Allergic reactions: a cosmetologist's algorithm for unpredictable skin immune responses

Part II: Angioedema and Anaphylactic Shock

2025-12-17

Despite careful history taking and patch testing, no specialist is immune to an acute reaction of the body, which makes knowledge of a clear algorithm of actions critical for patient safety. Effective management of emergencies not only minimizes harm to the client's health, but also strengthens the professional reputation of the clinician in the face of an increasing spectrum of active ingredients and invasive procedures.

Allergic reactions and unpredictable immune responses of the skin are one of the most stressful and potentially dangerous complications in the daily practice of a cosmetologist, requiring an immediate and professional response.

Angioedema is an acute disease in which swelling occurs on the skin, in the subcutaneous layers on the fat layer, as well as on the surface of the mucous membranes. If the swelling spreads deeper and captures the entire dermis and subcutaneous tissue (sometimes extending to the muscles), then a large, pale, dense infiltrate appears, when pressed on which no pit remains. Most often, edema, named after the famous doctor from Germany, Quincke, appears on the face, neck, hands and feet on the back, frequent localization - lips, eyelids, scrotum, mucous membranes of the oral cavity (tongue, soft palate, tonsils). Quincke's edema can often be observed on the surface of the body.

The most dangerous consequences are considered to be Quincke's edema, which occurs on the meninges, joints, and internal organs.

Quincke's edema can develop both acutely and gradually. It is characterized by the formation of dense painless edema of subcutaneous fat. Common localization is places where loose subcutaneous tissue is located: face (especially lips), oral cavity (soft palate, tongue). The color of the rashes is more often unchanged, less often - pink.

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