If there is no scar after BCG. What to do if a child does not have a BCG scar: normal reaction or pathology? Homemade creams against scars and scars

Scars and cicatrices on the body are an ugly reminder of the surgeries and injuries received. Statistics show that most people are embarrassed and have a complex about scars, but have no idea how to properly care for them. Many people begin treatment without consulting a specialist, which leads to a worsening of the situation, or they believe that the scar will go away on its own.

In order not to be among the last and know what mistakes to avoid, let’s consider the most common myths about scars:

Myth 1. Scars disappear on their own.

Scars do not disappear on their own. They need to be treated or corrected. There are many different surgical and conservative techniques for this.

There are several stages of scar formation:

Stage I- inflammation and epithelization (7-10 days after injury). Post-traumatic inflammation of the skin gradually decreases. The edges of the wound are connected to each other by fragile granulation tissue; there is no scar as such yet. This period is very important for the formation of a thin and elastic scar in the future - it is important to prevent suppuration and divergence of the edges of the wound.

Stage II- formation of a “young” scar (10-30 days after injury). Collagen and elastin fibers begin to form in the granulation tissue. Increased blood supply to the area of injury remains - the scar is bright pink. During this period, repeated external trauma and excessive physical effort should not be allowed.

Stage III- formation of a “mature” scar (up to 1 year).

The number of vessels decreases - the scar thickens and becomes pale. Allowed physical activity in the usual volume. Up to 1 year the final transformation of the scar occurs. Scar tissue slowly matures - vessels completely disappear from them, collagen fibers line up along the lines of greatest tension.

If the process of wound healing and scar formation proceeded without complications, then the scar becomes light, elastic and almost invisible, that is, normotrophic. Normotrophic scars do not disappear, but if you follow your doctor’s recommendations for scar care, they usually become almost invisible. Hypertrophic and kelod scars must be treated.

You should know that the formation of scar tissue is characterized by certain stages of development - extensive growth, plateau, spontaneous regression of the scar. Observed at long-term use any anti-scarring drug positive effect may coincide in timing with the natural stage of regression of scar tissue and mislead the specialist and the patient in good faith.

Myth 2. You can get rid of a scar only through surgery.

Scars can occur due to various injuries, including different circumstances. Choice the best way Treatment depends on the characteristics of the scar and is carried out exclusively by a doctor. For example, if a patient has large scars and severe scars, surgical intervention is often required. And if the scar is small and does not limit physical abilities person, then cosmetic correction can be carried out using conservative techniques.

Factors influencing the choice of scar treatment include:

patient's age;
hereditary factor;
nature of damage;
localization of damage;
extent of damage.

As noted above, there are 2 types of scar treatment: conservative and surgical.

Conservative methods include:

1) Peeling.

A) Dermabrasion is a procedure for removing the top layer of skin by grinding with special rotating brushes. As a result, scar tissue is smoothed out. However, such an operation is very traumatic and painful. Some capillaries can be removed along with top layer skin, and this will lead to bleeding.

B) Microdermabrasion – removal of keratinized epidermal cells using aluminum dioxide microcrystals. This procedure is less painful than dermabrasion, since the capillaries in the skin are not affected when exfoliating dead cells. It is mainly used to remove old acne scars.

2) Use of creams and ointments.

Anti-scar agents are used to prevent the growth of scar formations on initial stage formation, as well as for the correction of already formed scars.

To achieve the fastest and most obvious results, physiotherapy (phonophoresis, electrophoresis) with anti-scarring agents is used. The procedures can be performed in a clinic or at home.
Self-medication can lead to the opposite result, so before using any remedy you should consult a specialist.

3) Silicone preparations.

The action of silicone-containing drugs is aimed at normalizing water balance in the epidermis and a decrease in the activity of formation of pathological collagen. Silicone patches and silicone-containing gels also create pressure on the scar, which leads to a slowdown in its growth and an increase in skin elasticity. Silicone-containing products are intended for the prevention and correction of immature scars.

4) Use of special compression garments.

Pressure bandages and underwear are sewn from elastic cotton fabric to order according to individual sizes. Wearing period is at least 6 months. Usually, compression underwear prescribed for the treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scars. Compression pressure stops the growth of scar tissue by squeezing the vessels that feed it.

5) Physiotherapy.

Physiotherapy has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, which is associated with the restoration of local microcirculation, leading to the normalization of the processes of collagen and elastin synthesis. This method of drug delivery increases its activity and prolongs its effect, reducing the number of adverse reactions.

TO operational techniques Scar treatments include:

1) Surgical excision.

For improvement appearance some scars are enough easy removal scar tissue and re-closure of the wound, that is, excision of the old scar. If there is enough skin adjacent to the scar, surgical excision removes scar tissue, then the edges of the skin are carefully sewn together. As a result, instead of a scar, a thin, less noticeable scar remains.

2) Laser correction(grinding).

Laser removal of scar tissue makes scars less noticeable. Laser ray destroys excess cells on the surface of the scar, giving it natural look. In addition, laser treatment of deeper layers of skin is possible. For laser treatment more often used local anesthesia, V in rare cases required general anesthesia. Several procedures are required to achieve the effect. After a course of procedures, a rehabilitation period is required.

3) Skin grafting with the possibility of transplanting areas of the epidermis.

Skin graft transplantation is serious method removal of scars. In this case, the scar is excised, and skin from another (donor) area of the body is used to cover this area. This method is effective when large area scar; it is often used in the treatment of burn scars. The operation is usually performed using general anesthesia. The transplant leaves small scars on both the donor sites and the transplant area.

Myth 3.Scar treatments don't help.

On this moment There are many drugs available to combat scars. With their help, you can remove scars after surgery, injuries, burns and other skin damage. As a rule, these products are available in the form of gels, creams, ointments, etc.

Anti-scarring agents are classified into groups depending on the main active ingredient:

1) Preparations based on collagenase.

The priority task of collagenase preparations is the destruction of excess collagen in scar tissue. Collagenolytic treatment is relevant starting from the end of stage 1 of scar formation.
Enzymes differ from each other in size and degree of activity. According to experts, the complex of collagenases based on hydrobionts included in the product has the highest collagenolytic activity and selectivity.

General contraindications for the use of ointments, creams and gels for scars:

Do not apply the product to scars located on the mucous membranes and eyelids.

Sensitivity to individual components cream that resolves scars is a contraindication for use.

Do not use if there are active inflammatory, purulent or necrotic processes.

It is unacceptable to mix several types medicines when applied simultaneously.

Should not be used if available allergic inflammation in the area of injury.

Oncological formations at the site of application are a contraindication.

Allergic reactions include: itching, rashes, blisters, pimples, urticaria, burning, dermatitis.

However, one must distinguish allergic reaction And natural process scar healing. In some cases, at the beginning of scar correction, the opposite effect is observed - swelling, hyperemia, the scar enlarges, which creates a false impression of its growth. Such effects are explained by the fact that when active substances on the scar, it loosens and the collagen bundles decrease, which leads to a decrease in pressure on the vessels and, as a result, an increase in the lumen of the vessels. This condition of the scar does not require cancellation of the correction, but indicates the active destruction of pathological collagen in the tissues.

Myth 5.If the scar itches, it means it is getting smaller.

The causes of itching in fresh or old scars are completely different, but none of them is an indicator of a decrease in size or resorption of the scar. On the contrary, if itching and burning are felt in the area of a mature, fully formed scar, then this most likely indicates its growth.

Causes of itchy scars include:

Threads used to stitch the wound. Although modern medicine prefers special self-absorbing threads, it often happens that individual particles can long time remain inside the seam. Then in certain moment the body begins to reject them. Itching due to threads can occur at the 1st and early 2nd stages of scar formation.

Modification of a hypertrophic scar into a keloid. If it itches a lot around the scar, and the scar itself has clearly changed, then this may indicate that it has degenerated into keloid scar. Itching, burning and increase in size are the main symptoms.

Injury to the scar by clothing or jewelry.

Too dry skin. One of the most common causes of itching. Very dry skin will itch even without a scar.

Some types of treatment. Some treatment options may also cause itching - as accompanying treatment symptom or as a side effect.

If the sensation of itching and burning causes serious discomfort, then you should consult a specialist to understand the cause and, if necessary, prescribe treatment. Most anti-scarring medications contain ingredients that help reduce or stop itching.

Myth 6.Old scars cannot be corrected

It is impossible to remove an old scar completely, but it is quite possible to make it almost invisible.

The older the scar, the more difficult it is to fight it. Many resort to quick, relatively long-term treatment, but painful surgical interventions which, among other things, require an additional period of rehabilitation. A small scar after the operation will remain in any case, but it will be neat and with a positive course of healing and treatment it will become almost invisible.

In addition to operational ones, there are those that were discussed earlier in the article. They require more treatment time, but are less painful and less expensive. To speed up the scar correction process conservative methods often used in combination with various procedures or physiotherapy.

We've covered common misconceptions about scar treatment, but not all of them. You need to be attentive to yourself and your health, so if there is reason to believe that a pathological scar is beginning to form after an injury, then you need to consult a specialist.

What to do if there is no trace of BCG small child? This question confuses many mothers, because immunity against tuberculosis is important for the newborn.

Tuberculosis – acute infection, localized primarily in the lungs and representing serious threat for human life. Infectious agents are very common in environment, therefore it is very important for a person to have good immunity against this disease. In this regard, vaccination against tuberculosis or BCG is given to children as early as early age- upon discharge from the maternity hospital. Parents often have various questions about this vaccination. But most of all, young mothers and fathers do not understand what to do if, several months after the vaccine is administered to the child’s shoulder, there is no scar left at the injection site. Why is its presence necessary and what are the consequences of its absence?

Under normal circumstances, if there are no contraindications or other factors prohibiting vaccination, the baby is vaccinated against tuberculosis before being discharged from the maternity hospital. In this case, the vaccine is administered intradermally into left shoulder. In addition, there are exceptional cases when the vaccine is given in the thigh, but these do not occur often, and mostly the injection is given in the shoulder.

If for some reason the BCG vaccination was not done in the maternity hospital, it can be done in your clinic or without leaving your home by calling a medical team.

Thus, there are three main ways of carrying out BCG vaccinations:

In the maternity hospital.
At a local clinic.
At home, calling a medical team.

After the vaccine is correctly injected into the skin layer, a papule appears at the injection site - a small round pad with a diameter of up to 10 mm, like a Mantoux. After half an hour, the papule resolves. This signals that the vaccination was done correctly. If in the future everything goes “according to the instructions,” then after a month and a half a pustule with obvious signs should appear at the site of vaccination. purulent processes. Some parents get scared when they notice such a sore in their child. In fact, the inflammatory process at the injection site is an absolutely normal reaction of the body to BCG. The pustule may ooze pus, which should be removed with a clean cloth. Use brilliant green or other antibacterial agents absolutely not possible.

After another half a month, the wound will begin to heal and become covered with a characteristic crust. It is necessary for it to dry and peel off on its own, without anyone’s help. When this happens, a characteristic scar will remain at the injection site from the BCG vaccination. It can be used to judge the success of the vaccination.

Efficacy of BCG

How to find out how effective the procedure was? This will be indicated by the size of the BCG mark.

The following manifestations indicate a normal reaction of the body to the vaccine:

the appearance of a round “pad” immediately after the injection;
the formation of redness, and then the formation of a purulent focus;
discharge of pus from under the scab and the formation of a new lesion;
the appearance of a scar.

A good trace from a purulent focus should measure from 3 to 10 millimeters in diameter. Tripe – a clear sign established anti-tuberculosis immunity in the child. Also, by the diameter of the injection mark, you can find out how long the immunity will last.

There are three types of scars:

Small (less than 4 mm in size). In this case, we can talk about the low effectiveness of vaccination. Immunity is unlikely to last more than three years.
Medium - from 5 to 8 mm. Vaccination good quality. Should be enough for 5-7 years.
Large - from 8 mm or more. As a rule, in such cases, immunity against tuberculosis lasts 7 years or more.

The big question that some parents have is: “Why is there no BCG mark, and what does this mean?” Indeed, for some children, after an injection there are no traces left at all, with the exception of a small dot from the needle itself.

Why is there no scar?

For what reasons does a child have no trace of the BCG vaccination? If vaccination has been carried out, but after three months from the moment of injection no traces have appeared on the skin, the Mantoux test will help to find out the reason for the lack of a normal reaction.

Basically, a scar does not occur for two reasons:

Either there are violations in the technology of introducing the vaccine into the skin, or the composition of the vaccine itself is damaged.
When the body has a powerful anti-tuberculosis immunity by nature, and does not need additional protection.

If the Mantoux test is negative, a booster vaccination will be necessary. In this case, most likely, errors were made during the vaccination process. Sometimes a second vaccination is given after seven years. However, then, throughout this time, such children should undergo the Mantoux test not as usual once a year, but twice a year, in order to avoid tuberculosis.

If the first reason for the absence of a scar indicates a lack of immunity, then the second reason indicates the opposite. Almost 2% of all inhabitants of the planet have a powerful innate protection from tuberculosis and some other diseases. The body of such people eliminates infectious agents even before antibodies begin to be produced. Therefore, there is no scar after BCG, just as there is no redness after the Mantoux test. As a rule, such children cannot get tuberculosis if normal conditions, if there are no factors that greatly weaken the immune system, such as HIV.

The scar after BCG disappeared after several years - what does this mean? This indicates that the effect of the vaccine has ended and revaccination is required.

Need for re-vaccination is easily confirmed by the Mantoux test - it shows negative result, while in the presence of artificially created anti-tuberculosis immunity after Mantoux, redness will form on the child’s hand.

The vaccine against tuberculosis is created from a strain of weakened live bovine tuberculosis bacilli that have lost virulence for human body. Into the body of healthy newborns it administered on days 3-5 of life.

Revaccination with BCG is carried out at the age of seven. Most people develop a specific scar. But there are times when the scar does not remain.

Characteristics of BCG in a child

Vaccination is necessary to prevent severe forms tuberculosis. BCG does not reduce the prevalence of the disease; it is intended to prevent the development of those types of tuberculosis that are highly lethal.

The decision to carry out universal vaccination is due to the unfavorable epidemiological situation.

For newborn children, the vaccine is administered intradermally into the left shoulder in the area where the deltoid muscle attaches. This area is located between the central and upper third shoulder Depending on the condition of the newborn, he may be given BCG or BCG-m (a weakened version intended for premature, low-birth-weight babies).

If administered correctly, a papule will form immediately after injection. Its diameter does not exceed 10 mm. Within half an hour it dissolves. This is the main sign of a correctly administered vaccination.

Reference! Improper administration of the vaccine leads to complications. At subcutaneous injection Some people develop an abscess that ulcerates. The condition can be normalized by long-term use antibiotics.

The reaction to BCG does not appear immediately. It should be delayed. As a rule, after 4-6 weeks An abscess forms at the injection site. Over time, it becomes crusty and gradually heals.

In the absence of complications, the healing process continues up to 4.5 months. Initially, the injection site turns red or turns purple, blue, or black. Parents should not be afraid - this is a variant of the norm. At the site of darkening and redness, an abscess appears, in the center of which there is a scab. But some people develop a reddish blister filled with liquid. Sometimes the ulcers burst and their contents spill out.

Attention! Treat the wound with antiseptics, sprinkle with antibacterial powder, or iodine grid No need. It is also not recommended to squeeze pus out of the wound.

A successful BCG vaccination and the formation of an immune response is indicated by the resulting scar. A scar is formed with a length of 2 to 10 mm. If it is absent, figure out why this situation arose. How larger size scar, the stronger the developed immunity:

2-4 mm: protection lasts for 3-4 years;
5-8 mm: the vaccine will last for 4-7 years;
from 8 mm: immunity from tuberculosis has been formed for a period of more than 7 years.

Photo 1. The size of the BCG scar in a child is about 5-8 mm, so the vaccine will last for 4-7 years.

Correct reaction looks like a vaccine in the following way.

A white papule appears at the injection site, which disappears after 10-30 minutes.
After 4-6 weeks, the vaccine injection site turns red, an abscess or blister with liquid contents appears, and a scab forms on the surface. For some, pus may leak. In this case, it is recommended to cover the area with a sterile wipe and change it as needed.
After 3-4 months, the injection site heals completely and a scar forms.

This is a normal reaction of the body to BCG.

Why is there no trace of the vaccine?

In some vaccinated babies, the scar after the injection is not visible. This situation occurs frequently: in 5-10% of children There are no traces left from the first vaccination. The main reasons for this include:

violation of vaccination technology;
use of spoiled or expired vaccine;
the presence of innate powerful anti-tuberculosis immunity.

Innate resistance to mycobacterial lesions is observed in 2% of the population. In these people, the mark will not appear even after repeated injections of BCG. They do not suffer from tuberculosis, and the Mantoux reaction is always negative. Infection is possible only with a strong decrease in immunity, for example, against the background HIV infection.

But figuring out whether the absence of a scar is due to innate immune defenses or whether it is missing due to the use of a low-quality vaccine is difficult. The condition can be monitored by regular testing using the Mantoux reaction. If it is negative, then revaccination is done.

People with innate anti-tuberculosis immunity will not develop a scar. If the immune response has not been formed due to the use of low-quality raw materials or its incorrect administration, then the person is at risk. When infected, the risk of the disease progressing to open form And fatal outcome rises. Vaccinated people are much less likely to develop meningitis and other disseminated types of tuberculosis that lead to death.

There was no trace left after revaccination

Re-administration of the vaccine is necessary even for children who have vaccine marks. It is carried out to increase the body's immunity to the effects of mycobacteria.

As a rule, general revaccination is carried out in regions where tuberculosis is widespread. It is mandatory for children whose family includes people with this disease.

In some babies, a scar at the site of vaccine administration does not form at all, in others it disappears over time. This indicates the absence of post-vaccination immunity. Children with a missing BCG scar are considered equal to those who did not vaccinate. Situations where the scar resolves are rare. Doctors say that this indicates a lack of immunity. Revaccination in such a situation is recommended to be carried out in as soon as possible.

In cases where there is no scar left from BCG, reintroduction the drug is mandatory. This is necessary for the formation of immunity. Otherwise, the risks of developing severe forms of the disease leading to death remain high.

But first do a Mantoux test. BCG vaccination is carried out only on the condition that local reaction on the forearm from tuberculin test absent: visualization of the injection mark is acceptable. The vaccine is administered immediately after confirmation of a negative reaction to the administered tuberculin. The maximum permissible time interval between Mantoux and BCG placement is 2 weeks.

If there is no trace and Mantoux is negative, it is recommended to re-administer the live vaccine not in standard terms (at 7 or 14 years old), and through 2 years. If the first tuberculin test was negative, and a year later a change is observed (a positive reaction appears), then a consultation with a phthisiatrician is required.

It is impossible to do BCG with a positive or questionable Mantoux. This situation is included in the list of contraindications for revaccination.

Reference! If T-lymphocytes have previously been in contact with Koch’s bacillus, then specific inflammation will occur at the site of tuberculin injection. If the immune system is not familiar with the causative agent of tuberculosis infection, then the papule will be absent.

It is strictly prohibited to administer BCG to children whose immune system has reacted to tuberculin.

Instructions for parents: what to do if the BCG vaccination is not visible

If a baby is given BCG or BCG-m, then after a few months he will have a characteristic scar on shoulder. If it is not available, consult a pediatrician and, if necessary, a phthisiatrician.

Judging by your diet, you don’t care about your immune system or your body at all. You are very susceptible to diseases of the lungs and other organs! It's time to love yourself and start improving. It is urgent to adjust your diet, to minimize fatty, starchy, sweet and alcoholic foods. Eat more vegetables and fruits, dairy products. Nourish your body by taking vitamins and drinking more water(precisely purified, mineral). Strengthen your body and reduce the amount of stress in your life.

You are susceptible to moderate lung diseases.

So far it’s good, but if you don’t start taking care of her more carefully, then diseases of the lungs and other organs won’t keep you waiting (if the prerequisites haven’t already existed). And frequent colds, intestinal problems and other “delights” of life and accompany weak immunity. You should think about your diet, minimize fatty, flour, sweets and alcohol. Eat more vegetables and fruits, dairy products. To nourish the body by taking vitamins, do not forget that you need to drink a lot of water (precisely purified, mineral water). Strengthen your body, reduce the amount of stress in your life, think more positively and your immune system will be strong for many years to come.

Congratulations! Keep it up!

You care about your nutrition, health and immune system. Keep up the good work and there will be more problems with your lungs and health in general. long years will not disturb you. Don't forget that this is mainly due to the fact that you eat right and lead healthy image life. Eat proper and healthy foods (fruits, vegetables, fermented milk products), do not forget to use a large number of purified water, harden your body, think positively. Just love yourself and your body, take care of it and it will definitely reciprocate your feelings.

What to do if there is no trace of BCG in a small child? This question confuses many mothers, because immunity against tuberculosis is important for the newborn.

Tuberculosis is an acute infectious disease, localized mainly in the lungs and posing a serious threat to human life. Infectious agents are very common in the environment, so it is very important for a person to have good immunity against this disease. In this regard, vaccination against tuberculosis or BCG is given to children at an early age - upon discharge from the maternity hospital. Parents often have various questions about this vaccination. But most of all, young mothers and fathers do not understand what to do if, several months after the vaccine is administered to the child’s shoulder, there is no scar left at the injection site. Why is its presence necessary and what are the consequences of its absence?

How does BCG vaccination work?

Under normal circumstances, if there are no contraindications or other factors prohibiting vaccination, the baby is vaccinated against tuberculosis before being discharged from the maternity hospital. In this case, the vaccine is administered intradermally into the left shoulder. In addition, there are exceptional cases when the vaccine is given in the thigh, but these do not occur often, and mostly the injection is given in the shoulder.

If for some reason the BCG vaccination was not done in the maternity hospital, it can be done in your clinic or without leaving your home by calling a medical team.

Thus, there are three main methods of BCG vaccination:

In the maternity hospital.
At a local clinic.
At home, calling a medical team.

After the vaccine is correctly injected into the skin layer, a papule appears at the injection site - a small round pad with a diameter of up to 10 mm, like a Mantoux. After half an hour, the papule resolves. This signals that the vaccination was done correctly. If in the future everything goes “according to the instructions,” then after a month and a half a pustule with obvious purulent processes should appear at the site of the vaccination. Some parents get scared when they notice such a sore in their child. In fact, the inflammatory process at the injection site is an absolutely normal reaction of the body to BCG. The pustule may ooze pus, which should be removed with a clean cloth. It is strictly forbidden to use brilliant green or other antibacterial agents.

Efficacy of BCG

How to find out how effective the procedure was? This will be indicated by the size of the BCG mark.

The following manifestations indicate a normal reaction of the body to the vaccine:

the appearance of a round “pad” immediately after the injection;
the formation of redness, and then the formation of a purulent focus;
discharge of pus from under the scab and the formation of a new lesion;
the appearance of a scar.

A good trace from a purulent focus should measure from 3 to 10 millimeters in diameter. A scar is a clear sign of a child’s well-established anti-tuberculosis immunity. Also, by the diameter of the injection mark, you can find out how long the immunity will last.

There are three types of scars:

Small (less than 4 mm in size). In this case, we can talk about the low effectiveness of vaccination. Immunity is unlikely to last more than three years.
Medium - from 5 to 8 mm. Good quality vaccination. Should be enough for 5-7 years.
Large - from 8 mm or more. As a rule, in such cases, immunity against tuberculosis lasts 7 years or more.

Why is there no scar?

Basically, a scar does not occur for two reasons:

Either there are violations in the technology of introducing the vaccine into the skin, or the composition of the vaccine itself is damaged.
When the body has a powerful anti-tuberculosis immunity by nature, and does not need additional protection.

If the first reason for the absence of a scar indicates a lack of immunity, then the second reason indicates the opposite. Almost 2% of all inhabitants of the planet have powerful innate protection against tuberculosis and some other diseases. The body of such people eliminates infectious agents even before antibodies begin to be produced. Therefore, there is no scar after BCG, just as there is no redness after the Mantoux test. As a rule, such children cannot get tuberculosis under normal conditions, unless there are factors that greatly weaken the immune system, such as HIV.

The scar after BCG disappeared after several years - what does this mean? This indicates that the effect of the vaccine has ended and revaccination is required.

The need for re-vaccination is easily confirmed by the Mantoux test - it shows a negative result, while in the presence of artificially created anti-tuberculosis immunity, redness will form on the child’s hand after Mantoux.

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BCG scar

After BCG vaccination by intradermal injection live vaccine, after about three weeks, a papule with a characteristic compaction appears at the injection site. Then, after another three to four weeks, the papule ulcerates, and by the end of the third month a scar forms at the site of vaccine administration. This is exactly the scar on the right shoulder ( Bottom part deltoid muscle) - typical place for this vaccination - may indicate BCG vaccination. If the Hyphae applicator was used, then the papules small size disappear faster and often leave no scars at all.

The scar after BCG vaccination may be different sizes. The latter depends on the dose of the vaccine administered. But other factors also influence the size and shape of the scar, for example, the method in which the vaccine was administered: intradermal administration leaves behind, as a rule, identical scars, but incorrect administration (subcutaneous) leads to the formation of unequal scars irregular shape. The appearance of the scar is also influenced by the characteristics of the person receiving the vaccine. Let's say that some races in this regard are susceptible to the formation of a keloid scar. The strain used to produce the BCG vaccine itself also plays a role.

The study found that two years after vaccination, only 60% of vaccinated children still have a scar. And the absence of a scar, thus, turns out to be an unreliable indicator of the implementation or failure of BCG vaccination in childhood. After all, such a phenomenon may be, for example, a consequence of a low dose of the administered vaccine, difficulty in accurately introducing it into the skin, or a consequence of immaturity immune system baby (although cellular immunity usually formed at birth).

What if there is no scar after BCG?

The absence of a post-vaccination scar can be explained by the incorrect method of administering the vaccine or the loss of its activity. A new proposal was made that managers of vaccination and immunization programs systematically monitor the presence and shape of vaccination scars in vaccinated children to assess the level of professionalism of the vaccination specialists. This proposal was argued that the identification of identical scars could be an indicator of the correctness of the calculation of the dose of the administered vaccine. But this kind of tactic will be ineffective if immunization is carried out in at different ages or if you use a vaccine from different strains. After all, it is known that the age of the person receiving vaccination and the characteristics of the vaccine strain can influence the nature of the scar formed after vaccination.

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BCG trace

Outline of the article: 1. Scar at the site of vaccination 2. What to do if a scar does not form?

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways prevent the spread of diseases. In the first year of life, the child receives most of all routine vaccinations, which in the future should provide protection from many dangerous diseases. Unlike other vaccines, the mark from BCG remains for life. A small vaccination scar on the shoulder is the main indicator of the presence of anti-tuberculosis immunity.

Scar at the vaccination site

Vaccination against tuberculosis is carried out on the 3-7th day of a newborn’s life in the maternity hospital or in the clinic after discharge. Before the procedure, the child is examined for contraindications, and the parents are checked for tuberculosis using fluorography. After administration of BCG A white flat papule with a diameter of up to 10 mm appears at the injection site, which disappears after 20-30 minutes. Subsequently, over the course of several months, the graft changes color, festers and becomes covered with a crust, which soon falls off, and in its place a small scar forms. He is the final stage the body's immune response to the vaccine. The BCG scar and its size make it possible to determine what is normal and what is not. There are the following criteria for the effectiveness of vaccination:

scar size is less than 4 mm – low index protection, validity – up to 3 years;
scar size 5-8 mm – high level protection;
scar size more than 10 mm – lack of anti-tuberculosis immunity.

If the BCG scar is deformed, it means that the reaction was incorrect and there is no immunity. There are very rare cases when a scar forms deep under the skin; this is externally manifested by a change in the color of the graft. The main reason for this phenomenon is incorrect technique or too deep injection of the vaccine.

A year after vaccination, parents may notice that the BCG scar is swollen. A growing, pink, irregularly shaped scar with a smooth surface that rises above the rest of the skin is called a keloid. It appears due to excessive growth connective tissue at the wound healing site. Individual characteristics currents inflammatory process, as well as incorrect technique for administering the drug can cause such a complication.

What to do if a scar does not form?

The final stage in the formation of immunity after BCG is the process when a scar appears. But for some children this does not happen. There are several reasons for this phenomenon:

incorrect administration of the drug;
inadequate quality of the vaccine;
innate anti-tuberculosis immunity in a child.

Only 2% of people have innate immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This unique property does not allow a scar to form, since the body already has antibodies that can eliminate enemy bacteria. If there is no trace of the BCG vaccination due to incorrect injection technique or the introduction of a low-quality drug, it means that immunity has not been formed. To install the real reason If there is no scar, a tuberculin test is prescribed. In people with innate immunity, after the Mantoux test, only a trace of the injection remains and no other reactions. A negative test result indicates a lack of immunity. In this case, revaccination is indicated for the child.

Sometimes it happens that immune reaction was successful, and a scar formed, but then suddenly disappeared. This means that the vaccine has worn off and there is no longer immunity. The Mantoux test shows a questionable or negative result. Revaccination is prescribed after consultation with a doctor.

The scar after BCG vaccination is the main evidence of successfully formed anti-tuberculosis immunity. During the first year of the child’s life, parents should carefully monitor changes in the injection site in order to distinguish normality from pathology in time.