Skin Challenge: Urticaria & HAV

URTICARIA IN RELATION TO HEPATITIS A (HAV)

Acute urticaria is commonly observed in people with viral infections, including HAV, HBV and HCV. Urticaria is characterised by weals (hives) or angioedema (swellings, in 10%) or both (in 40%). There are several types of urticaria.

• A weal (or wheal) is a superficial skin-coloured or pale skin swelling, usually surrounded by erythema (redness) that lasts anything from a few minutes to 24 hours. Usually very itchy, it may have a burning sensation.
• Angioedema is deeper swelling within the skin or mucous membranes and can be skin-coloured or red. It resolves within 72 hours. Angioedema may be itchy or painful but is often asymptomatic.

SPA MANAGEMENT

What is the cause of VIRAL HEPATITIS A (HAV) in your client?

HAV is an RNA virus that is transmitted mostly by the faecal-oral route, for example by drinking untreated water or by eating contaminated food.  Adults with acute infection generally don’t feel well and HAV never causes a chronic infection.

Determine any medications; contraindications and cautions before proceeding with any spa treatment.

Treatment and topical products that can be offered:

• Fragrance free, non-irritating topical products. Menthol in Peppermint hydrosol can help with itching.  
• Cool, wet compresses that contain anti-histamine compounds such as basil, chamomile, etc.
• Acupuncture/acupressure

DISCLAIMER: Work within the scope of your license/certification.
 

About the Author

Mórag Currin is a highly sought-after esthetic educator with more than 27 years of spa industry experience and more than twelve years of training and training management experience. She travels around the globe with her training and expertise, helping to raise the bar in the spa industry and to open the door to all people, regardless of skin type or health condition. To learn more about this topic and many other skin challenges, diseases, and symptoms, check out Mórag’s book, Health Challenged Skin: The Estheticians’ Desk Reference.

ASCP Member Discount

ASCP Members receive 30% off Health Challenged Skin: The Estheticians’ Desk Reference. Click the link here to access your exclusive discount!