Squamous lichen in humans: symptoms, treatment, photo with description

Psoriasis is a chronic dermatosis of a multifactorial nature, one of the most severe skin diseases. According to epidemiological studies, psoriasis affects from 0.6 to 5% of the population, more often women than men. The disease manifests itself at approximately the age of 28 years and lasts throughout life [1]. Moreover, in some patients, exacerbation occurs in the autumn-winter period, in others - in the summer, and in others, rashes can appear at any time of the year. Ensuring adequate control of psoriasis and improving the quality of life of patients remains the most important issue in modern dermatology.

What is unique about the treatment of lichen planus at the GK Clinic?

At the GK Clinic, dermatologists will assess the course and spread of your disease and, taking into account your related diseases, will select the local, systemic or phototherapeutic treatment that is suitable for you.

In our Outpatient Center for the Comprehensive Treatment of Lichen Squamosus, you will undergo the necessary diagnostic procedures (biopsy to confirm the diagnosis, blood test before prescribing systemic PUVA therapy). After determining the clinical form of lichen planus and the spread of the disease, appropriate local treatment will be prescribed, which will then, during visits to the GK Clinic, be adjusted depending on the course of the disease. We will also select skin care products that are best suited for lichen planus. By prescribing appropriate treatment and skin care products, the course of the disease can be successfully controlled.

Ringworm in humans

All types of lichen require treatment. Initially, competent diagnosis is required to select adequate therapy. Shingles on the body is of viral herpetic origin. Localization - intercostal area, along the location of the nerves. It may also appear in other places with the main nerve trunks. Most often it occurs on one side of the body in the form of a blistering rash with the formation of a crust later. The incubation period for lichen is on average 14 days, but the range can be from 11 to 21 days. If the form of the disease is ocular, without timely treatment you can lose your vision.

Ringworm in a child is most often diagnosed as ringworm. Trichophytosis and microsporia can affect the skin of the face, head, shoulders, and neck. The nature of occurrence is Microsporum and Trichophyton fungi. In most cases, ringworm on a child’s head develops of the ringworm type. There are ways of infection: through household contact, through contact with a sick person or animals.

Ringworm on the head appears in the form of pink spots with gradual rejection of hair in its growth zone, which causes bald spots to form. Over time, itching may begin, and until active manifestation it is asymptomatic.

Pityriasis rosea (erythematous squamous dermatosis, pityriasis or Gibert's disease) is viral in nature. The disease is provoked by herpetic virus type 6 or 7. Occurs most often in the autumn-spring period. It is typical that pityriasis rosea appears in the groin, as well as on the arms and legs. Plaques up to 20 mm in diameter. The center is yellowish brown or pink. When the mother (largest) spot disappears, cold symptoms are felt. Ringworm on the arm, as in other places, is accompanied by itching.

The pityriasis type of the disease is caused by the fungus Malassezia. The peak of the disease occurs in the summer. This cutaneous lichen is prone to recurrence. It is characterized by pigment spots of yellow, pink, brown, which merge over time. There is no inflammation, but there is characteristic peeling. Localization - throughout the body, except for the limbs and head. A typical picture is lichen on the back. Requires treatment, otherwise the disease may progress to a chronic stage.

The red flat appearance is quite rare. Lichen is localized in the mouth, on the mucous membranes, forearms, ankle and wrist joints. May destroy nail plates. In women, if there is a disease in the oral cavity, there is a high probability of damage to the external genital area. Lichen also appears on the chest. Itching can spread to the entire body. In men, lichen on the penis is concentrated in the area of ​​the head.

The white (sunny) type of the disease is the least aggressive. The course of the disease can last for years. Ringworm is caused by yeast fungi. It often affects people under 30 years of age. Ringworm shows symptoms in the head and chest area. It has nothing to do with the sun, but is clearly visible on tanned skin. Ringworm on the arm can also appear. Psoriasis or the scaly form of the disease has a non-infectious nature of development. Refers to autoimmune pathologies. If left untreated, the risk of developing arthritis increases.

Is this disease contagious? What are the causes of the disease?

The mechanism of this disease is very complex, versatile and still not fully understood, although some of its stages are already known. This disease is not contagious. It is believed that there is a genetic predisposition to the disease. However, if one family member is sick, this does not mean that others will necessarily get lichen planus. Psoriasis can be triggered and complicated by various factors:

• physical injuries, chemical irritants,
• infection,
• stress,
• various medicines,
• alcohol,
• metabolic disorders (obesity, diabetes mellitus),
• other skin diseases, especially those causing itching.

Pathophysiology of psoriasis

According to modern concepts, psoriasis is a complex multifactorial pathology that develops under the influence of genetic and immune-mediated factors.
This hypothesis is confirmed by the success of immunodrugs in treating the disease. The pathogenesis of psoriasis is not fully understood. It is known that after exposure to triggers (and in some patients without them), a large number of leukocytes are sent to the dermis and epidermis. Primarily, the epidermis is infiltrated by many activated T cells, which are presumably capable of inducing keratinocyte proliferation. This theory is supported by data from histological studies and immunohistochemical staining of psoriatic plaques. American scientists have calculated that in a patient with damage to 20% of the body surface, 8 billion T cells circulate in the blood, while in the dermis and epidermis of psoriatic plaques their number reaches 20 billion [4].

Ultimately, an unregulated inflammatory process develops, which is accompanied by the release of a large number of various cytokines. Among them are TNF-alpha, interferon-gamma, interleukin-12 and others. Many of the clinical manifestations of psoriasis are associated with high levels of cytokines. Interestingly, elevated levels of TNF-alpha correlate with flare-ups of psoriasis, which has formed the basis for pharmacotherapy.

Further maintenance of T cell hyperactivity and the release of proinflammatory mediators play a major role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis [5].

In the affected areas of the skin, due to the expansion of superficial blood vessels, epidermal hyperplasia develops, which leads to a shortening of the cell life cycle (from 23 days to 3-5 days) and pathological cell maturation.

Epidermal cells, which normally lose their nuclei, retain them due to changes in the cell cycle—parakeratosis develops. In addition, affected cells do not release adequate amounts of lipids, which are necessary for the formation of a “cement” adhesion between keratinocytes. Against the background of lipid deficiency, a loose stratum corneum is formed, which leads to peeling with peeling of silvery scales.

Is phototherapy safe for treating lichen planus?

The Outpatient Comprehensive Lichen Squamosus Treatment Center at our GK Clinic has one of the most modern computerized equipment from Waldmann, designed for the effective and safe treatment of lichen planus and other skin diseases. Computerized equipment for phototherapy and assessment of skin type, determination of the minimum erythemal dose can reduce the possible harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation (phototoxic reactions and carcinogenic effects).

Stages of psoriasis

There are three clinical stages of the disease.

The progressive stage is characterized by a rash of small bright pink nodules on the skin, prone to growth and the formation of psoriatic plaques. During the progressive stage, a characteristic symptom of psoriasis is recorded - Koebner phenomenon , or a symptom of an isomorphic reaction: classic psoriatic papules appear at the site of scratches or other damage to the skin.

The stationary stage is not as pronounced as the progressive stage. New elements of the rash do not form, and existing papules turn pale and stop growing.

The regressive stage is characterized by improvement of the condition: flattening of psoriatic plaques, reduction of peeling and infiltration.

In severe cases, psoriasis can lead to complications, including secondary infections, an increased risk of lymphoma, in particular T-cell malignant lymphoma of the skin, and cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease, psoriatic arthritis and mitral valve prolapse .

Prevention

To move psoriasis into the stage of remission or regression, it is important to adhere to the recommendations listed below:

• follow a diet;
• to refuse from bad habits;
• follow a sleep and rest schedule;
• maintain mental balance;
• spend enough time outdoors;
• take multivitamins.

If a person suffering from scaly lichen strictly follows the listed advice and doctor’s prescriptions and is attentive to his own health, then relapses of psoriasis will not bother him for a long time. This will help keep him healthy and feel full in society.

Use of drugs

Prevention of psoriasis and cure of this lesion in the early stages, when the rashes are not yet very pronounced, can be treated with external agents in the form of ointments

But it is important to remember that with a disease such as psoriasis, symptoms and treatment will be interconnected, in other words, drugs are selected based on the patient’s complaints

What helps with this disease? The fight against this disease can be carried out using the following means:

• Salicylic ointment. This remedy increases the softening of horny scales. With regular use of this product, all scales will soon disappear. In order to cure the lesion, the ointment is applied to the skin with rashes 1-2 times a day;
• Naphthalene ointment. This remedy is used in the stationary and regressing stages of the disease. Suppresses inflammation and itching;
• Sulfur-tar ointment. The ointment eliminates the inflammatory process of the skin, but is not recommended for use during the exudative form. It is also not recommended to apply to the face area. If the scalp is affected, shampoos with tar are used;
• Anthralin. This remedy stops the division of cells in the surface layers of the skin and reduces flaking. Apply the ointment to the affected area, leave for 1 hour and then wash off;
• Skin caps are ointments, aerosols, and shampoos that are used in the treatment of psoriasis in different parts of the body.

How to treat scaly lichen if the above remedies do not help? In these cases, you can use hormonal external agents, such as:

1. Flumethasone ointment. This remedy is used 2-3 times a day for 2 weeks;
2. Triamcinolone acetonide ointment. The medicine is used during exacerbations 2-3 times a day for two weeks;
3. Hydrocortisone. This product helps to quickly eliminate formations, peeling, itching and tightness.

General information

Psoriasis (another name is scaly lichen ) is an inflammation of the skin that is self-sustaining. The cause of this condition is too high activity of immune cells. With psoriasis, there is an excess of local immunity , the occurrence of which is provoked by significant disturbances in the functioning of the nervous, and later also the immune system. At the same time, infection with infectious diseases, exposure to both household and food allergens , and alcohol consumption can significantly aggravate the situation. Consequently, experts regard the manifestation of psoriasis as a signal of general negative processes in the human body. From a statistical point of view, the incidence of psoriasis is about 15–20% of all skin diseases. At the same time, experts record an increase in incidence cases every year.

Diagnosis of psoriasis

As a rule, the diagnosis is established on the basis of a typical clinical picture. To rule out a fungal infection, especially in the feet or hands, microscopic examination of skin samples for the presence of fungal cells may be necessary.

Differentiation between psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis is carried out using laboratory diagnostic methods.

Laboratory research

Treatment

Squamous lichen must be treated comprehensively. The therapeutic course should include local ointments, shampoos, oral tablets and physiotherapy.

It is important to understand that it is impossible to fully cope with this disease - to really only remove the external picture of psoriasis and then purposefully prevent its relapses in the future. Treatment should be carried out under the supervision of a dermatologist.

Let's look at how treatment for scaly lichen is carried out.

At the initial stage of the disease, non-hormonal ointments are used:

• Salicylic ointment. Effectively relieves skin inflammation, softens it and promotes cell regeneration. The product is applied in a thin layer under a sterile bandage. Procedures are carried out daily until signs of the pathological process are eliminated.
• Sulfuric ointment. Disinfects the skin, controls cell division, relieves inflammation. The drug is applied up to 3 times a day to psoriatic plaques. The recommended course of treatment is 2-3 weeks.

• Naphthalene ointment. Eliminates discomfort and significantly reduces the area of ​​lesions. The product is applied to the skin for 20 minutes, after which the residue is removed with a napkin. The course of treatment is 15 days.

To resolve psoriatic plaques, the following are prescribed:

• Akrustal. The drug is applied in a thin layer to the areas of inflammation for 6 hours, then washed off with running water. Course 3 months.
• Micanol. The product is applied to the affected areas of the body, keeping it on the skin for 30 minutes. Then wash off with soapy water. Course 2-4 months.

• Calcipotriol. The drug is applied to psoriatic plaques in the morning and evening for 8 weeks.

External signs of scaly lichen are also eliminated with the help of Skin-cap and Kartalin ointments. In the presence of acute inflammation and peeling, the doctor can select hormonal agents - glucocorticosteroids: Elokom lotion or cream, Sinaflan, Advantan. All of them stabilize the uncontrolled division of skin cells and normalize the appearance of the affected areas of the body.

It is recommended to change the listed medications periodically, since psoriasis tends to adapt to them.

For treatment to be as effective as possible, patients are recommended to take oral sedatives and even tranquilizers. A calm psychological state is an important factor in the successful fight against the disease.

Additionally, patients are prescribed physical procedures that enhance the effect of medications and speed up recovery. These include:

• plasmapheresis - blood purification;
• cryotherapy - treatment with low temperatures;

• magnetotherapy - exposure to foci of pathology with a magnetic field;
• phototherapy - the use of light waves.

Laser therapy, electrosleep and other methods are also popular.

In difficult cases, specialists prescribe systemic drugs such as Methotrexate, Phosphogliv, etc. to patients. If plaques are localized on the scalp, shampoos with a therapeutic effect, for example, Psoril and Nizoral, are suitable as local treatment. When a pathological process develops on the nail plates, the same medications are used as for rashes on the body.

Following a diet will help complement complex treatment. A person suffering from psoriasis should limit themselves or completely avoid the following foods:

• alcohol;
• salt, sugar;
• unhealthy food.

The patient's diet should consist mainly of vegetables and fruits, wholemeal baked goods, fermented milk products, and whole grain porridges.

Lichen rosea (or Zhibera)

A little-studied type of disease that usually develops against the background of a weakened immune system in the autumn or spring season. The risk group in this case consists of girls who have a hormonal imbalance in their body.

The manifestation of lichen is the appearance of round or oval pink and light brown spots on the chest, shoulders, back, sides, and skin folds. Dermatological changes, accompanied by itching and flaking of the skin, may go away on their own within a few weeks, however, when the first signs of the disease appear, it is recommended to consult a doctor to rule out the presence of syphilis similar in symptoms.

Causes of psoriasis on the hands

To date, a huge number of factors have been identified that provoke the development of the disease. Psoriasis is often caused by a combination of several causes. Also at risk are those with thin and dry skin on their hands.

The most common causes of the development of lichen planus include:

• Uncontrolled hygiene. Frequent use of detergents and washcloths can lead to injury and disruption of the natural protective functions of the skin.
• Having AIDS or HIV infection. About 40% of people with this diagnosis suffer from psoriasis.
• Dermatological problems can arise even as a result of bad habits. At the moment we are talking about smoking, drug addiction and alcohol consumption, they disrupt the nutrition and blood flow of the skin.
• Infections can be either fungi or staphylococci. They can accelerate the development of lichen.
• Heredity - we can talk about this cause if the disease was detected before the age of 10.
• Allergy. The disease can be triggered by intolerance or hypersensitivity to certain foods.
• Poor ecology, sudden changes in climatic conditions, and flights can also give rise to the development of psoriasis on the fingers.

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