Vaccination is a necessary measure. And this is the only way to protect your baby from various infections. And since any immunization is, in fact, an artificial (albeit small) infection, the child’s body is forced to fight it.
DTP vaccination is not the most pleasant procedure; moreover, it is a complex drug that protects against several diseases at once. Therefore, the immune system must “try” to cope with the infection. After DPT vaccination, redness is perhaps the most common reaction of the body to injected pathogens. But should we be afraid of this?
Red spot on the thigh after DPT vaccination: normal or complication?
DTP is the vaccination to which a small patient always reacts to varying degrees of intensity. The area where the vaccine is injected often turns red. A slight swelling may form. This is very frightening for parents, but only for those who do not distinguish a normal local reaction from a truly serious complication to the vaccine.
DPT vaccine
Redness at the injection site is not dangerous if it does not exceed 6-7 cm. Normally, it should be about 2 cm in diameter. Why does the skin turn red? This is the body’s reaction to artificial infection (and this is vaccination) with pathogenic microorganisms.
There are three of them in DTP: whooping cough, diphtheria and tetanus. This is a serious test for the baby's immune system, since it needs to produce antibodies for each type of pathogenic bacteria. Redness is evidence that the body has begun an “attack” on infectious elements. How to distinguish a normal reaction from a complication?
Observe the injection site. The redness should fade and disappear quite quickly - within 2-3 days. This is typical for inactivated vaccines (including DPT). And this is how they differ from “live” drugs, in which similar reactions occur after a week.
Redness and hardness at the injection site (according to statistics) are diagnosed in every 4th baby. This shouldn't scare parents. It is also important to know that such a reaction will be more pronounced with the 2nd and 3rd vaccinations.
This is understandable, because when DPT was introduced for the first time, the immune system was just beginning to “get acquainted” with pathogens and did not have time to develop protection in the form of specific cells - lymphocytes.
But with subsequent vaccinations, their number has already become sufficient to “repel” strangers - antigens. And outwardly this manifests itself in redness of the puncture site. But such a reaction is expected, because it indicates a “correct” immune response.
If the redness goes away in the first days after the injection, then we can assume that the procedure went “excellent”.
The injection site is red and swollen: normal or a complication?
The occurrence of swelling and swelling at the site of DTP vaccination in a child makes parents seriously worry.
Depending on individual factors, such a reaction may occur immediately after the injection or after some time. This process is not always pathological in nature. Therefore, there is no need to urgently contact a pediatrician. First, you need to determine what is within the normal range and what is a complication.
Redness, swelling and hardening of the skin at the injection site is a common reaction that occurs in approximately every fourth baby . As a result of repeated vaccinations, this side effect may intensify - this is due to the fact that children's immunity is finally formed.
The swelling at the injection site, which is up to eight centimeters in diameter, is normal and does not require any intervention. Exceeding eight centimeters in diameter indicates that the doctor’s requirements are not being followed, but such swelling is also safe.
DPT vaccine
Complications include swelling and redness of the injection site, accompanied by additional side effects, including:
- an increase in body temperature above +38 ⁰C, persisting for two days;
- suppuration;
- severe skin itching, accompanied by crying and irritability of the baby;
- significant swelling spreading to surrounding tissues;
- the occurrence of a skin rash.
If any of the above manifestations occur, it is recommended to show the baby to a pediatrician as soon as possible.
Why does the injection site on a child’s leg become red, swollen and hard?
DTP is a complex vaccination.
Almost all kids respond to it. In addition to redness of the injection site, hardening or swelling may occur. This is often diagnosed after the introduction of Pentaxim. Not only the thigh where the drug is injected may become swollen and red, but also the entire leg.
There is no need to be afraid of this situation, since each child’s immunity is individual and copes with the infection to the best of its ability.
For this reason, one baby may experience severe redness of the skin, while another may not have it at all. But in any case, such symptoms are considered normal, since they confirm that the body has launched an “attack” on pathogenic organisms, forming a specific defense against them - immunity. And this is the goal of any vaccination.
Even if the injection site is red and swollen, but the baby steps on the leg - this is a normal reaction. You should only worry if the redness does not subside, but, on the contrary, increases in size, exceeding 7-8 cm in diameter, and the injection site swells and hurts.
If the baby has difficulty walking and limps, this is already a complication. What's going on? It's all about the slow resorption of the injected vaccine. Lameness will go away as soon as the infiltrate dissolves in the tissues. This may take 7-8 days.
If the swelling and redness are severe and the leg is hot to the touch, immediately show the baby to the surgeon. Don't treat yourself. Coordinate therapy with your local pediatrician.
Redness on the skin after vaccination
Young children often experience a reaction to vaccinations. The area where the vaccine was administered may turn red. A tumor often appears. Some guys develop small rashes on the skin after the injection, and the redness is so great that it’s scary in appearance. All this is due to a completely natural reaction of the body to the administered drug. The situation is normal, so no need to worry. Mom just needs to take some measures, but not worry or scare the baby. You should remember the signs that are quite natural after vaccination.
The degree of reaction to the vaccine
First of all, parents need to determine the degree of reaction to the vaccine after the injection and the level of severity of symptoms. We will now look at three types of signs characteristic of an organism subjected to vaccination. Medical professionals identify mild, dangerous and moderate reactions.
- With mild side effects, after an injection in the buttock, leg or shoulder, redness and swelling may be observed. The skin itches, so many children start scratching this area. As a result, the tumor increases, irritation increases, and the area of the reddened area becomes larger. But this is not caused by the vaccination itself, but by the subsequent actions of the baby.
- Moderate reactions after vaccination may be as follows. The baby complains of a slight headache, nausea, and sometimes feels dizzy. There is swelling at the injection site and the skin turns red. If the vaccine was injected into the buttock, the irritation is even greater, and a rash is likely to appear, since the injection site is more often in contact with surfaces, clothing, and the skin is rubbed. When the reaction is moderate, there is a slight increase in temperature and a set of other signs, it is advisable to visit a doctor just in case. He will accurately determine whether these reactions are dangerous to the baby’s health.
- Dangerous signs are also possible. Most often, after vaccination, the reaction becomes critical for the child’s body due to his individual intolerance to a particular vaccine, which is quite difficult to identify in advance. Such cases are very rare in medical practice. In addition, if measures are taken in time, a dangerous reaction to vaccination will also not pose a threat to the health or life of the baby. If the following symptoms are observed, you must immediately consult a doctor, call an ambulance urgently: sharp headaches, severe dizziness, when coordination is already impaired, a rise in temperature above 38 degrees, a large tumor with redness and hardening at the injection site, swelling of half the handle or legs, entire buttocks. All this is not critical to your health if you call the doctors in a timely manner.
Remember! It is important! Specialist giving vaccinations for 14 years, o
Which vaccines usually cause side effects?
It will be useful for you to remember which vaccinations most often cause all sorts of adverse reactions at the vaccination site after the injection.
Remember! Here is what a pediatrician with 24 years of experience says: “When they tell you which vaccinations are more likely to cause side effects, this does not mean that such vaccinations can not be done at all. Vaccination is mandatory! Do not be afraid of side effects, because they are simply insignificant compared to what can threaten a child who has not been vaccinated. Be sure to treat vaccination with the utmost responsibility. Get the full range of vaccinations. This will protect your baby from health problems in the future.”
Let's look at which vaccines cause side effects most often. These are the following vaccines:
It is these vaccines that include substances that are specifically used to maximize immunity. They should cause a sharp reaction in the body. They provoke inflammation, in the process of fighting which the body produces a sufficient amount of antibodies to strengthen the immune system.
Most often, the maximum level of side effects is achieved within two days after the injection. Visually, the reaction can be observed at the site where the vaccination was given.
This is interesting! A pediatrician says: “Think about the essence of your child’s reaction to the vaccine. When the skin at the injection site turns red, there is swelling and hardening, this primarily indicates that the child’s body is giving the desired response to the vaccine, and his immune system is strengthening. So don't worry. Be sure to get all vaccinations up to date. Only by doing this will you save your baby from serious illnesses in the future.”
If thickening and redness appear after DTP vaccination, what should you do?
The main thing is not to panic. Parents should understand that each child reacts to the vaccine differently. Watch the baby. He must be cheerful and active, have a good appetite.
You can walk, but you should dress carefully, trying not to touch or squeeze the reddened injection site. Monitor reactions to the vaccine. Normally, redness at the puncture site can reach 8-10 cm in diameter. Take your time to start treatment; the redness should disappear on its own.
You just need to wait until the infiltrate resolves. If the baby complains about his foot and does not step on it, you can give him Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. If the child is bothered by pain at the injection site, a compress with Novocaine should be made. To do this, gauze is moistened in the solution and the lotion is carefully secured to the baby’s leg.
Among the folk methods, you can try a cabbage leaf compress. To do this, first knead it or tap it with a hammer so that the juice comes out. Then the sheet is wrapped around the sore spot and fixed until it dries completely. Cabbage juice effectively relieves inflammation and redness.
Sometimes doctors advise using a vodka compress. It is done simply: gauze (or cotton cloth) is moistened in alcohol and applied to the reddened area. After 2 hours, the application is changed to a fresh one. And so on all day.
Keep an eye on your baby at all times. He should not be allowed to scratch the injection site. Dress the child so that he cannot reach the sore area. Tight pants or tights should be avoided.
Clothing should be loose and not put pressure on the inflamed area. You should not heat the injection site, even if the redness seems too great to you. This can cause an abscess.
Remember that both redness and thickening during the post-injection period are normal if the child feels well.
Doctors' answers to popular questions
Why does the vaccine injection site swell?
In medical practice, it is customary to distinguish three types of post-vaccination reactions - mild, moderate, and complications.
Mild and medium are the norm and are very common in babies. Among them there are general and local reactions. The first includes an increase in body temperature, a feeling of drowsiness and weakness. And for the second - redness and thickening at the vaccination site.
The appearance of post-vaccination infiltrate is a natural reaction to vaccinations against whooping cough, tetanus and diphtheria.
The substances included in the vaccine deliberately provoke the occurrence of an inflammatory process. A larger number of cells are involved in the production of antibodies to infectious diseases, which results in a more pronounced immune effect.
Is it possible to treat the vaccination site with iodine?
An iodine mesh is recommended as a method for quickly resolving swelling. It must be applied with very thin and light strokes so as not to cause a skin burn.
Iodine
You should first make sure that there are no allergic reactions to iodine or other contraindications to its use. The procedure should be performed until the swelling completely disappears.
What should not be used to treat a lump?
Due to the risk of an abscess, you cannot treat the injection site with ichthyol ointment and Vishnevsky ointment, or perform warming procedures.
It is strictly forbidden to knead or rub the reddened area of skin.
What measures should be taken to prevent complications?
It is necessary to reliably protect the baby from infections - for the first time after vaccination, try not to visit public places and avoid playing too actively on the street.
It is recommended to vaccinate with DTP in the warm season, when the child’s body is saturated with vitamins necessary to normalize the functioning of the immune system.
However, for those babies who are prone to allergic reactions, on the contrary, it is better to vaccinate in winter.
How to treat the injection site if it is inflamed and burning?
If the redness is too severe, you should apply Troxevasin ointment . The active components in the product cope well with inflammation. It is recommended to use the ointment twice a day.
Troxevasin ointment
It is carefully applied to the redness in a small layer (until completely absorbed). Contraindications to the ointment include: allergies to the components of the product and dermatitis.
Often, the next day after using the product, you can see a small bump instead of redness and swelling. This is fine. This is how Troxevasin fights compaction, if there is one.
Help your baby prevent it with antiviral drugs. Vaccination has weakened the child’s immunity, and he can easily catch the flu. If the first signs of ARVI are noticed, Viferon gel is well suited.
Gel Viferon
The following will help relieve redness, allergic itching and alleviate the condition of the baby:
- Fenistil (drops). For babies over one year old – 5 drops of Zyrtec (twice a day);
- Children over 2 years old will benefit from Claritin (syrup) 1 tsp. in a day;
- Heparin ointment and Troxerutin (gel) will improve blood circulation and relieve swelling.
Visit your pediatrician every 2 days until the redness disappears completely.
What can you apply to the injection site to relieve redness and pain?
If the baby does not act up or cry when there is swelling, there is no need to take any action. Lubricate the affected area of skin only if the discomfort is very severe and the child constantly tries to comb the injection site.
To effectively and safely treat the injection site, it is recommended to use the following drugs:
- Troxevasin and its analogue Troxerutin . Both drugs eliminate swelling and itching, thereby easing the baby’s general condition. Thanks to the action of active substances, the process of resorption of swelling occurs faster;
- Aescusan in ointment form . A highly effective product based on horse chestnut seed extract normalizes blood circulation in the affected area and promotes rapid resorption of the lump. It must be applied in a thin layer once a day, preferably at night;
- Heparin ointment and Viaton cream , which is its analogue . These products are hypoallergenic and absolutely harmless for use in very early childhood. As a result of application, the swelling disappears completely;
- Traumeel-S is a multicomponent homeopathic external preparation, which is characterized by pronounced anti-inflammatory, anti-exudative and analgesic properties. Consult a qualified physician before using it;
- gel preparation Fenistil . It will also help eliminate itching, swelling, pain and general discomfort. It must be applied in a thin layer not to the injection site itself, but to the surrounding areas of the skin.
What to do if the redness grows and thickens?
It is best to consult a doctor. Only he will professionally assess the severity of the situation and give the necessary recommendations. Doctors warn parents that they should not handle post-vaccination reactions on their own.
Any ointments or compresses (without consultation with the pediatrician) can aggravate the situation. If the redness continues to increase, and the injection site becomes more and more dense and painful, it means that the vaccination was carried out incorrectly.
Most likely, the wound got infected. This is dangerous due to the development of an abscess (accumulation of pus in the infiltrate). But the reason may also be individual intolerance to the composition of the vaccine. To prevent this from happening, the baby must be thoroughly examined before immunization and be absolutely healthy at the time of vaccination.
What are the signs of an abscess? They are as follows:
- tissue softening is felt in the compaction;
- in the center of the abscess the skin becomes thinner. Therefore, an abscess can open on its own if it is located superficially;
- the skin in the affected area is bright red and hot;
- body temperature from 39 and above;
- throbbing pain at the site of swelling.
Such compaction will not go away on its own. He needs to be operated on, which means contacting a surgeon. If the doctor only suspects the presence of an abscess, the baby is given an ultrasound. The danger of a post-vaccination abscess is that it can break out on its own at any time.
Then the pus will enter the closed cavities and spread the infection throughout the body. After surgery, the baby is prescribed antibacterial drugs.
To prevent such situations from happening, parents should prepare for vaccination. You should find out in advance the quality of the drug offered by the clinic.
And if in doubt, purchase the vaccine yourself. It is equally important to prepare your baby for vaccination.
The day before (two days before the procedure) and after it, protect your child from negative psycho-emotional moments. It is very important that the child does not get sick on the day of vaccination, this will weaken his immunity, and vaccination may be difficult.
Be sure to make sure that the baby has no contraindications to the administered drug. If the preparation is carried out correctly and the injection is done correctly, there is nothing to fear.
Video on the topic
An allergist-immunologist explains what to do if a lump forms at the site of vaccine administration:
DPT is a complex drug and there will most likely be a reaction to it. But pediatricians assure that inflammation and redness will gradually disappear without any additional treatment. Ideally, everything returns to normal in 2-3 days.
But sometimes it may take longer. The main thing is that the baby feels normal during this period. Doctors should be contacted only if there is an abnormal increase in compaction and severe hyperemia, as an abscess may develop.
