Ringworm is scaly spots or papules on the mucous membranes or skin. Virus, fungus, infection and allergies can trigger the appearance of lichen, which most often occurs against the background of hormonal or endocrine disorders, as well as weakened immunity.

Types of lichen

Exists great amount types of lichen: pink, ringworm, red flat, tropical white and black, simple, scaly, shingles, pityriasis versicolor and so on.

Pityriasis rosea manifests itself by the appearance of a pair of spots of a similar color on the skin. After a few days, small plaques begin to come off from these maternal plaques. pink spots, Not causing itching. At proper treatment After nine weeks the rash goes away.

Ringworm appears on the scalp and body. Flaky spots break off the hair in the affected area, causing bald spots to appear on the person. On the skin, the lichen rises slightly. Rarely, lichen affects the nails, which begin to crumble and turn yellow.

Red lichen planus is a pink-purple small rash that appears on the chest, abdomen, lower back and limbs. The rash forms a pattern and is very itchy.

The types of lichen can be listed endlessly. To a man without medical education this information won't give anything. It’s better to go to a dermatologist and start the right treatment.

Pityriasis rosea

Can be formed from viruses or allergens pityriasis rosea. Scaly patches affect the trunk, limbs and neck. This happens mainly in the off-season, when people most often catch colds.

Ringworm appears in people with weakened immune systems. If a person is hypothermic or constantly catches a cold, he or she develops lichen regularly.

First, a maternal plaque appears - a spot two centimeters in diameter with clear edges. There is a yellow spot in the center. Gradually, the central part wrinkles and peels off. At the same time, the person experiences headache, weakness and general malaise. After four days, a large number of spots appear on the skin.

After a month or two, the rash goes away. Moreover, it is not at all necessary to treat it; the spots disappear on their own. Some people do not want to wait that long and begin to actively undergo treatment. Frequent washing is prohibited during treatment. You need to shower with soft detergents. Avoid overcooling and sunbathing. Dermatologists usually prescribe antibiotics, hydroalcoholic or oil solutions, ointments with glucocorticosteroids, herbal infusions, antiallergic drugs and vitamins.

Shingles

Shingles is caused by a virus chickenpox. If a person had chickenpox as a child, the causative agent of the disease goes into a latent state and lives in nerve cells spinal cord or in the ganglia of the autonomic nervous system.

Shingles is a slow-onset, recurring disease that most often occurs in immunocompromised people aged 60 to 75 years. Also at risk are people who are constantly stressed, who have tumors and people with HIV.

The patient first develops a fever, itching and malaise. After some time, the body becomes covered with spots, which after a few days turn into erythematous papules.

There are several types of herpes zoster: herpes zoster ophthalmicus, Ramsay-Hunt syndrome and herpes zoster motor. Herpes zoster ophthalmicus damages the cornea and ophthalmic branch trigeminal nerve. With Ramsay-Hunt syndrome, the facial muscles are paralyzed, rashes appear in the external ear canal and in the oropharynx. A person begins to hear worse, he is tormented by dizziness and pain in the ear canal. Motor herpes zoster manifests itself as muscle weakness and rash.

Shingles is treated with drugs such as Famciclovir, Acyclovir and Valacyclovir. "Acyclovir" is integrated into the viral DNA molecule and prevents it from multiplying. If you start using these drugs immediately after the first signs of shingles appear, or at least in the first three days, the disease will end much faster, the pain will disappear, and the likelihood of postherpetic neuralgia will be zero. In order for the patient to move and breathe normally, he is prescribed narcotic analgesics. You can also use non-narcotic analgesics: Dexketoprofen, Naproxen, Ibuprofen, Ketorolac and others.

Corticosteroid medications reduce itching and inflammation, but are not recommended for use in the treatment of this disease.

This type of lichen affects not only nails and skin, but also mucous membranes. An itchy rash appears on the abdomen, back and flexural surfaces.

Lichen planus can appear due to both viruses and allergens. There have been cases where people became covered with lichen ruber due to stress.

Initially, a person develops shiny small papules with a diameter of five millimeters, which gradually merge and form a continuous spot, similar to a mesh. If you lubricate the skin vegetable oil, this grid will be clearly visible. central part The pink-violet nodule is slightly depressed. After the rash disappears, brown spots remain on the skin.

Often the rash appears in the mouth, on the labia and the head of the penis. Here the lichen resembles light gray warts. Lichen planus can be linear, atrophic, hypertrophic, bullous, flattened, annular, pigmented and erythematous.

With atrophic lichen, the skin dies at the site of the rash. Lichen linearis forms along the nerves. Hypertrophic or verrucous lichen is a purple or blue rash that looks like warts. After long-term use medicines Lichen bullosa may appear. If the lichen has the form of rings or arcs that quickly cover new areas, it is called annular.

Lichen planus may appear on the nails. The nail plates become cloudy, thin, brittle and lumpy.

Ringworm

This type of lichen is an infectious disease that most often occurs in children, animals and middle-aged people. Infection occurs through direct contact with a sick animal or person. Ringworm appears on the body, limbs and scalp. The worst thing about this type of deprivation is that bald spots appear on the head. In order to get rid of lichen on the head, you need to cut off all your hair. It's terrible, especially as a teenager. It is difficult to explain to children that lichen is a disease like others. Nobody wants to become the subject of ridicule.

Tinea versicolor

Tinea versicolor is fungal disease skin, which affects the stratum corneum of the epidermis. The pathogen settles in the stratum corneum of the epidermis and in the mouths of the follicles.

This type of lichen infects people with diabetes mellitus, vegetative neurosis, tuberculosis and excessive sweating.

Such lichen is treated with Andriasyan's liquid, Wilkinson's ointment and salicylic-resorcinol alcohol. The main thing in treatment is to speed up the exfoliation of the horny epidermis.

Take away the reasons

Fungal and viral microflora provoke the appearance of lichen. It occurs in those who are often in stressful situations. Ringworm causes may be genetic predisposition, weak immunity, infectious diseases, emotional and physical stress. It is difficult to say how long the disease lasts, it all depends on individual characteristics person and type of lichen.

Ringworm treatment

Some types of lichen do not require specific treatment. For example, pityriasis rosea goes away on its own after 4-7 weeks. Dermatologists often prescribe antihistamines (Tavegil, Zyrtec, Loratidine). During treatment, it is recommended to wash as little as possible and not use any cosmetics.

Treatment for ringworm involves isolating the patient and treating the affected areas. Those with ringworm are hospitalized and have their hair shaved off. Every morning, the spots are smeared with iodine, and at night, sulfur-tar or sulfur-salicylic ointment is applied. The doctor prescribes antifungal drugs.

Ointment for ringworm

In the morning, lichen is treated with iodine, and in the evening - with ointment. Treatment lasts about three weeks.

There is also soap, paste and Sulsen shampoo. This drug is used for dermatomycosis: seborrheic lichen and dermatitis, foot fungus and other skin diseases.

Ringworm in humans

With lichen, the skin becomes inflamed and its pigmentation is disrupted, hair falls out, and itching appears. Most often, this disease occurs due to infection, fungus or virus. People with weakened immune systems and children are at risk. If a person develops lichen, they should go to a dermatologist. Treatment will depend on the type of lichen. In any case, the patient must be isolated, because many types of lichen are transmitted through close contact.

Ringworm in children

In summer and autumn the weather is warm and humid at this time of year fungal infections feel most comfortable, therefore they are transmitted from one person to another with great speed. Those who have weak immunity get sick more often. Even if fungal spores get on the skin, it is not a fact that a person will get sick. Lymphocytes and protective proteins can react well and prevent the fungus from attaching. Weak immunity is not able to protect the body, so fungi multiply not only on the surface of the skin, but also in its deep layers.

Mushrooms, like all living things, need liquid. If there is enough moisture on the skin, the fungi germinate and actively multiply. With increased sweating, the sweat channels expand and the permeability of the skin increases - favorable conditions are created for the proliferation of fungi.

Ringworm occurs more often in children than in adults because children's immunity much weaker, and besides, children are constantly in contact with animals. The parents do not have time to turn away, and the child has already grabbed the cat at the entrance. Stray animals carry a huge number of infections, including lichen.

If lichen appears on the head, the child will have to be shaved bald, otherwise the treatment will be useless. This can create psychological discomfort, because children are cruel to each other - just give them a reason to make fun of someone who looks different from everyone else. Therefore, it is better to take the child out of kindergarten or school until he fully recovers, preferably until his hair grows back at least a little. You also need to constantly talk to your child about this disease so that he understands that this is not something shameful, but an ordinary fungus that can appear in anyone.

Ringworm in cats

Ringworm affects the skin, fur, and claws of cats. Given infection The animal may go away without any treatment, but it is better to still help the pet and speed up this process.

Fungi are found not only on the animal itself, but also in the area where it walks. The most dangerous thing is that the spores can remain active for two years.

Ringworm in cats may not appear in any way for some time, and the fact that it is present can only be determined by conducting special tests.

Ringworm in dogs

A dog becomes infected with lichen through close contact with a carrier. The fungus does not always manifest itself immediately. There may be no symptoms of the disease, but the animal is already a carrier.

Ringworm in dogs is treated with ointments and medications that need to be taken orally. In order to draw up a treatment plan, you need to show the animal to a veterinarian.

Ringworm photo

Ringworm is a group of diseases skin, caused by viruses or bacteria. There are many varieties of lichen. Some species are contagious and are transmitted after contact with an infected person or animal.

Other forms are considered immune or autoimmune disease. Not all people know what lichen looks like on a person’s face. initial stage, therefore, at the first signs of skin diseases, you should consult a doctor to determine the type of disease and undergo a course of treatment.

Causes of lichen

The main factor of the disease is the development of fungal or viral microflora. The immune system Most people are able to cope with pathogens on their own, but with a weakened immune system, the disease begins to develop rapidly.

Experts highlight following reasons, contributing to the development of lichen:

• weakened immune system;
• people who long time are in a stressful state;
• hereditary predisposition to lichen;
• allergy sufferers who often take antihistamines;
• people susceptible to hypothermia and colds;
• patients who have disorders in the functioning of internal organs.

What does lichen look like in humans?

Pathology is a group of different skin diseases. The forms of pathology differ from each other. They have different symptoms, degree of infectivity, location, shape and color. Each type is treated differently.

Pityriasis rosea

Is not contagious disease. It is often referred to as allergic reactions. At the initial stage, a small maternal plaque appears on the skin: two to five centimeters in diameter.

Then a pink rash appears, localized on the arm, leg, back, thighs, neck and abdomen. Pityriasis rosea is accompanied by elevated temperature, joint pain, general weakness. The rash may be itchy, and over time the spots become larger and acquire a yellowish tint. The pathology goes away in two to three weeks.

Ringworm

The disease is called trichophytosis. It can be contracted from a sick person or animal. The incubation period lasts for a week, after which the first signs of the disease appear. Foci of infection appear on smooth skin and hairy skin heads.

The rashes are represented by red-pink spots, they have a clearly defined border. The skin is swollen and flaky. It is covered with small vesicles containing liquid inside. At first, the lesions are small in diameter, but then they can grow. Trichophytosis is accompanied severe itching.

Ringworms cause not only physical, but also psychological discomfort. These skin diseases can affect anyone, regardless of gender and age. When the first signs of illness appear, you should consult a doctor to diagnose accurate diagnosis and undergo treatment.

Sakania Luiza Ruslanovna

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Ringworm: initial stage

A very frequent red spot on the face or body is lichen. It can easily be contracted from a sick person or animal, so it is important to know what such rashes look like. Certain factors can provoke the disease: reduced immunity, autoimmune diseases, neglect of personal hygiene rules. Experts distinguish several types of the disease, and not all are considered contagious and require therapy. However, it is easier to identify lichen at the initial stage and begin to treat it than to wait until the defect goes away on its own.

A red plaque can appear for three main reasons: a skin fungus, a virus, or reduced immunity. In most cases, it is able to fight the causative agent of lichen, but in some cases, on the contrary, it provokes the development of pathology. The following reasons are identified:

• not enough good job protective function body;
• prolonged exposure to stress;
• genetic predisposition to fungal infections of the skin;
• treatment with antihistamines;
• wounds and other damage to the skin;
• elderly age;
• hypothermia of the body;
• chronic diseases of internal organs.

Infection occurs through contact with a carrier of lichen (the fungus is transmitted from the scales of the dermis, hair, nails) and his personal belongings. Spores often live on towels, bedding, shoes, combs, scissors and children's toys. For this reason different kinds quickly spread among children in kindergartens and schools. In addition, the whole family can be infected at once if the baby or one of the parents has a problem. It is also important to know what lichen looks like in cats and dogs for timely detection of the disease in pets.

Types of disease

To know what lichen looks like in a person at the initial stage, you first need to find out what types of the disease exist. Some of them affect only smooth skin on the face and torso, others - hair and genitals. The color of the spots is different: pink, gray, reddish. They may be covered with white scales or small rash. Almost always, the rashes itch and cause discomfort in a person.

All fungal infections are divided into several large groups. Depending on this, development lasts a certain amount of time. The first signs may appear either a few days after contact with the patient or 2–4 weeks after infection. Conventional groups of microscopic fungi:

• anthropophilic - affect people, infection occurs through contact with a sick person or using his objects;
• zoanthropophilic - cause disease in cats, dogs, horses and humans, transmitted in the same way as the previous type;
• geophilic - fungi live in the soil, so infection occurs only after contact with the ground.

Do not forget that lichen can be caused by a virus that is in the body of almost every person in a dormant state. It is activated under favorable conditions. These include hypothermia, frequent stressful situations, reduced immunity and chronic diseases.

Ringworm

The spots are often located on the scalp, face, neck and limbs, and have a pinkish tint. The surface of the lichen peels off, becomes covered with whitish scales and small blisters. They may burst, causing a crust to form. The rash soon spreads to the torso, arms, legs, neck and face.

What does ringworm look like in humans? Trichophytosis (another name) is transmitted from an infected person or animal. If it is transmitted from a cat, dog or other pet, then the pathology develops quickly and causes more discomfort. You will notice the first signs 5–7 days after contact with the carrier. Small lesions with swelling in the middle and pityriasis-like scales will tell you about the onset of the disease. light color. Distinctive feature- a bright red ring on the lichen. Soon the spots increase in size and begin to itch very much.

If the head (or beard, mustache) is affected, it is possible to notice upon close examination that the hairs are breaking off almost at the very root. If left untreated, the pathology can cause noticeable bald spots or partial baldness. White flakes, reminiscent of dandruff, also appear on the hairstyle.

Shingles

Shingles

This type is caused by the chickenpox virus, which affects almost all people in childhood. Since then, the pathogen has been “sleeping” in the body and is activated under certain conditions. In the initial stage, it resembles a cold, that is, a person is worried about loss of strength, fever, muscle pain, and swollen lymph nodes. Then a burning sensation and severe itching occurs in the back, ribs and abdomen. The photo shows that shingles only affects one side of the body. Over the course of 4 days, the disease progresses, the skin becomes covered with blisters containing infectious fluid. After some time, they burst and become crusty. After healing, hyperpigmentation and pain remain, lasting for 4–6 months.

Pityriasis rosea (Gibera)

The pathology is caused by a viral nature, but the causes have not been fully identified. It is necessary to make a reservation: this type of lichen is not contagious to other people. The disease begins with the formation of a maternal plaque on the face, chest or back, the size of which does not reach more than 5 cm. Then the lesions spread throughout the body, the patient may be bothered chronic fatigue or malaise. In the center the spot is much lighter than its edges. Peeling is also noticeable on the surface, but without dead cells. Over the course of 3–4 weeks, the rash gradually changes color to yellow and disappears completely, merging with the normal shade of the dermis.

Lichen planus

Can affect nails, skin and mucous membranes, causing a small red rash. It consists of itchy pimples that sometimes change their color to crimson. The surface of the dermis remains smooth, no peeling or plaque is observed. As the disease progresses, the nodules grow over large areas, forming huge flat lesions. After recovery, pigmentation remains.

Lichen planus

Pityriasis versicolor (variegated or colored)

The skin becomes covered with small flaky spots that itch. The shape of the plaques is fuzzy with pronounced edges. In children, as a rule, the plaques are oblong in shape or resemble light-colored stripes. The rash is pink, flesh-colored and Brown color, in rare cases, pityriasis lesions become covered with a black coating. Ringworm has the ability to spread quickly and affect large areas of the body. There are no unpleasant sensations, so people very often refuse treatment.

Lichen squamosus (psoriasis)

This form does not pose a danger to others, as it is not transmitted. It is an autoimmune disease and depends on a hereditary factor. The provoking reasons are not fully understood. The lesions are convex, red, slightly flaky, very itchy and cause discomfort to the person. In addition to lichen, you can notice a deterioration in your general condition.

Shiny shape

It is a non-contagious type that is completely painless. Small reddish papules form on the surface of the body. Their size rarely reaches more than 2–3 mm in diameter. The shape of the rash is round and convex, resembling a ball.

Disease in animals

Very often, lichen infection occurs from pets or street animals. For this reason, you need to know the signs in cats and dogs. Pathology transmitted from pets is accompanied by more clear signs, especially in children. Veterinarians say ringworm in cats begins as a small hairless patch on the skin. Often occurs behind the ears or on the neck, is whitish in color and covered gray coating. The disease then progresses: the damage spreads and covers large areas. It is necessary to monitor the condition of the animal; it often scratches the plaque (sometimes even scratches until it bleeds), and in advanced cases it becomes lethargic, refuses to eat and sleeps a lot.

Just like people, there are different types diseases, so it is almost impossible to independently identify lichen in cats at the initial stage. The owner should be alert to hair loss and the formation of itchy spots on the surface of the pet’s body. In this case, it is worth showing it to a specialist who will conduct an examination and then tell you how to cure the disease.

Many homeless animals are carriers of lichen and other serious illnesses. Even if a cat has no injuries on its body, it can still be a carrier (for example, if fungal spores from another pet remain on its fur). Children love to play in the yard with kittens or puppies, but such play can cause lichen spots on the baby’s dermis.

Diagnosis and treatment

The initial stage of lichen is treated very quickly, so do not delay a visit to a specialist. A dermatologist will assess the condition of the skin and prescribe the necessary diagnostics. Most often, examination under a Wood's lamp and scraping of plaques is sufficient to make a diagnosis. In some cases, the patient is required to take general analysis blood. This will help identify possible violations in the body, which could provoke the formation of lichen. After receiving the results, the doctor will tell you what it is and how to treat it.

Use of medications

To get rid of the defect, antifungal ointments, creams, and solutions are used. The skin should be treated several times a day with Miconazole, Clotrimazole, Terbinafine or other drugs based on them. In the morning and evening, it is recommended to lubricate the areas of lichen with an iodine solution, and then apply sulfur or salicylic ointment.

What to do if the lesion affects scalp heads? Don't be afraid that you will have to change your long hair to a short hairstyle. Modern means(for example, medicated shampoos Nizoral or Dermazol) allow you to do without shaving your hair. However, if you shave a small area where the lichen appears, the medication will better penetrate under the epidermis.

Severe forms of lichen with multiple rashes throughout the body and fever require the use of antifungal tablets for oral administration. It is highly undesirable to use them yourself, as they have side effects. The dosage and treatment regimen should be adjusted by a specialist based on the results of the examination of the patient, his age and characteristics of the body. With some types, the patient experiences unbearable itching and severe painful sensations. For this reason, he may be assigned complex therapy, including painkillers and antihistamines. To a small child you should cut your nails short so that he does not scratch the spots and spread the infection to healthy areas skin.

Many types of lichen are considered contagious and are easily transmitted to others; experts insist on isolating the sick person for a time. Visit kindergarten, school, work and public places are not allowed. You should refrain from doing this for at least the first 5–7 days after starting therapy. Complete recovery occurs within 2–3 weeks, if there is no associated infection or other complications.

The pink type of disease does not require drug therapy– the defect should disappear on its own within 1–2 months after development. To remove discomfort Doctors recommend taking one antiallergic tablet at night: Zodak, Suprastin or Loratadine. It is important to improve nutrition and focus energy on improving immunity. You may have to take a course of vitamin-mineral complex or immunomodulators. It will not be superfluous to wipe the sore skin with sea buckthorn, peach or almond oil. The epidermis will become softer and more hydrated, and will also itch less.

During therapy directed against any type of lichen, it is undesirable to stay in the sun for a long time or visit a solarium. You should avoid the beach, bathhouse or pool, as well as cosmetic products for body care (or at least do not apply them to inflamed areas and nearby areas). You should not use products based on salicylic acid to avoid overdrying and cracking of the dermis.

Folk recipes

Some products that are easy to find in the kitchen can help relieve inflammation and itching of the skin. The simplest way is Apple vinegar, diluted with water in equal proportions. Wipe the affected areas with the solution and leave until dry. Repeat no more than 5-6 times a day.

ethnoscience

Celandine juice is another available method for home treatment, it can be applied to pure form(only on the outbreaks, otherwise there will be a burn to the healthy epidermis) or cook healing medicine. Mix one part of the juice with one part of vodka and wipe the lichen stains with the liquid. Repeat several times a day until complete passage defect. It is possible to prepare more solution at once than is required for several applications. It saves medicinal properties within 12 months.

Chopped sorrel and homemade sour cream (mixed in equal proportions) will help soothe the itching or burning sensation that occurs with this disease. Apply the finished mixture in a thin layer to itchy areas 2 times a day, leave for 15–30 minutes, and then wash off. A similar procedure can be done before treating the rash with a pharmaceutical product.

An interesting way to remove plaques is smoke from a pine log. It should be set on fire, wait a little and extinguish. Direct the smoke towards sore spot for a few minutes. The procedure is repeated 3 times a day for 10–14 days. It must be carried out carefully, otherwise a burn of the skin will be added to the itchy spots.

Traditional medicine knows many recipes and all of them have been tested for decades, but you should not rely only on them. A positive effect is achieved when treating lichen at the initial stage. If the rash has affected large areas, then it is better to visit a doctor and follow his recommendations.

Ringworm does not apply to serious illnesses threatening human health or life. However, this is a very unpleasant phenomenon that causes discomfort. To combat it, it is important to be able to distinguish between types of pathology and know about methods of getting rid of it. initial stage ringworm(and any other) is much easier to treat with a competent approach than an advanced form. Will speed up recovery pharmaceutical drugs or recipes traditional medicine.

Ask a free question to a doctor

Ringworm represents a number of diseases, each of which has its own characteristic symptoms. Transmission of contagious types of lichen occurs through simple contact and household contact and often affects people immune defense in whom it is weakened.

The manifestation of non-contagious forms of the disease is observed in the case of stressful situations, and this form is transmitted at the genetic level.

Shearer

Often this variety affects children. The causative agent is represented by the fungus trichophyton. Affects skin areas on:

• head under the scalp;
• face;
• shoulders;

In adults (men), it may appear in the direction of beard growth. This type of lichen is transmitted in case of close contact with an infected person. Microsporia in children of this type is provoked by the functioning of fungi transmitted from animals, often cats, for this reason the disease primarily affects representatives of the children's age group.

After a child becomes infected from an animal while playing with it, he is able to transmit the fungus to other people. Period incubation development takes from five days to several weeks.

Pink

It is triggered by hypothermia and often affects the body of women and adolescents. The microorganism that causes the disease has not yet been fully studied, but assumptions have been made about its viral nature. This type of lichen is located in the area:

• belly;
• breasts;
• backs;
• shoulders;
• skin folds.

The development of the disease takes from a couple of weeks to a couple of months.

Only the qualified doctor, because in its external manifestations, lichen rosea is similar to a terrible disease - syphilis.

Pityriasis

This disease is provoked by fungi and hormonal changes, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

In a humid environment, the fungus begins to actively multiply and fill the space on the skin. In addition, the seborrheic form of dermatitis can provoke such a disease. It often forms in the area:

• shoulders;
• belly;
• breasts;
• backs.

The type under consideration is one of the longest in duration, since the number of spots in the absence of proper therapy continuously increases and it is even possible for them to merge into one focus. The disease is inherited.

girdling

Presented in the form of herpetic lesions of the skin in areas of the intercostal space, and in the direction of the location of the intercostal nerves. This type of lichen often affects people of advanced age or another age category in case of reduced immunity.

The disease manifests itself as pain in the area chest, especially in the intercostal space. The pain syndrome can last for more than one month. Dangerous form Such deprivation is associated with localization in the organs of vision, which can cause blindness.

Red flat

A likely provoking factor for the disease is the development of a person’s predisposition to allergies when exposed to a stressful situation. Often the fair sex and people with problems with the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract are susceptible to the disease.

The development of symptoms is often provoked by a hereditary predisposition or the presence of any kind of provoking factor (for example, severe stress). Ringworm affects the mucous membranes, skin of the abdomen or chest, and nails. It can occur in a variety of forms (ring type, tubercles, ulcers, corrosion).

scaly

A chronic form of the disease, which often affects the external areas of the extension surfaces in the form of:

• elbows;
• knees;
• hoop knuckles;
• buttocks;
• lower back.

The period of latent development of the disease can suddenly acquire an active form if stressful situation. This type of lichen on the leg is not contagious.

Peculiarities

In children and adult patients, various types of lichen are characterized by different manifestations. Similar symptoms are represented by the appearance of an itchy rash or spots that occupy certain areas on the body. Childhood patients are most susceptible to trichophytosis, which is easily detected by the formation of balding areas on the head that are pink or red in color.

On early stage The development of the disease often proceeds with almost no noticeable signs, however, after the onset of itching, a person also notices changes in the shades and texture of the skin.

A child may develop shingles into chickenpox. In this case, crusts appear that need to be treated with special disinfectant solutions.

At the same time, in a group of people who have not had chickenpox, the virus directly provokes this type of disease.

Symptoms

The signs of the disease in question are similar to the manifestations of most skin ailments; for this reason, only a dermatologist can make an accurate diagnosis. The main symptoms of lichen are represented by local lightening or darkening of the skin, the formation of spots of various colors, the appearance of itchy skin, peeling, and hair loss.

Methods of therapy

Therapy is carried out taking into account the specific type of pathogen. They are often presented in the form of microscopic fungi and a number of viral microorganisms. Transmission of lichen from an animal that is infected to humans is carried out through zooanthropophilic fungi.

The transmission of anthropophilic type fungi occurs only through direct contact between a person and another person.

During contact with soil, a person may become infected with geophilic fungi, which also provoke the development of this disease. Among the viruses, there are a large number of types that are also provoking factors for lichen. They are able not to manifest themselves while remaining in human body, before his immune defense weakens.

Often, for therapy, the patient is prescribed a comprehensive course with the prescription of medications with antiviral and antifungal effects, immunostimulating agents and topical ointments.

In the case of shingles, the course of treatment should also include painkillers, physiotherapeutic procedures using a UV lamp and reflexology. The use of physiotherapy is also recommended in the case of ringworm.

Types of pink and red lichens do not require special therapy; their manifestations are alleviated with the help of sedative-type drugs and a vitamin complex.

Skin diseases are a triple unpleasant thing. In addition to the actual fact of disturbances in the functioning of the body, they, as a rule, also look extremely unaesthetic, and in addition cause considerable physical discomfort to the patient.

A good example are different types of lichens- this group of problems includes inflammatory processes on the skin, which are accompanied by a characteristic rash, pigmentation disorders, peeling, itching, hair loss and others similar symptoms. They are most often caused by fungi:

• zooanthropophilic (affect people and animals);
• anthropophilic (found only in humans);
• geophilic (transmitted through contact with the ground).

Also, some types of the disease are viral in nature, and the key impetus for its development in all cases is weakened immunity. There are more complex cases, which, although formally related to lichens, are considered by doctors as independent pathologies with their own internal classification and variability (eczema, psoriasis).

Contagious or not?

If dermatologists are primarily interested in the etiology and symptoms of the disease, then for the patient and his relatives the question is no less important - is this or that lichen contagious? Is it transmitted from the patient to others, are any precautions needed?

To protect others from infection, the sick person should go to home (in some cases he is admitted to a hospital) and use individual utensils, household items and hygiene products until complete recovery.

The main types of lichen and methods of their treatment

The first and most obvious symptom of lichen is the appearance of suspicious spots or rashes on the skin. In this case, you should immediately contact a dermatologist who will conduct a diagnosis, make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

• Pityriasis rosea (lichen of Zhibera)

A viral disease, the causative agents of which are not fully understood. It manifests itself as inflammation of areas of the skin on which pink or light brown round spots appear, the center of which is usually slightly paler than the edges and may peel off. The size of the spots varies from a few millimeters to 3-4 cm.

Most often it affects people from 10 to 55 years of age during the period of seasonal weakening of immunity (spring and autumn), especially after colds. It can occur “out of nowhere” or after contact with a carrier. As a rule, spots are localized on the back, sides, stomach and chest. At the initial stage of the disease, the first “mother” spot-plaque appears, over time it increases to 3-4 cm, and a smaller pink rash appears nearby, which can cause slight itching.

Pityriasis rosea does not require any special treatment and goes away on its own in one and a half to two months. To relieve itching, your doctor may prescribe antihistamines, and to strengthen the immune system, vitamin complexes and immunomodulators. Also, you will need to temporarily stop visiting the pool, sauna, solarium, and reduce the number of water procedures at home, limit the use of cosmetics.

Photo 1-3 - pityriasis rosea on the stomach and back:

• Shingles (herpes zoster)

Caused by the chickenpox virus. It is localized mainly in the area of ​​the ribs, but can sometimes be present on other parts of the body. This disease mainly affects adults, childhood it manifests itself as chickenpox.

Shingles is characterized by severe itching, the appearance of blisters with clear liquid, which burst after 3-4 days and become crusty. A feature of the disease is severe pain (since the herpes virus affects nervous system). They can occur in the intercostal space and in other parts of the body where they pass nerve bundles. Those who have not had chickenpox, as well as those whose body, despite previously past illness, did not develop a strong enough immune system.

With absence adequate treatment this type of lichen can cause secondary diseases leading to lesions of the cornea of ​​the eyes, hearing impairment, unilateral paralysis of the facial muscles, muscle weakness etc. Usually, after 2-4 weeks, herpes zoster gradually goes away, but itching and pain may remain for a long period - until the affected nerve cells will not fully recover. Treatment consists of taking antiviral drugs, such as Acyclovir, and painkillers as needed.

Photo 4-6 - shingles on the body (stomach, back, sides):

• Ringworm (trichophytosis)

It is caused by trichophyton fungi, which can be “caught” both from animals and from another person - during direct contact with the patient, as well as through hats, towels, clothes, etc. In this case, the disease obtained from an animal occurs in a more severe form.

This type of lichen appears in the form of small spots with uneven outlines on the scalp (or in the area of ​​the beard and mustache in an adult man), less often - on other parts of the body. The color of the spots is pink, but closer to the center they are covered with whitish scales. The hair in the affected area thins and breaks close to the root, and mild itching is possible.

Treatment for ringworm involves taking antifungal drugs and local treatment of rashes (iodine, sulfur-salicylic, sulfur-tar ointment). Since the disease is contagious, in order to prevent the spread of the fungus, the patient must be isolated during treatment, and in advanced forms of the disease, even hospitalization is possible.

• Microsporia

A type of ringworm caused by fungi of the genus Microsporium. The type of spread is zooanthropophilic, through the fur and skin scales of animals affected by the virus, as well as through contact with patients and their household items. Clinical picture similar to trichophytosis, but the hair breaks off not so close to the root, the treatment is similar.

• Pityriasis versicolor (lichen versicolor)

Caused by a yeast-like fungus that attacks epidermal cells and disrupts the functioning of melanocytes. Appears as spots various shapes, sizes and colors, which can be either paler or darker than the base skin tone. Small lesions may coalesce to form larger patches with minor peeling. The disease spreads to the abdomen, back, chest and shoulders, and occurs chronically over a long period of time.

This type of lichen is not contagious. The yeast-like fungi that cause it are present on the skin of most people, and the disease mechanism itself is triggered by a combination of immune and hormonal disorders in the presence of a genetic predisposition.

Treatment of pityriasis versicolor involves the use of external antifungal agents (Exoderil, salicylic ointment), as well as correction of the pH balance of the skin (use of special hygiene products). In advanced cases, oral medications such as Rumicosis are additionally prescribed. After recovery, the pigmentation of the affected areas of the skin returns to normal, but to completely even out the tone you will need an intense tan.

Photo 9-10 - light multi-colored lichen on the back and stomach:

Photo 11 - dark (pigmented) multi-colored lichen on the body:

• Lichen planus

Presumably caused by a virus due to decreased immunity due to severe stress or allergies, it is not contagious. It manifests itself in the form of the formation of multiple flat red, purple nodules on the skin, nails and mucous membranes, accompanied by severe itching. Most often, middle-aged and elderly women are susceptible to this disease. Lichen planus can manifest itself in several forms:

• ring-shaped - rashes resemble rings;
• warty - looks like unevenly shaped tubercles;
• erythematous - soft itchy bumps;
• erosive-ulcerative - rashes are accompanied by the appearance of ulcers and erosions.

Treatment consists of taking antihistamines and corticosteroid ointments. To prevent the addition of other infections, vitamin therapy, physiotherapy, and immunomodulators are used.

• Ringworm (eczema)

The cause of this disease is believed to be immune pathologies in combination with genetic predisposition and other internal factors. Depending on the specific etiology, there are more than 10 types of eczema, each with its own specific symptoms, but none of them are transmitted from the patient through household contact or any other means.

In its “classic” form, tinea versicolor appears as red spots, which are most often localized on the hands or face. Small bubbles appear on their surface, which burst almost immediately, releasing serous fluid (hence the name “wetting”). As the affected areas dry out, they become crusty. This cycle can repeat many times and is usually accompanied by noticeable itching.

Treatment of eczema is long-term and complex. Strengths are used as a basis hormonal ointments in combination with antihistamines. Additionally, the dermatologist adjusts the patient’s diet and routine, prescribes procedures to strengthen the immune system and other measures to prevent relapses.

• Squamous lichen ()

Like eczema, it is considered an autoimmune disease with a strong genetic predisposition factor, but its etiology has not yet been adequately studied. In the medical literature you can find several classifications of psoriasis, the authors of which distinguish from 6 to 11 of its varieties.

The most typical manifestation of the disease is red papules (nodules protruding above the skin), which merge into characteristic dense “plaques” covered with white scales. These rashes do not have any priority localization; they can appear on almost any part of the body. Additionally, patients often experience itching and even pain, and also note increased fatigue.

Lichen squamosus is not contagious and does not require isolation of the patient, but is currently considered incurable. There are many drugs that can smooth it out external manifestations and increase periods of remission, primarily these are ointments for external use (, etc.), as well as comprehensive programs, aimed at cleansing, general health and strengthening of the body, and even psychotherapeutic sessions.