The most common dermatological diseases include lichen - an infectious lesion of skin areas caused by the action of microscopic fungi or viruses. The danger of lichen is that it is easily transmitted by contact from person to person or from sick animal to person and has several varieties that require a special approach to treatment.
What kind of lichen occurs, what type of therapy is more effective in each specific case, how to avoid complications - this will be discussed further.
Pathogens and carriers of lichen
The content of the article
Dermatologists distinguish several types of lichen, caused by different pathogens.
Most often, the appearance of lichen on human skin is initiated by fungi:
- zooanthropophilic - transmitted to humans from an infected animal, including from pets;
- anthropophilic - live only on human skin;
- geophilic - live in the soil and come into contact with human skin upon contact with the ground.
In addition to fungi, viruses are often the causative agent of lichen. Their cunning lies in the fact that they can live asymptomatically in the human body for a number of years and become more active when the immune system is weakened. This is exactly how, for example, those familiar to many with herpes or shingles behave.
Get treatment until recovery
Unfortunately, when treating all types of lichen, a situation often arises when patients, having felt improvement, abandon treatment and do not come for follow-up tests. This is very bad, since the pathogen remains in the body, causing relapses. It will again be much more difficult to treat the disease because fungi and viruses have most likely already acquired resistance to the prescribed drug.
When treating lichen, it is important to prevent relapses of the disease, so the patient is prescribed drugs that affect the immune system, antiallergic drugs, and vitamin and mineral complexes.
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Types of lichen
In order to cure lichen, it is not enough to make a general diagnosis. It is equally important to promptly determine the type of lichen, since each is characterized by its own symptoms and requires its own treatment.
Dermatologists distinguish the following types of lichen:
- shearer;
- encircling;
- pityriasis;
- pink;
- red flat;
- tubular;
- solar;
- scaly.
Only a competent dermatologist can draw a line between them and correctly prescribe a set of therapeutic measures. Therefore, under no circumstances should you self-medicate. The surest way is to go to the clinic at the first sign of deprivation.
Now about what changes in the skin should alert a person.
Which doctor should I contact?
If an adult or child has symptoms of ringworm, you should immediately consult a doctor. This could be a dermatologist or infectious disease specialist.
The doctor, using the diagnostic methods available to him, will confirm or deny the fact of infection and prescribe the appropriate treatment. It is worth remembering that without treatment, ringworm can provoke very unpleasant consequences in the form of baldness or suppuration, and can also be spread to other people.
In addition, there is a possibility that the symptoms of ringworm hide diseases such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, lichen planus, alopecia areata, etc.
Read more: Alopecia areata in children and adults
Ringworm
The source of trichophytosis - this is the second name for ringworm - can be any of the fungi that primarily affects the hairy parts of the body (head and beard), neck, shoulders, face. The symptoms of this type of lichen are usually as follows: first, swollen pink or red spots with clearly defined edges appear, then the edges of the spots become covered with bursting blisters and an itchy crust, and finally, the center of the spot begins to peel off, and the hair in the affected area breaks off and thins.
Ringworm is diagnosed using a Wood's lamp. If the disease is confirmed, the patient - children often suffer from ringworm - is protected from contact with others and is prescribed complex therapy, including taking special tablets (for example, Terbinafine) and the use of antifungal ointments. In particularly difficult cases, it is possible to take hormone-containing agents that help stop the inflammatory process on the skin.
Symptoms
What does ringworm look like in the initial stage, how to recognize it in time and prevent hair loss? Unfortunately, a person may not notice the first signs of the disease immediately. Any area of the scalp begins to lose its vegetation. The hairs gradually thin out, fall out and break, changing their length to 1 - 2 mm. Peeling of the skin adds to the problem. As the disease progresses, the lesion acquires clear outlines.
Symptoms of ringworm (see photo) are more noticeable on the chest, back, lower and upper extremities. A person may notice such deviations as:
- burning and itching spots;
- redness and swelling of the skin;
- framing the hearth with a solid roller;
- blistering of the lesion with subsequent leakage of contents and the formation of crusts.
If nails are affected by trichophytosis, the plates become brittle and dull. Their structure thickens and coarsens. Subsequently, the nails crumble and change color. Dents on the plates, grooves and a dirty gray color are a characteristic sign of lichen.
In addition to ringworm patches on the head, problem areas can also appear on the body. The disease manifests itself as a rash, the elements of which are similar to round red spots. Since the fungus feeds on keratin taken from the upper epidermal layers, the skin elements gradually acquire the contours of a ring. Having “eaten” the keratin in one area, parasitic microorganisms move on. This is why plaques grow in diameter and change the boundaries of their edges.
The accumulation of dermatophytes leads to the formation of a bright border. Its bubbly and scaly appearance indicates increased fungal activity in this area. Sometimes the parasites return to the center of the ring and again use it as a source of nutrition. But this is only possible when keratin reserves are restored. The so-called “ring within a ring” is a clear sign of increased dermatophyte activity.
Herpes zoster
It is caused by a virus that remains “dormant” in the human body for the time being. It appears in the form of fluid-filled blisters, usually located in the intercostal part of the body. Associated symptoms of herpes zoster: pain (caused by damage to the intercostal nerve endings) and itching of the skin in the affected area; sometimes fever with chills, headaches.
Treatment of herpes zoster is complex. Since the blisters of shingles burst, they are initially treated with brilliant green. And to lubricate the crust that forms in their place, use dermatol ointment. In parallel, the doctor may prescribe antipyretic, painkillers and antiviral drugs, quartz and laser therapy.
Pityriasis versicolor
It is also called multi-colored, because the small pink - and sometimes greenish - rash that appears on the back, stomach, shoulders, and chest changes color and turns brown as the disease develops. Moreover, on tanned skin (in summer) these spots appear discolored, but on white skin (in winter), on the contrary, they look quite dark.
Diagnosis of pityriasis versicolor can be carried out by a specialist who has resorted to microscopic examination of the dermis, Balzer iodine test, and Wood's lamp. He will also prescribe a special drug treatment (with the help of Orungal, Mycozolon, etc.) that can kill the fungus that causes the disease.
With proper therapy, pityriasis versicolor can be eliminated quite quickly (although without treatment, the disease drags on for many years). Additionally, the patient is recommended to adjust their lifestyle (a concomitant cause of this type of lichen may be increased humidity or air temperature), and carry out a complete treatment of clothing and linen.
Causes
A person may develop lichen for the following reasons:
- Weak immunity, unable to cope with viral infection;
- Heredity;
- Transference of acute respiratory diseases, which, if complicated, can cause certain types of lichen;
- Contact with animals that are carriers of infection;
- A side effect of taking certain medications that cause disease, most often these include products for external use;
- Exacerbation of an allergic reaction;
- Frequent stressful situations;
- Damage to the skin that was not promptly treated with an antiseptic drug.
There are a large number of causes of the disease, most often depending on the type of lichen.
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.
Answers to popular questions:
- Is ringworm contagious? Yes, ringworm is an infectious and highly contagious disease.
- Can ringworm go away without treatment? The possibility of ridding the body of ringworm on its own exists, but it is negligible. Science knows of several cases where the disease resolved without any medical intervention, however, these are isolated phenomena. Most often, the infection, having caused inflammation once, begins to spread further. If the disease developed in childhood and was not treated, it will persist until adulthood.
- Can ringworm reoccur? The disease can develop again if there has been a new infection, or treatment has not been completed. The body is unable to form immunity against ringworm fungi.
- Does ringworm itch or not? The disease causes itching, and in some cases it can cause severe anxiety to the patient.
- Is it possible to wash yourself if you have ringworm? The disease is not a contraindication to hygiene procedures. When you are sick, it is best to take a shower rather than a bath.
- What should I do if I get ringworm during pregnancy? Do not panic if the infection develops during gestation, since these mycotic organisms are not able to have a pronounced effect on either the child or the woman. If infected, you should consult a doctor and undergo the treatment recommended by him. During pregnancy, oral medications are not prescribed to get rid of the infection; it will be enough to use ointments prescribed by the doctor.
Lichen ruber planus
Flat multi-colored (from pale pink to purple) nodules of lichen red often appear on the mucous membranes, nails (they crumble), and delicate skin of the chest and abdomen. Their appearance is accompanied by severe itching, which, as a result of scratching, leads to the rapid growth of foci of skin damage.
Dermatologists find it difficult to determine the cause of the appearance of lichen red, but note that it is quite common in patients with diabetes, as well as those suffering from diseases of the stomach, liver, and biliary tract. Moreover, women over 40 years of age are primarily at risk.
Multicolored leather
Pityriasis versicolor usually begins with the appearance of a small, not very inflamed pink spot that does not rise above the surface of the skin. Sometimes the color may be yellowish or coffee-colored. Gradually, the spot becomes overgrown with “brothers”; they merge into bizarre outlines, forming “geographical” patterns. Elements of multi-colored lichen are located on the skin of the chest, upper back, neck, and shoulders. Against the background of tanned skin, the spots look lighter. The spots tend to merge to form large foci, but can exist in isolation. There are no inflammatory phenomena, there is slight pityriasis-like peeling.
Tinea tubularis
Malasezzia is the name of the fungus that causes tubular lichen. This fungus can live in the human sebaceous glands for a long time without revealing itself in any way. Under certain conditions: for example, a decrease in immunity or an imbalance in the acid balance of the skin, severe hypothermia or excessive sweating, endocrine disorders or the development of certain chronic diseases - it begins to multiply intensively.
As a result, small flaky spots appear on the skin, which gradually grow and merge into one large spot. And although the victim practically does not feel itching or pain, he should not postpone a visit to the doctor.
After diagnosing the disease (methods used - scraping test, iodine test, use of a Wood's lamp, etc.), the dermatologist prescribes local or complex antifungal drugs.
Principles of treatment of microsporia
For single lesions, the child receives treatment at home; for multiple lesions and/or the development of a purulent process, the child receives treatment in a hospital setting.
Antifungal drugs are prescribed for oral administration: Grisiofulvin, Itraconazole, Terbinafine (Lamisil).
Locally, the lesions and adjacent areas of the skin are treated with products containing antifungal substances:
• Cyclopiroxolamine: Batrafen, Cyclopirox olamine, Dafnedzhin, Cyclopirox, Sebiprox.
• Terbifin: Lamisil, Binafin, Thermikon.
The products are used in the form of a gel, lotion, solution, spray or ointment.
Before applying antifungal drugs, the lesions are treated with iodine solution.
For topical use, other agents are prescribed that have antifungal properties and the ability to cleanse the skin of dead cells (crusts): sulfur, sulfur-tar or sulfur-salicylic ointments.
The duration of treatment is from 4 to 8 weeks, sometimes longer if there is no positive effect.
Vitamins, agents to protect the liver and improve blood circulation are added to the basic treatment.
Ringworm solar
Under the influence of sunlight, excessive sweating, abuse of solariums and antibacterial agents, uneven, flaky dark spots may appear on the skin. Their occurrence is provoked by a fungus that multiplies on the dermis as a result of a violation of its acidity. Gradually, the spots grow to significant sizes, which causes aesthetic discomfort to a person: they clearly stand out against the tan. And although solar lichen is rarely accompanied by itching and pain, it requires mandatory therapy.
As a rule, solar lichen is diagnosed quickly: it is often enough to conduct an iodine test or use a Wood's lamp. At the initial stage of the disease, local antimicrobial drugs help well; in cases where the disease is advanced, the doctor prescribes complex therapy.
When it itches, I don’t know what
This phrase can combine a huge number of questions such as “a red spot has appeared, is it deprived?” The clinical picture of skin diseases is so similar that it is impossible to determine without examination and tests which disease caused the rash.
To make a diagnosis, you need to examine the affected area under a Wood's lamp. Under its rays, some types of lichen glow. In addition, it is necessary to scrape the skin. Only after this can one judge what caused the spots to appear.
Ringworm scaly
The causes and treatment of this lichen, better known as psoriasis, are not fully understood. However, it is noted that it appears more often in people suffering from diseases of the endocrine and nervous systems and prone to alcoholism.
Psoriasis is a chronic disease, often occurring latently, i.e. is hidden. First, small reddish spots appear on the skin - most often the bends of the legs and arms, lower back and buttocks, causing severe itching due to dryness. Gradually, the spots grow and turn into a lesion that affects a large area of the skin. The peculiarity of psoriasis is that when the plaque is removed, the lichen begins to bleed.
It is necessary to treat scaly lichen under the supervision of a doctor, who will select the necessary topical medications (when applying them, you must strictly follow the instructions), and, if necessary, prescribe antibiotics.
Prevention
Prevention of ringworm involves the following steps:
- regular medical examinations among children;
- compliance with personal hygiene rules;
- disinfection of personal items;
- Make sure that pets are not carriers of this disease.
Prevention of ringworm in a person who has been in a group with an infected patient should be carried out under the supervision of a professional mycologist
.
This article is posted for educational purposes only and does not constitute scientific material or professional medical advice.
Are all types of lichen contagious?
Many people believe that absolutely all types of lichen are dangerous to others. Meanwhile, this is not entirely true. So, with pink, ringworm or shingles, the patient will really need to be isolated. But, for example, pityriasis or scaly ones are not dangerous for others.
And this is another reason why any change in the skin should be the reason for going to a specialist - only he will be able to correctly determine the type of lichen, assess the degree of its danger, give recommendations for treatment, and finally select a set of medications and therapeutic measures aimed at including general strengthening of the body.
Once again about contagiousness
Doctors are often asked what to do if they touch an animal with ringworm. Is it enough to just wash your hands with soap or do you need to take other measures?
Hand washing alone is not enough, because trichophytosis (ringworm) is very contagious. The fungus could get on your face or body, so you need to wash with a special antifungal soap. The drug Citeal has a good effect, which is a good idea to have on hand for animal owners.
Remember that disease is not always determined by the appearance of a cat or dog. At an early stage, it does not manifest itself in any way. In humans, the disease can also occur in an erased form, so at the slightest suspicion of a fungus - spots, itching, blisters - you should see a doctor.
The situation is completely different with pityriasis versicolor (pityriasis versicolor). Its pathogen can remain in the body for a long time without giving symptoms. The source of infection cannot be identified, so if someone in the family gets sick, everyone needs to be tested. It’s not for nothing that this fungus is called “sun fungus.” It is extremely common in warm countries, so when you arrive home in a foreign resort, you need to carefully monitor your health and if spots and rashes appear, consult a dermatologist.
Patients often ask whether they can get shingles. It is this lichen that is not contagious - the disease is caused by an activated virus remaining in the body after chickenpox. But you can catch chickenpox if you didn’t have it in childhood.
Another issue is related to the possibility of contracting pityriasis rosea (Gilbert's disease) from pigs. These animals suffer from the same disease, but their pathogen is not dangerous to humans.
