Redness and swelling after diphtheria vaccination, what to do?

Why does swelling appear after DTP vaccination and what to do to get rid of it as quickly as possible?

The baby’s parents begin to get very worried if the vaccination site is swollen after DTP. Therefore, it is necessary to understand whether this reaction is normal, what the reason is, what its duration is and what needs to be done to prevent more serious complications. You should also read useful recommendations from doctors.

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.

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.

A swelling appeared on the leg after DPT vaccination: what to do?

After an injection of DTP, Pentaxim or other similar drugs, the child may experience swelling and swelling directly on the thigh at the injection site or throughout the entire leg. This is the body's normal immune reaction, confirming that the vaccine has begun to work.

The phenomenon disappears on its own within a few days if all the requirements and recommendations of the doctor are followed:

• do not leave the medical facility within 45 minutes from the moment of vaccination to avoid the development of allergic reactions;
• avoid active and long walks outside on the day of injection;
• exclude from the children's diet all foods that can trigger allergies - in particular, chocolate, citrus fruits and nuts;
• if the child has a tendency to allergies, let him take Fenistil or Zyrtec a day before the injection (to choose the appropriate drug, you need to consult a doctor);
• For one day after vaccination, avoid getting moisture at the injection site.

However, if the baby feels significant discomfort, it is necessary to provide him with help; the following tips are suitable for these purposes:

• iodine mesh . A thin mesh of iodine can be applied to the site of swelling if there are no contraindications. This should be done before going to bed;
• cabbage leaf compress . This is a reliable and proven method of eliminating swelling and other associated unpleasant symptoms, including redness and itching. At night, apply a suitable sized cabbage leaf to the child’s leg and wrap it with a piece of cotton cloth;
• a mixture of honey and flour will relieve swelling and pain . It should be applied to the bump and secured with a gauze bandage. This procedure is done before bedtime.

For three to five days, until the adverse reactions completely disappear, you need to put on the baby the most comfortable and spacious clothes, made from natural hypoallergenic materials. And while at home, it is advisable that no fabric touches the affected area of ​​the skin.

How many days does it usually take for swelling in a child’s thigh to go away after vaccination?

The duration of this adverse reaction varies from person to person. However, even the most severe swelling of the skin of the thigh should disappear within a maximum of five days. If you follow the above recommendations, this period may be shortened.

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.

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.

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.

on this topic

An allergist-immunologist tells what to do if a lump forms at the site of vaccine administration:

DPT vaccination is needed to protect a child from dangerous infectious diseases such as whooping cough, diphtheria and tetanus. One of the most common side effects is swelling and swelling at the injection site.

This reaction indicates the production of the necessary antibodies to pathogens. To speed up the disappearance of swelling, you can treat the skin area with ointments that have anti-inflammatory, anti-exudative and antimicrobial properties.

If the swelling does not go away within two weeks and is accompanied by an increase in temperature and the appearance of suppuration, you need to consult a doctor. In all other cases, this side effect will disappear within five days.

Source: https://vactsina.com/inektsionnyie-preparatyi/posle-akds-opuhlo-mesto.html

What to do if swelling appears after DTP vaccination

DTP is one of the necessary vaccinations that protects against tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough. Without this procedure, the child remains susceptible to terrible diseases, but parents are afraid of its consequences. This is because many people experience complications after vaccination. Although post-vaccination symptoms are incomparably less severe than in case of infection.

Diphtheria is an infection that affects the oropharynx, bronchi, skin, and other organs. The severe course of the disease is accompanied by cardiovascular failure, destruction of blood vessels, hemorrhages, and death is possible.

Whooping cough is a disease affecting the upper respiratory tract. Accompanied by attacks of characteristic hacking cough. Children are at high risk of developing complications such as laryngitis, pneumonia, and brain pathologies. These conditions are dangerous due to respiratory arrest, leading to death.

Tetanus is a disease that is caused by toxins that affect the nervous system. Muscle cramps, initially local, then spreading throughout the body, destroy cells and lead to death.

If the vaccinated person’s leg is swollen after DTP, then this is at least a reason to consult a doctor for advice. But there is no need to sound the alarm right away - each person is individual, and often slight swelling is a normal reaction of the body to the vaccine. In addition, by following some recommendations, you can prevent the development and reduce the intensity of side effects.

Why does swelling occur at the injection site and should you be afraid of it?

The effect of the vaccine can affect the baby in different ways; some reactions are within normal limits. But parents should definitely pay attention to whether the entire leg is swollen after DTP or just the injection site.

Swelling of the thigh area

Any specialist will tell you that there should be swelling, and even severe redness, at the injection site. A bacteriological drug has been introduced into the body, and the immune system has to react to it.

But if the vaccination site is not swollen, then this indicates either very strong immunity, or, conversely, its apathetic functionality. But here it should be remembered that only a small tumor up to 3 cm in diameter is considered normal.

A lump within 3-8 cm indicates non-compliance with the doctor’s instructions and is also not dangerous, but if it is large, you need to consult a doctor.

Tumor of the entire leg

A problem affecting the entire leg becomes a good reason to consult a pediatrician.

Especially if accompanying symptoms have also developed: the temperature has become higher, diarrhea, heartburn, drowsiness and lethargy have appeared.

During the first few days after the procedure, all of this may also be normal, but high body temperature and swelling that persist for five days often indicate complications.

It is important to pay attention to the characteristics of the tumor itself:

• pus, rash and unpleasant odor;
• a sharp deterioration in behavior, crying and irritability;
• rapid swelling of the entire leg, starting from the injection site.

In this case, we may be talking about a developing cold abscess and purulent infiltrate. This means that an infection was introduced into the skin puncture site, and purulent inflammation of the tissue began. It is better not to self-medicate in such a situation; you should immediately contact a surgeon. He will open and wash the wound, and then prescribe antibiotics.

It is also worth checking the baby for allergies; swelling can be a common manifestation of an allergic reaction.

Prevention of complications

DTP is a heavy vaccine. If swelling after vaccination is not suspicious, it is best to take care of preventing complications. Firstly, the child should be allowed to rest for the first few days, without stressing him physically or mentally.

But you shouldn’t let them have fun with other children either: the risk of contracting an infection in public places increases markedly. For the same reason, it is better not to vaccinate a few weeks before entering kindergarten or immediately after it.

You should also not give injections if the previous reaction was already accompanied by complications.



Children most easily tolerate any antigenic exposure in the summer, when the body is saturated with vitamins and the immune system copes better with diseases. But with children with allergies, it’s completely the opposite - the ability to avoid complications for them increases noticeably by winter.

Compliance with all requirements and doctor’s indications becomes the key to a normal reaction of the body even to the heaviest substances.

Swelling after DTP vaccination - what to do

There are various remedies that can help if a child’s leg is swollen after DPT. Lumps that appear after vaccination often cause discomfort, but they can be dealt with.

Ointments and gels

Troxevasin gel is first aid if the body temperature begins to reach 39 °C. In the fight against adverse reactions, you can also make a lotion with novocaine and pay attention to antipyretics. Nurofen or Paracetamol can help with this problem, the latter can also be used as a rectal suppository.

If these remedies do not help, you can try others.

1. For the consequences of an allergic reaction, it is worth giving an antihistamine, which is selected depending on age. Fenistil in drops is good to use for infants, from the age of one year - Zirtrek, and after two years - Claritin.
2. Aescusan and Troxerutin are ointments for quick healing. Rescuer will help in the fight against inflammation.
3. Heparin ointment saves from edema of any kind, increasing microcirculation in tissues.

Any of these medications will definitely help in the fight against symptoms that appear after vaccination.

Folk recipes

Often parents try to help their child using traditional methods. Such compresses can really cope with inflammation.

1. Cottage cheese compress. The cottage cheese needs to be heated, wrapped in gauze and kept at the injection site until it cools completely.
2. Honey cake compress. Honey needs to be mixed with yolk and butter, make a flat cake from the resulting mass and keep it on the seal. A compress of honey and flour has the same effect.
3. The cabbage leaf does not require any preparatory work - just apply it overnight.
4. Soda lotion. The fabric should be soaked in a solution of soda and applied to the problem area.

When using each of these folk remedies, you need to remember that any non-breathable materials are prohibited - this can only worsen the inflammatory effect.

What medications should not be given after vaccination?

It is best to give vaccinations when the child is completely healthy and not taking any medications. But, in general, DTP is compatible with most medications.

It is worth completely excluding only vitamin D, which may be prescribed in connection with developing rickets, and when choosing antihistamines, it is better to avoid Tavegil and Suprastin due to drying of the mucous membranes.

Otherwise, there are no contraindications to taking medications.

Source: https://oVakcine.ru/inekciya/chto-delat-esli-posle-privivki-akds-poyavilas-pripuhlost

Features of complications after vaccination

In adults, the shoulder blade will hurt less often after vaccination than in children, and this is due to vaccines given in childhood. There are practically no complications in adults. But children may experience unpleasant side effects:

• urticaria in any part of the body - appears immediately after vaccination or within a few days. To eliminate it, it is necessary to use local remedies and antihistamines;
• severe swelling - usually extends several centimeters around the injection site, but can affect the arm, neck, and shoulder;
• the appearance of cramps, pain in joints and muscles throughout the body, up to inflammation of the joint capsule;
• symptoms of cerebral disorders - darkening of the eyes, sudden fainting and severe dizziness up to nausea;
• loss of appetite for several days - does not require additional measures, since appetite is gradually restored on its own;
• pulse disturbances – fast or slow rhythm, irregular heartbeat with disturbances;
• breathing problems – cough or shortness of breath.

For you: Review of vaccines against meningitis: when vaccination must be done
If a child is prone to allergic reactions, then before the injection, so that the shoulder blade does not hurt after vaccination against tetanus or another disease and there are no allergic reactions, it is recommended to take antihistamines.

Help with a lump

In addition to the fact that it may hurt under the shoulder blade after vaccination against tetanus, diphtheria or other diseases, a very annoying lump may appear in this place. The appearance of severe bloating occurs due to improper administration of the drug: it must be placed in the subcutaneous fatty tissue, and the doctor injects it exclusively under the skin.

Such a complication does not pose a danger to the body, but the resorption of the drug will take much longer. And this is dangerous due to the lack of immunity formation during the epidemic and preparation for it. Usually the lump resolves within 2-3 months, during which time the medicine is also absorbed.

Additional discomfort is caused by pain. The main reason why the shoulder blade hurts a lot after vaccination with a bump is the accumulation of viral cells and pressure on nearby tissues. To resolve the lump, you should always use pharmaceutical ointments and homemade compresses. For example, this recipe:

1. Take an aspirin tablet and add 2 tbsp. l. alcohol
2. Apply the mixture onto a gauze napkin folded several times.
3. Lubricate the pine cone with unrefined vegetable oil to avoid burns upon contact with alcohol.
4. Apply gauze to the damaged area of ​​skin and cover with film.
5. Secure the compress with a bandage.

You need to keep the bandage on for several hours - preferably overnight. To completely disappear the lump, 3-4 procedures are enough. In rare cases, it is necessary to apply dressings for 1 week.

The appearance of pain under the shoulder blade after any vaccination is a normal process of developing immunity to a certain disease. It will be dangerous only if accompanying symptoms occur that cause discomfort to the person. However, in adulthood there is no need to be afraid of complications, while parents of babies should pay special attention to the child’s condition.

Redness and swelling after diphtheria vaccination, what to do?

ATTENTION! Before asking a question, we recommend that you read the contents of the “Frequently Asked Questions” section. There is a high probability that you will find the answer to your question there right now, without wasting time waiting for an answer from a consultant doctor.

November 15, 2010

Inna asks:

Hello, I have asthma, I’m 18 and I need to get vaccinated at 18, can you tell me if I can get it?

December 14, 2010

The Medical Consultant of the portal “health-ua.org” answers:

Hello, Inna! Bronchial asthma itself is not a contraindication for vaccination. However, you may have complications of bronchial asthma or concomitant diseases that will not allow vaccination. Therefore, before getting vaccinated, you need to contact your doctor (pulmonologist) and get permission from him to vaccinate. Take care of your health!

December 23, 2021

Alexey asks:

Hello, yesterday I was vaccinated against tetanus and deftheria ADSM, today my temperature rose to 37.5. A lump appeared at the injection site (the injection was given under the shoulder blade) and redness. How long will the fever last, and how long will the redness and bump last? Thank you

January 22, 2021

Victoria Igorevna Kravtsova answers:

Hello, Alexey! What you are describing is a common reaction to these vaccinations. The temperature can last up to 3, maximum 5 days. The duration of redness and hardness at the injection site varies individually, but on average it can last up to 10 days. It is recommended to reduce this post-vaccination temperature with ibuprofen, paracetamol and nimesulide + the “bump” will go away faster.

April 12, 2011

Tatiana asks:

Hello. My husband was vaccinated against diphtheria. The vaccination site turned red and swollen up to 7cm. Today is 04/12/2011. eighth day after vaccination. Redness and swelling are slightly noticeable. But besides this, there was a sore throat and body aches. The question is, were these symptoms caused by the vaccination?

May 26, 2011

The Medical Consultant of the portal “health-ua.org” answers:

Hello Tatiana! Redness and swelling at the injection site are clearly associated with vaccination, but body aches and sore throat that appeared on the 8th day after vaccination are unlikely to be related to vaccination. Most likely your husband is showing the first signs of ARVI. Let him go to an in-person appointment with a therapist, and if his body temperature rises above 38C, call a doctor at home. Take care of your health!

July 05, 2013

Svetlana asks:

I was vaccinated with deftheria and then found out that being pregnant can affect the child

November 01, 2013

The Medical Consultant of the portal “health-ua.org” answers:

Hello Svetlana! In general, diphtheria vaccination is not contraindicated for pregnant women, but it is recommended for pregnant women to receive it after 12 weeks of pregnancy, that is, in the second trimester. There is no need to terminate the pregnancy, but you must tell your obstetrician-gynecologist and the doctor who will perform screening ultrasounds of the fetus about the fact of diphtheria vaccination. Take care of your health!

April 29, 2012

Svetlana asks:

I work in a children's camp as a maid, I am forced to take vaccinations against measles and fever, can I be fired if I don't get them?

08 June 2012

The Medical Consultant of the portal “health-ua.org” answers:

Hello Svetlana! The vaccines recommended to you are designed to protect, first of all, you, and secondly, the children with whom you are constantly in contact. If you have contraindications to vaccination, formalize an exemption from vaccinations and do not do them; if not, get vaccinated and live in peace, under the protection of vaccines, without fear of conflicts with your superiors and dismissal. Take care of your health!

September 28, 2010

Tatiana asks:

Please describe the full picture of vaccinations after school - it is necessary for work and, if possible, indicate which regulatory documents you are referring to - SES inspections are coming and I would like to be savvy on this issue. Thank you! Have a good day!

October 19, 2010

The Medical Consultant of the portal “health-ua.org” answers:

Hello Tatiana! You can familiarize yourself with the vaccination calendar adopted in Ukraine on our portal at https://www.health-ua.org/pediatria/privii/. Therefore, the address contains a link to the regulatory documents according to which the vaccination calendar was approved. Take care of your health! m

November 13, 2008

Tatiana asks:

Good afternoon. Please tell me how to properly revaccinate against tetanus if you missed the revaccination at the age of 24.

Now I’m 27 years old, in one hospital they said that it’s enough to get 1 vaccination, and continue to do it every next 10 years.

In another hospital they said that you need to get 1 vaccination, a month later - a second one, then after a month and a half another one, and only after that you can be revaccinated every next 10 years. I will be very grateful for your answer.

December 21, 2008

Batsyura Anna Vladimirovna answers:

Hello! Tatyana, the vaccination and revaccination regimen depends on the type of vaccine you are going to be vaccinated with and you must strictly adhere to this plan in order to obtain intense immunity.

October 31, 2012

Olga asks:

Are there any age restrictions for diphtheria vaccination? I read somewhere that it is done until the age of 56. Is it so?

December 12, 2012

The Medical Consultant of the portal “health-ua.org” answers:

Hello! There is no age limit for diphtheria vaccination. After overcoming the age threshold of 28 years, revaccination should be carried out every 10 years. This action allows you to maintain sufficient immunity against diphtheria, which, in the event of infection with an infectious disease, determines a milder course and no risk of death.

October 26, 2014

Lyudmila asks:

Hello, I’m 20 years old, I got a job and they told me that I needed to find a certificate that they had been vaccinated against diphtheria, I went to the children’s clinic because they gave it to me there. There they told me that I needed to write a statement so that they would provide me with data because the card was in the archive.

.I wrote a statement, almost a month has passed, and I still don’t have the certificate, at work I was told that penalties would be applied.

Is it possible to get this vaccination now? Should I wait until the clinic provides it? and if they don't provide it, what should I do?

November 14, 2014

The Medical Consultant of the portal “health-ua.org” answers:

Hello! You need to make an appointment again at the children's clinic and either get a certificate from the archive, or get a written explanation from the administration for the fact of failure to provide information about the vaccination. If there is no information about the vaccination, you will need to get vaccinated again, this time in an adult clinic after a visit to a general practitioner or family doctor. Take care of your health!

May 21, 2015

Leah asks:

Hello. ! I have this problem: two years ago I was vaccinated against diphtheria in the hospital, but I lost the card and it so happened that I was recently vaccinated against diphtheria again. Now I’m afraid that I will have health problems because of this. After all, it is done only once every 10 years. Thanks in advance.

June 08, 2015

The Medical Consultant of the portal “health-ua.org” answers:

Hello Leah! Health problems such as the development of diphtheria can occur in unvaccinated people. If the vaccination was done at an interval of 2 years, this does not threaten you in any way. Try not to lose any more medical records. And if you lose it, information about vaccinations can always be restored using records in the archives of the medical institution that performed the vaccination. Take care of your health!

April 21, 2021

Alexey asks:

Hello, I got the diphtheria vaccine again (after 2 years), they forced me to at work, but I forgot that I had already had it. What could be the consequences? will I live? The hand is swollen and red at the injection site for the third day, I don’t feel very well, but not critical. Thank you.

April 28, 2021

The Medical Consultant of the portal “health-ua.org” answers:

Hello, Alexey! You have a typical reaction to diphtheria vaccine. Extraordinary vaccination does not pose any danger to your life and health. If the swelling area is more than 7 cm, be sure to contact your general practitioner or family doctor so that the doctor can give recommendations, the implementation of which will improve your well-being and alleviate the condition. Take care of your health!

February 17, 2011

Olga asks:

Hello, I was vaccinated against diphtheria and tetanus today. But at the moment and for 2 weeks now I have been coughing. And about a week ago, I had a fever for about 3 days, that is, the body was weakened. Could this somehow affect the result of the vaccination??

May 12, 2011

The Medical Consultant of the portal “health-ua.org” answers:

Hello Olga! Ideally, vaccination should be carried out only after complete recovery from an acute viral infection. Otherwise, the process of immunity formation may be disrupted. However, if the therapist who examined you before vaccination found that everything was in order and there were no contraindications to vaccination, immunity will most likely develop normally. Take care of your health!

July 04, 2012

Nikolay asks:

Hello! I am 29 years old, now I am applying for a job in the police and they are asking me for a statement stating that I was vaccinated against deftheria. I was vaccinated in 2001. In a private clinic there is a note about this in the medical book. What should I do?

July 05, 2012

The Medical Consultant of the portal “health-ua.org” answers:

Hello! Diphtheria vaccination must be done every ten years, otherwise the body will lose the immune protection formed by the previous vaccination. It’s time for you to get vaccinated again, since the previous one no longer counts.

August 10, 2012

Yuri Vsevolodovich Tsarenko answers:

Dear Nikolay. So provide the data you described, if the medical institution is licensed and accredited, this data has the nature of official information.

September 21, 2012

Tatiana asks:

Is it possible to get vaccinated against diphtheria again in a year? I can’t find the paper that it was done, but I urgently need it at the clinic, they also can’t find it, so I’m afraid what will happen if the second time is not in 10 years, but in a year

December 12, 2012

The Medical Consultant of the portal “health-ua.org” answers:

Hello! Repeated vaccination is not indicated in this case, because To clarify the likelihood of an adequate immune response to the causative agent of diphtheria, it is sufficient to determine the titer of blood antibodies to diphtheria. If the level of antibodies is sufficient, re-vaccination is not carried out. If, nevertheless, repeated vaccination is carried out, then it does not pose a threat to health.

06 February 2011

Valentina asks:

Hello! I am 30 years old. On 02/04/11 I was vaccinated against diphtheria. They warned us that we shouldn’t wash ourselves, but we didn’t say that we shouldn’t drink alcohol. I was vaccinated in the morning at 9 o'clock. I drank alcohol in the evening. The next day I didn’t go to work because...

I felt very bad, in the morning I started feeling nauseous, vomiting, dizzy, and shivering. I haven't been feeling well for three days now. I wanted to know if the effect of the vaccination will last??? Or now it turns out that I ruined everything with alcohol and now there will be no benefit from the vaccination.

Can you explain please. Thank you in advance!

March 30, 2011

The Medical Consultant of the portal “health-ua.org” answers:

Hello, Valentina! Despite the fact that alcohol in combination with the vaccine led to malaise and worsening of your condition, alcohol does not have a pronounced effect on the formation of anti-diphtheria immunity. In order to find out whether immunity to diphtheria has formed or not, you will need to donate blood to determine the level of anti-diphtheria antibodies. Take care of your health!

Source: www.health-ua.org

Source: https://detishki.ahuman.ru/posle-privivki-ot-difterii-pokrasnenie-i-pripuhlost-chto-delat/

What to do if a child’s leg is swollen after DTP vaccination

DTP is an adsorbed pertussis-diphtheria-tetanus vaccine, which is given to every child from the first months of life. Despite the fact that vaccination reliably protects the baby from deadly diseases, some parents are more frightened by the prospect of encountering an adverse reaction to this drug.

Since the solution contains dead microbes of pathogens, the most common consequence of vaccination may be fever, redness or swelling after DTP vaccination. What to do if such symptoms occur, how long this condition will last, and whether you should worry, we will tell you further.

Possible adverse reactions to DTP vaccination

Since the first vaccination is usually given at three months of age, the injection site is chosen on the outer side of the thigh - there is less fatty tissue here, which means the drug is absorbed faster. That is why parents often turn to the pediatrician with complaints that the leg is swollen after DTP. However, slight swelling is a normal reaction of the child's body to the vaccine.

Subsequent injections are administered according to a special schedule: the first three times with an interval of 1.5-2 months, the fourth time – after a year. For older children and adults, the vaccine is given in the shoulder.

Other undesirable effects may include:

• lack of appetite;
• colic, diarrhea or vomiting;
• fever, weakness;
• cough and runny nose.

Typically, side effects of the injection are observed for 2-3 days. During this period, it is necessary to closely monitor the child’s health: during the day you should not wet or comb the injection site.

And if the temperature rises sharply to 38.5o or higher, you need to urgently consult a doctor! Severe diarrhea and vomiting should also not be ignored - immediately report these complications to your pediatrician.

Child's leg is swollen

If your child's leg is swollen after a DTP vaccination, do not rush to panic. An inflamed area with a diameter of up to 3 cm should not cause concern; on the contrary, such a reaction can be considered a good sign - the vaccine has begun to act, which means the child’s body acquires immunity. If all sanitary standards were observed during the procedure, the swelling will soon subside on its own.

Lump (seal) at the injection site

Sometimes a painful lump appears at the injection site, the formation of which is caused by infiltration. It can accumulate for up to two weeks, and is also considered a natural reaction to the administration of the drug. Small lumps after vaccination (about 8 cm) are normal. An iodine mesh will help reduce the accumulation of cells, blood and lymph, as well as reduce pain.

Redness, itching

If the vaccination site turns red, then an allergic reaction to the vaccine is occurring. There is no need to worry; after a few days the redness will subside on its own. To alleviate the condition, you can use anti-inflammatory ointment.

Itching and redness most often appear after the second or third vaccination, while such a reaction is less typical for the first procedure.

After consultation with a pediatrician, the child can be offered antihistamines - Zyrtec, Fenistil.

What to do to eliminate the side effects of the injection

There are a number of methods to combat the unpleasant consequences of vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough. Possible treatment may include folk remedies, medications (ointments, gels, drops, antipyretics), massage.

Drug therapy

When the temperature rises to 38.5o, antipyretics are given. For a small child, Nurofen or Panadol syrups are best suited. Medicines can be given from 3 months, they have a pleasant taste and last a long time. Rectal suppositories with paracetamol also help well.

Spasatel and Traumeel ointments effectively deal with lumps and lumps; they are applied before bedtime. Draw an iodine grid on your baby's skin to help relieve pain.

To improve blood circulation, Troxerutin gel is suitable; the drug is applied with light massage movements. Heparin ointment will help remove swelling.

Itching, swelling and redness are effectively relieved by Fenistil drops or gel. The active ingredient of the drug, dimethindene maleate, has antihistamine properties. Zyrtec drops have a similar effect. They are prescribed to children from 2 years of age.

Before using any medicine, be sure to consult your pediatrician. Dosages are selected strictly individually, self-medication is unacceptable!

Traditional methods

In addition to medications, traditional methods will help reduce the unpleasant consequences of vaccination, among which the most popular is a compress after DPT.

Under no circumstances should you use alcohol or alcohol-containing preparations as a compress! Also avoid using cling film and other materials that can create a greenhouse effect and, conversely, worsen the condition.

1. Natural materials are best. A cotton cloth is soaked in a soda solution and applied to the inflamed area of ​​the skin. Leave until completely dry. To prepare the solution, 1 tsp. soda is diluted in a glass of warm water.
2. For babies, a fresh cabbage leaf is applied to the leg. It reduces the inflammatory process and relieves swelling. The leaf should be warm, so the healing properties will appear faster. If the cabbage has been in the refrigerator for a long time, let it warm up first.
3. A honey compress after DPT has proven itself well. Add egg yolk and a few drops of olive oil to slightly warmed honey. The resulting composition is mixed, wrapped in cotton cloth and applied to the sore spot. The top of the compress can be covered with paper.

Massage will help to avoid stagnation; light hand movements begin immediately after the injection. This improves blood circulation, preventing the accumulation of infiltrate.

Why does a lump appear on a child’s leg after DTP vaccination?

Today, doctors practice administering two types of vaccines: the domestic DTP and the foreign analogue Pentaxim. The first provides protection against three diseases (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough), Pentaxim provides protection against five diseases, including polio. The choice of vaccine depends on the child’s health condition and the availability of the drug in the clinic. According to the established schedule, vaccination is carried out 6 times: 4 procedures before 2 years of age, one before entering school, and another at the age of 14 years.

According to statistics, every fourth baby develops bumps and spots after DTP vaccination. Moreover, with revaccination, the negative symptom is repeated and intensified. Doctors say that the bump after the vaccine is the result of infiltration. The vaccine injected into the muscle does not dissolve immediately; swelling and lumps form around the injection site, and it takes time for them to disappear.

According to the rules for administering the vaccine, the injection is given into the muscle, but sometimes the liquid penetrates into the subcutaneous tissue. When the medicine gets into the fatty tissue, a lump appears under the skin. It dissolves slowly, the injection site becomes noticeably red, and the child experiences pain. However, this reaction does not pose a serious danger to the baby’s health. What the infiltrate looks like is shown in the photo.

According to the vaccination rules, injections are made into the leg of children under 1.5 years of age; after this age, the medicine is injected into the deltoid brachialis muscle. For teenagers, the injection is given under the shoulder blade. Doctors refused injections into the gluteal muscles due to poor infiltration of the drug and the frequent occurrence of post-vaccination abscess.

Dr. Komarovsky advises parents not to agree to two different vaccinations at the same time. Along with the formation of a lump, children in the post-vaccination period may experience a rise in temperature, allergic rashes, loss of appetite, loose stools and general weakness.