Asph alt: what is it? Many pilgrims to the holy places struggle not only with ordinary fatigue, imprints on their feet, but also a very painful rash - "asph alt". It is so severe that it sometimes makes it impossible to take the next step. Find out what the cause of asph alt is and what to do when it appears on our body!
Asph alt: what is it?
Asph alt (aka pilgrim's disease) is a rashthat appears on pilgrims' bodies as a result of warm asph alt vapors coming into contact with the skin on the legs, most often on the calves or shins.The appearance resembles smooth, red patches or smaller patcheswhich are very painful and the occurrence of which should be soothed with medications and special creams.
As emphasized bydermatologist Dr. Bartosz Pawlikowski:"asph alt is the skin's reaction to long-term contact with vapors of organic and mineral substances, hydrocarbons, asph altenes, resins, sulfur, nitrogen and also vanadium , nickel and iron present in asph alt and bituminous surfaces. The combination of these substances and the fact that pilgrimages, but also long-distance marathon runs and Ironman, take place in the warm months of the year, and pilgrims in non-Islamic countries and athletes dress while uncovering their legs makes them vulnerable to this ailment ”.
Importantly: althoughthe most common reason for the appearance of asph alt is asph alt , it can also occur e.g.as a result of skin contact with clothingfrom which the powder has not been rinsed thoroughly or as a result of the penetration of shower gel, which has not been thoroughly rinsed off the epidermis (in interaction with the hot skin and enlarged pores, the gel begins to penetrate into its deeper layers). In this way, an allergic reaction is born by accident.
Asph alt: how to treat it?
According to Dr. Bartosz Pawlikowski, the asph alt "has acontact character , so the treatment is symptomatic, and the symptoms disappear shortly after the contact with the allergenic factor ceases". When the asph alt (rash) appears on the body, it is worth taking off the irritating clothes and washing yourself so as not to lead to further contact with the allergenic substance. In addition, take an antihistamineand smear your skingel with a local effect, inhibiting allergic reactions . These types of actions should bring relief and reduce the lesions in a short time.
Read also: Itching or itchy skin - causes
Asph alt: how to prevent it?
- Make sure you wear airy, breathable clothing . Do not wear clothes made of artificial material, because your skin will not breathe and will become more susceptible to rubbing and the penetration of various harmful substances (even from clothes).
- Rinse your clothes thoroughly before drying themand only take those clothes on the road that you know are detergent-free.
- Rinse your body thoroughly in the shower and try not to leave any streaks of gel or soap on it.Everyday harmless cleansers can cause an unpleasant allergic reaction, if only favorable conditions for this will occur.
- Always have antihistamines and external allergy medications with you . They will alleviate the first symptoms of asph alt and prevent its further appearance.
A graduate of postgraduate studies in dietetics. For years, he has been writing for he alth websites and continues to deepen his knowledge in this field by participating in numerous courses and webinars. Privately, he writes fairy tales for his 10-year-old son and loves spending time in nature.
Probe