tuberculin. Some components become allergenic if normal moisture comes into contact with the skin.
Who needs to do it?
Why do little children make mantoux? Currently, many parents refuse any vaccinations and vaccines, including the Mantoux test.
It is given to all children, whether they are vaccinated or not. Unfortunately, with the advent of antibiotics, the problem of treating some diseases was not solved. Tuberculosis bacillus is still resistant to many antibacterial drugs.
Many mothers refuse vaccinations for their child even from the maternity hospital. But they don't understand the risk. The Mantoux test is done to vaccinated children once a year, regardless of the results of the previous reaction.
Once every six months it is done to unvaccinated children. It is not given twice on the same arm, because human cells have immunological memory, which can cause the vaccine to give incorrect results and raise additional questions from parents and doctors.
The dimensions of the mantoux are estimated after three days. If a small spot remains on the skin or it is completely absent - this indicates that the necessary protectionthere are antibodies in the body, but they are unable to give a high degree of protection.
If the size is less than 2 mm, the sample can be taken again. If the red spot is within 5-16 mm, this indicates that the body can provide adequate protection against tubercle bacillus.
Attention! Be careful not to scratch the injection site as it will itch!