Ringworm how it manifests itself. How to treat different types of lichen in humans! Using tobacco tar

Lichen refers to skin diseases, the main element of which is nodular formations that cause itching, inflammation or tissue necrosis. There are several types of lichen in humans, as well as a number of reasons why it can occur, the main ones being fungal and viral infections. The course of the disease can be long, and if medical help is not sought in time, it can also be severe and dangerous for others.

Types of lichen in humans

All forms of the disease have their differences. Some types are contagious, while others occur for a long time in the form of carriage with periodic relapses, which directly depends on the causative agent of the pathology. The most common forms are presented in the table.

Table: main types of lichen

Form of the disease	Pathogen	Contagiousness degree
		The form is not contagious.
Or deprive Zhiber	Herpes virus	It is transmitted extremely rarely by airborne droplets.
Shingles or herpes zoster	Herpes virus	Transmission is possible mainly to children, but is extremely rare.
Ringworm or trichophytosis
Red flat	Viruses, neurogenic factor	The disease is not transmitted.
	Disorders of biochemical processes	Not getting through.
Feline ringworm		The disease is contagious.
	Opportunistic fungi	Not contagious.
Lichen nodosum or Piedra's lichen		It is transmitted through contact and household contact.
Ringworm or eczema	Systemic disorders	The disease is not transmitted.

Shingles

Shingles (Herpes zoster) is a unilateral viral skin lesion in the form of blisters containing a clear liquid. As the disease spreads, the volume of rashes increases and, along with this, pain occurs, which in some cases can last more than a month.

Causes

Shingles is caused by the herpes zoster virus (Varicella zoster). The main cause of infection is decreased immunity, which can be caused by a serious illness or stress. Often, shingles occurs in people who once had chickenpox and are now, having a persistent decrease in immunity, have been re-infected with this virus.

Method of infection + what it looks like in the photo

The disease is transmitted directly through contact with patients with chickenpox, through airborne droplets.

Shingles

Symptoms and signs

rashes on the body in the form of groups of bubbles with cloudy liquid contents (see photo on the right)
unilateral location of rashes
the localization of the lesions corresponds to the course of the nerve trunks: on the trunk, limbs, and scalp.
presence of itching in the areas of the rash
temperature increase
pain syndrome
enlarged lymph nodes

Diagnosis of the disease

If the above symptoms appear, you must contact a specialist who, based on the clinical picture and with the help of a microscopic examination, will be able to make a diagnosis and determine the specific type of lichen. If the disease really is herpes zoster, especially its necrotic form, then a more thorough examination of the body is necessary, since it tends to develop with malignant tumors, even if their stage is very early.

Consequences

With a long course, the nervous system may be involved with the development of postherpetic neuralgia. The disease requires hospital treatment.

Treatment and prevention

Drug treatment includes the use of antiviral drugs, such as Valtrex, Famvir or Acyclovir, which suppress the herpes virus, both in primary and secondary lesions. In addition, immunostimulating drugs, such as Isoprinosine, are also prescribed to ensure that the body itself successfully fights the disease. Since shingles is accompanied by severe pain, the doctor will also prescribe painkillers. In addition to drugs taken orally, ointments, gels and local solutions are needed - Alpizarin, Epigen, Zovirax, or interferon lotions. Since the herpes virus is killed by heat and exposure to UV rays, physiotherapy for shingles includes irradiation with a UV lamp, as well as reflexology on points that correspond to the lesions. As preventive measures, it is necessary to refrain from contact with patients with chickenpox, and if it is not possible to maintain isolation, then precautions must be taken when visiting infected people.

Pityriasis (multi-colored)

Pityriasis versicolor is a fungal infection characterized by rashes that form small, brownish spots. As a rule, their diameter is no more than 5–6 mm, and they also have the ability not to darken under sunlight, unlike healthy skin. The number of spots grows, then they merge into a single focus.

Causes of infection

The causative agent of pityriasis versicolor in humans is the fungus Pityrosporum orbiculare, which can begin to actively multiply in a humid environment - for example, when sweating. In addition, the cause of the development of this type of lichen may well be seborrheic dermatitis, especially in conditions that involve prolonged or constant exposure to high air temperatures.

Method of infecting a person

Pityriasis versicolor is not contagious and recurs only if preventive measures for its occurrence are not followed. However, recent research by scientists has proven a family predisposition to the occurrence of this disease.

Pityriasis versicolor

Symptoms

the appearance of yellow-pink spots, which then change color to a darker one
peeling rashes
the boundaries of the spots are uneven, but clear
increased body sweating

Diagnostics

Pityriasis versicolor is diagnosed by a doctor using a Wood's lamp or a Balzer test performed with iodine. A specialist will also conduct a microscopic examination of the skin.

Consequences

The disease can be completely cured without any negative consequences. In chronic cases, prevention of exacerbations in the summer is especially important.

How and with what to treat

Antifungal agents are used as treatment with medications: Fungoterbin, Nizoral or Mycozoral. All of them are used externally, since pityriasis versicolor affects only the superficial layer of the skin. Oral medications are also prescribed: Fluconazole, Ketoconazole. As a rule, it is not difficult for a medical specialist to cure the disease, although the characteristic pigmentation may remain for some time. As a preventive measure, people (especially men) with excessive sweating or seborrheic dermatitis need to pay special attention to disinfecting their clothes and keeping them clean.

Pink (lichen Zhibera)

Pityriasis rosea consists of large spots that have a pinkish tint. The disease occurs mainly in adolescents and can last for several weeks or several months.

Causes

The disease presumably has a viral etiology, although until now there is no exact data on which virus causes pityriasis rosea in humans. Most scientists agree that this is due to certain types of herpes, which are activated when the immune system is weakened.

Method of infection + photo of skin

Pityriasis rosea is not contagious and is not transmitted by airborne droplets, household contact, or sexual contact.

Symptoms

the appearance of round spots that begin to peel off in the middle
rashes with a red border around the periphery
unlike other forms of lichen, the rashes do not merge into a single lesion
slight pain

Diagnosis of the disease

A specialist can diagnose the disease by examining a person using a microscope and conducting serological tests to detect syphilis in the patient, the rashes of which have a clinical picture similar to lichen.

Consequences

After healing, an area with disturbed pigmentation forms at the site of the lesion.

How can you cure

In many cases, the disease can go away on its own and does not require special treatment. However, serological tests are still necessary to find out the true cause of the rash. To alleviate the condition, the doctor may advise eliminating underwear made from synthetic and woolen materials from your wardrobe. Drugs are usually limited to the prescription of Ascorutin or antihistamines. As a preventive measure for pityriasis rosea, persons with reduced immunity in the autumn and spring require additional vitamins and immunostimulating drugs.

Shearer

Ringworm in humans can affect both the hairy parts of the body and smooth skin. The second name for this disease is microsporia. It can be severe and affects mainly preschool children. The incubation period, depending on the type of microsporia, ranges from 5 days to several weeks.

Why did it appear on the skin of a child or adult?

The disease is caused by fungi of the genus Microsporum and Trichophyton, which begin to actively reproduce in warm and humid places.

Method of infection

The disease is highly contagious and is easily transmitted from person to person, as well as from animal to person. Moreover, if the infection came from an animal, then the disease, as a rule, occurs in a more severe form. In addition, you can become infected with the ringworm fungus even when cultivating the soil without gloves. The method of transmission of the virus is through household contact.

Symptoms + photos

Ringworm

formation of spotty reddish rashes (photo on the right)
peeling
if the focus of the disease is located on the scalp, then you can notice that the hair breaks at the root in this place.
lesions tend to grow
in some advanced cases, a sweetish odor emanates from the spots

Diagnosis

To diagnose ringworm, it is advisable to contact a dermatologist who examines samples of the affected skin tissue under a microscope, and will also be able to make an accurate diagnosis during a visual examination of the patient based on the clinical picture. In addition, diagnostics can be carried out using the yellow-green glow of a Wood's lamp. A photo of ringworm in humans is shown on the right.

Consequences

The pathology can be completely cured, but in its absence it can become chronic. A dangerous complication is the formation of abscesses.

Treatment and prevention

Since the causative agent of ringworm is a fungus, it is advisable to take antifungal drugs as medicinal treatment: Lamisil, Fungoterbin. If the skin lesion is shallow, then you can only get by with local ointments, using, for example, “Mycozoral” or a weak solution of iodine, or sulfur ointment. If the focus of the disease has spread to the deeper layers of the skin, then solutions and ointments must be combined with antifungal drugs that are taken orally. It is impossible to determine on your own the extent of ringworm damage, so it is important to consult a doctor to prescribe the correct treatment. In the treatment of this disease, physiotherapy also plays an important role: irradiation with a UV lamp, phonophoresis and electrophoresis will significantly speed up the fight against the fungus and help eliminate unpleasant symptoms in the affected areas. As a preventive measure, you should avoid using other people's personal hygiene products and contact with infected people and animals.

Lichen planus is a disease that can occur at any age, is characterized by a rather protracted course and consists of red papules with a shiny surface. The rash may form rings or certain lines on the surface of the skin.

Causes

Like psoriasis, lichen planus has autoimmune causes. For it to appear, the patient, as a rule, must have a genetic predisposition and a certain provoking factor, which may well have a psychological etiology, or may be an allergic reaction.

How can you get infected?

This disease is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person.

Symptoms and signs

the appearance of reddish papules
long-term preservation of pigmentation even after resorption of papules
localization on the back of the feet, legs, and also, in some cases, along the nerve
damage to the mucous membranes
painful sensations in the areas of the rash

Diagnostics

Diagnosing the disease by a dermatologist is usually not difficult. The papules have a characteristic appearance that is unique to this type of lichen, and the presence of a Wickham mesh only confirms the diagnosis. However, a specialist may prescribe additional examinations in order to identify or exclude other serious diseases of the body that may accompany lichen planus.

Consequences

Lichen ruber does not cause serious consequences if the provoking factors are promptly eliminated. Some of its forms, such as warty, cystic and ulcerative, are difficult to cure.

How and what to treat

Antihistamines, vitamins (especially A and C), as well as drugs that have a sedative effect are widely used as treatment. In addition, the use of external medications is indicated to reduce the discomfort caused by the formation of lichen planus. In particular, such agents can be talc or even ordinary starch. Since the disease is autoimmune in nature, certain preventive measures to prevent it have not yet been developed. If any type of lichen occurs, you should not self-medicate in order to avoid the transition of the initial stages of the disease to more advanced ones. The dosage of the drugs listed above can only be determined by the attending physician.

Lichen squamosus (psoriasis)

An equally common name for scaly lichen in humans is psoriasis. The disease is chronic in nature, characterized by a latent course, combined with relapses. Psoriasis rashes are prone to inflammation and are located mainly on the outer side of the extensor surface.

Causes

The causes of psoriasis can be immunological changes in the human body, often genetically programmed. In such cases, various stressful situations can provoke the occurrence of psoriasis.

Method of infection

The disease is not contagious, since its etiology suggests an autoimmune nature of the disease.

Lichen squamosus (psoriasis)

Symptoms

the appearance of raised spots above the skin that have a reddish color
the rashes are very dry, so they provoke severe itching
The typical location of lichen planus is the folds of the arms, legs, buttock and lumbar regions.
the tendency of spotty rashes to increase in diameter and merge into large lesions

Diagnostics

Based on the general clinical picture, a dermatologist can usually easily determine the type of disease and the degree of its intensity. In addition to a visual examination, the patient may be prescribed a blood test, the results of which will be considered as a confirmatory factor in the presence of psoriasis. In some cases, histology is indicated to examine the affected skin tissue for malignant cells.

Consequences

The disease occurs in a chronic form with periods of relapse. The pustular form can provoke intoxication of the body.

Treatment and prevention of the disease

In order for the treatment tactics to be correct, it is necessary to rely on the patient’s age, gender, concomitant diseases, as well as the nature of the course of psoriasis. Drug treatment of psoriasis involves ointments, gels and solutions that have a local effect: “Tazarotene”, “Dithranol”, and care must be taken in their use, since such ointments cannot be applied to too large areas of the affected skin. In some cases, treatment with certain types of antibiotics (Clarithromycin or Erythromycin) may be used. In general, due to the fact that the pathogenesis of psoriasis has not yet been sufficiently studied, methods for its treatment are still at the stage of research and experimentation. Since lichen squamosus is an autoimmune disease rather than a viral one, as a preventative measure for people with a genetic predisposition to it it is necessary to avoid stress, overwork and serious psychological trauma.

Feline ringworm

Feline ringworm is contagious and is most often transmitted from small kittens, which is where it gets its name. Characterized by the formation of spots with a clear boundary. Treatment requires careful laboratory diagnosis.

Causes

Method of infection

The disease is highly contagious and is transmitted through direct contact with an animal or through the use of contaminated objects. Damage is especially common in children and adolescents.

Symptoms

With feline lichen, the scalp, skin of the arms, palms, face, and buttocks are affected. The first signs are observed a couple of weeks after contact, and are characterized by the formation of redness in the form of a ring. When localized in the scalp area, fragility of the hair at its base is noted.

The spots tend to merge to form formations with a diameter of 7 cm. Itching and peeling are noted. In the absence of timely treatment, blisters and suppuration appear.

Diagnostics

To make a diagnosis, a scraping from the affected area is examined to determine the type of fungus.

Treatment

Therapy is aimed at preventing the spread of the fungus to healthy tissue. To do this, the hair is cut, and this must be done every week until complete healing. The affected areas are treated with iodine and antifungal ointment. Clotrimazole, Mycoseptin, Ketonazole and so on are considered effective. The course may take several weeks.

Consequences

If the scalp is affected, baldness or disruption of uniform hair growth may occur.

The formation of flaky spots after intense tanning is a sign of sunburn. This is a dermatological disease of a fungal nature. The outbreak occurs in the spring and autumn.

Causes

The main cause of pathology is fungi. They are classified as opportunistic, that is, in the absence of provoking factors, they are constantly on the human skin and do not cause any abnormalities. The fungus is activated after intense exposure to sunlight. Also provoking factors are heart pathologies, endocrine disorders, gastrointestinal diseases and frequent colds.

Method of infection

Considering the type of pathogen, we can say with confidence that the pathology is not contagious. Carriage of the pathogen does not manifest itself in any way and is considered as the norm.

Intense sunbathing can lead to sunburn

Symptoms

Solar lichen appears as asymmetrically shaped spots of coffee-milk color. The spots tend to merge; subsequently they do not perceive tanning and become especially noticeable. Itching and flaking are possible. Any part of the body can be affected; in children, the scalp is often involved.

Pathology occurs in three stages:

Formation of pink spots.
Darkening of spots and their combination.
Covering spots with scales.

Diagnostics

To diagnose, it is enough to conduct an examination. Ringworm is confirmed using an iodine test and scraping.

Treatment

Treatment is prescribed by a doctor after confirming the diagnosis. Salicylic ointment, Mycozolon, sulfur ointment are used. It is optimal to use ointments and sprays for uniform application. Antifungal agents are used several times a day. The total duration of therapy is 14 days. As a supplement, drugs in the form of tablets for oral administration can be used.

Consequences

The pathology does not cause any consequences, but if preventive measures in the form of limiting sunbathing are not followed, a large number of spots may appear, which negatively affects the appearance.

Each form of pathology has its own treatment characteristics based on the pathogen. Along with traditional drugs, folk treatment is also used. The following remedies are especially often used for lichen:

Tar soap. It can be used for daily hygiene procedures. A little tar is suitable for compresses.
Iodine. The prepared solution is used to treat lesions. Can be alternated with brilliant green.
Solid oil. It is used to lubricate lesions until complete healing.
Egg. To treat the outbreak, liquid is used that accumulates between the shell and the film inside the egg.
Vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is most often used. You should take 0.5 liters of solution and 3-4 cloves of garlic. The garlic is crushed and mixed with vinegar. The resulting solution is used for compresses.
Tea tree oil. The lesion is treated with a mixture of oil and water in a ratio of 1:4. You can also use a mixture of olive oil and tea tree oil in a ratio of 10:1. Used up to 5 times a day.

Diet

As with any other disease, with lichen it is important to follow some dietary rules to speed up recovery. The main requirements will be:

Increasing the amount of water to remove toxins.
Consuming grains to cleanse the intestines.
Consumption of dairy products to normalize intestinal flora.
Eating 4-5 times a day.

You will have to give up spices, alcohol, marinades and pickles. During exacerbations, you should reduce the consumption of fatty and spicy foods, as well as large amounts of baked goods.

Under the general name “lichen” are a number of dermatological diseases that affect the upper layers of the epidermis and are manifested by some common symptoms - inflammation, rashes, itching, peeling, weeping, pigmentation, sometimes hair loss and some other signs. At the same time, many of the symptoms of lichen in a person can be different.

These diseases differ in their cause, the nature of the rash, its course, and treatment methods. Due to such features, some of its types, for example, are classified as separate skin diseases, have, in turn, their own classification, etc. What types exist and is lichen transmitted from a sick person to healthy ones?

Depriving forms

There are different forms, some of which can be contagious under certain conditions. The following types of lichen are distinguished:

Pink, or Gibert's disease.
Shingles, or herpetic.
Pityriasis, or multi-colored.
Red flat.
Ringworm.
Scaly, or.
Weeping, or eczema.

This is an infectious-allergic inflammatory skin disease, which most often affects young people (20-40 years old). It develops after suffering from influenza, a respiratory viral infection, a sore throat, or in the presence of chronic foci of infection in the body. It is assumed that the disease is caused by the herpes virus type VII. It is more common among women compared to men.

Despite the fact that the disease is infectious in nature, by its nature it is practically not contagious. In most cases, it is quite difficult to become infected even with very close contact with a sick person and, at the same time, infection can occur even during a short-term meeting, which depends on the severity of the general immunity and the body’s defenses.

Seasonality is characteristic - the disease occurs in the autumn and spring periods of the year, when the degree of the body's immune defense is reduced. The provoking factor is the causative agents of colds, after which an allergic reaction with skin manifestations develops.

The lesions are multiple. They are localized mainly on the torso, more often on the chest, less often on the upper and lower extremities and are accompanied by severe skin itching (in 25%), minor itching in half of the patients, and no itching in the rest.

Course of the disease

The initial stage of pityriasis rosea is characterized by the appearance of a “medallion” or “maternal” plaque (in 50% of patients), which is a spot with a diameter of 3-5 cm, oval or round in shape, bright red or pale pink in color with swollen edges raised above the surface of healthy skin. In the center of the spot, paleness gradually occurs and peeling of the epidermis occurs, spreading to the entire surface of the element, which becomes similar to tissue paper.

One to two weeks after the appearance of the primary plaque, smaller rashes appear on the skin in the area of natural skin folds, localized along the Langer lines (conventional lines of directions of maximum skin tension) on the skin of the anterior surface of the chest, back, abdomen, in the groin areas, on upper and lower extremities. In more rare cases, multiple bright red or pink rashes with a diameter of 5 mm to 2 cm occur without a previous “mother” spot. Different elements have different colors - from yellowish to bright red.

In the process of evolution, the spots acquire a yellowish color, and the peeling of the epidermis over the entire surface stops and persists only at the edges of the spots in the form of a white “collar” on a pinkish background. Then the lesions become overly pigmented and gradually disappear without a trace as they recover.

In some cases, due to a specific individual immune reaction, nodular elements and even blisters with serous fluid may appear along with a rash of spots, and the disease lasts longer than in cases with a typical rash.

The course of pityriasis rosea is cyclical: over the course of 1.5-2 months, new elements appear up to 10 times, after which this process stops, and the first rashes disappear within 2-3 weeks.

Each new appearance of “fresh” spots occurs against the background of intoxication of the body, which is manifested by general symptoms - increased body temperature, weakness, discomfort, general malaise, lack of appetite, enlarged submandibular, chin and cervical lymph nodes.

Mechanical factors (skin friction with clothing), irritation from synthetic or woolen clothing, water procedures, even taking a warm bath or shower, and excess ultraviolet radiation have an adverse effect on the course of the disease. In addition, independent or unqualified treatment of lichen at home can lead to a more severe course or aggravation of the course, especially including applying sulfur, tar, extracts and infusions of medicinal plants containing irritating components to the skin, as well as self-prepared or pharmaceutical ointments with irritating effects.

The consequence of such self-medication can be the spread of rashes throughout the body, the introduction of a secondary infection with the subsequent development of an abscess or phlegmon, the development of purulent lymphadenitis, and transformation of the pathological process into eczema.

How to treat lichen Zhiber?

In the absence of complications, it can go away on its own after an average of 2 months. Treatment consists of:

excluding from the diet during the period of illness salty, spicy, smoked foods, seasonings in the form of spices, marinades, chocolate, alcoholic and caffeine-containing drinks (strongly brewed tea and coffee), as well as foods that can cause an allergic reaction (citrus fruits, strawberries, strawberries );
significant limitation of water treatments (baths, showers), visits to the solarium, bathhouse, swimming pool and exclusion of the use of washcloths and hard towels;
limiting the use of cosmetics;
using loose cotton clothing without synthetic and wool fibers;
the use of antiallergic and sedatives, calcium preparations, sodium thiosulfate, immunomodulators;
taking baths with infusion of string, chamomile, calendula at a water temperature close to body temperature;
the use of ozone therapy and photomodulation;
the use of various mash, oils, creams, emulsions with antipruritic, anti-inflammatory, glucocorticoid (in extreme cases) components;
the use of antibiotics and antibacterial agents when a secondary infection occurs.

If a rash appears, it is necessary to consult a dermatovenerologist in order to carry out a differential diagnosis of lichen and receive recommendations for treatment, since such a rash occurs with secondary syphilis, measles and measles rubella, dermatomycosis, psoriasis, toxicoderma, allergic reactions, and other diseases.

The transferred pityriasis rosea is not prone to relapses and leaves behind a strong strong immunity to the pathogens that caused it.

Its causes are a pathogen belonging to the family of herpetic viruses that affect the skin, mucous membranes, peripheral nerves and the central nervous system. When the Varicella zoster virus enters the human body for the first time, it causes chickenpox. In people who have had it, the virus goes into a latent (inactive) form and remains in the nerve cells of the posterior parts of the spinal cord and in the branches of the cranial nerves. What does it look like?

Many years after chickenpox, when the immune system is weakened, certain medications are taken that suppress the immune system, when the body is weakened by chronic stress conditions, sleep disorders and chronic mental disorders, somatic diseases, heavy professional activity, etc., the pathogen can become more active and branches of nerves descend to their terminal sections, where it infects the corresponding areas of the skin. The shingles itself is not contagious, but it poses a threat to children and adults who have not had chickenpox.

The main signs of herpes zoster are specific pink, and the next day vesicular herpetic rashes with a diameter of 2-5 mm, usually one-sided. They are accompanied by severe itching and severe pain. Rashes can appear on the face along the branches of the trigeminal nerve, on the head, on the chest along the intercostal nerves, in the lumbar region along the corresponding nerve branches and are encircling in nature. Less commonly, the rash occurs on the thigh along the sciatic nerve.

After a few days, the blisters burst, which is accompanied by weeping, followed by the appearance of crusts and new rashes. Sometimes there is no rash, and the disease manifests itself only as intense pain (herpetic neuralgia) along the nerve branches.

The appearance of rashes is often preceded by general weakness, lethargy, malaise, a slight increase in body temperature, pain, itching and tingling in the areas of future elements of the rash. The duration of the uncomplicated form of herpes zoster is 3-4 weeks, but neuralgic pain may persist for a long time.

What to do if you have shingles?

To carry out successful therapy, it is necessary to contact a neurologist and dermatologist. Typically, treatment for lichen consists of prescribing antiviral drugs internally (Acyclovir, Famvir, Valtrex, etc.) and externally (Zovirax, Acyclovir, Panavir, Fenistil, etc.), as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that also have an analgesic effect.

No remedy for lichen recommended by traditional medicine can be used independently, since damage by the virus occurs at the cellular level. In the absence of treatment or unqualified or inadequate therapy, complications such as pneumonia, meningoencephalitis, myelitis, paralysis of the facial muscles, keratitis, hearing loss, etc. may occur.

Pityriasis versicolor, or versicolor versicolor

The disease is not contagious. It belongs to the group of fungal diseases and is caused by a yeast-like fungus, which is always present on human skin, but is activated under certain conditions:

weakening of general immunity;
excessive sweating and excess oily skin;
frequent visits to the solarium or prolonged and frequent exposure to direct sunlight;
stressful conditions;
regular use of antibacterial agents and antibiotics;
endocrine diseases, especially diabetes;
diseases of the nervous and cardiovascular systems;
hereditary predisposition.

The disease most often occurs in people 35-45 years old, regardless of gender. Infection is possible through direct contact with a patient and the use of shared body care items.

What does ringworm look like??

The main symptom of pityriasis versicolor is the appearance of small, irregularly shaped spots on the skin. They can occur on the head, neck, skin of the shoulder girdle, on the front surface of the chest and on the back, in the armpits, and on the legs. Spots with a flaky surface in the form of small pityriasis scales are yellow-pink or dark brown in color.

If left untreated, the spots gradually increase in size and occupy more and more surface area of the skin. Small spots merge into large ones - up to 10 cm. Because of this, an inflammatory area is formed that is difficult to treat. In the early stages, treatment of the disease is more effective and requires less time.

For treatment purposes, Intraconazole in capsules is prescribed orally, antifungal agents are used externally (Salicylic ointment for lichen, Exoderil solution), as well as special hygiene preparations that correct the acid-base composition of the skin surface.

It is a fairly common non-contagious dermatosis of unknown etiology. Mostly women aged 50-60 years are affected. Possible provoking factors may be:

viral or bacterial infections of an acute and chronic nature;
dysfunction of the central nervous system due to stressful conditions;
endocrine disorders - diabetes mellitus, the onset of menopause;
toxic-allergic - taking certain medications, for example, antibiotics, especially tetracyclines.

The typical form of the disease is characterized by the appearance of monomorphic nodular or papular rashes of a flattened polygonal shape with an umbilical depression in the center. The diameter of the papules is 1-3 mm. At the beginning of the disease they are red in color. Subsequently, the lesions acquire a bluish color and are prone to merging and forming plaques.

Typical signs of elements of lichen planus are:

Characteristic pearlescent shine when illuminated from the side.
A mesh surface that appears when any oil or water is applied (Wickham mesh). It is formed as a result of uneven thickening of the epidermal granular layer.
An isomorphic reaction, or Kepner phenomenon, which is observed during the acute period of the disease. This symptom consists of the eruption of new elements at the site of the abrasion or as a result of the impact of some mechanical factor on the skin.

The predominant areas of localization of the disease are the skin in the area of the flexor surfaces of the forearm, the dorsum of the hands, the anterior surface of the lower leg, feet, sides of the body, external genitalia, mucous membrane of the cheeks and tongue. On the latter, the rashes look like whitish plaques or white lacy spots with a pearlescent tint.

Depending on the type of elements of the rash, the following forms of lichen planus are distinguished:

Ring-shaped, represented by plaques, which in the stage of regression due to the sunken central part have the appearance of a ring. The predominant localization of these rashes is the area of the external genitalia.
Serpiginous, or vesicular - along with typical elements, bubbles of various sizes appear. The rashes are grouped in the form of half rings. Most often this rash occurs in men on the head of the penis.
Zosteriform - elements appear along large nerve branches on one half of the body, like a herpetic rash.
Linear, in which the rashes are located linearly in accordance with the location of the skin nerve branches.

In addition, atypical forms are also distinguished. These include:

horny lichen - the surface of the papules is abundantly covered with scaly layers;
pigmented - the appearance of dark brown spots is accompanied by a rash of small polygonal papules on them;
warty - rashes in the form of warts with tightly attached masses of horny epithelium;
atrophic - depigmented areas remain in the places of papules;
pemphigoid, or vesicular - characterized by bright red spots, on the surface of which there are vesicles with bloody or transparent contents;
flat hair - rashes in the form of multiple small nodules, on top of which there are pinpoint scales;
truncated form - rashes in the form of large “flattened” bluish-red papules without peeling, in the center of which there is a depression;
erosive-ulcerative, characterized by the appearance of erosions and ulcers;
coral-shaped - large flat bluish-red papules without depression in the central sections; they are arranged linearly in the form of a necklace, alternating with areas of pigmentation or smaller nodular elements;
erythematous - characterized by the formation of large swollen red spots with areas of desquamated epithelium; Typical papular elements appear in the area of the spots.

How to get rid of the disease?

Complex treatment is required, including oral administration of antihistamines, hyposensitizing drugs (calcium preparations, sodium thiosulfate), mild sedatives and immunomodulatory drugs. For common forms, broad-spectrum antibiotics, immune drugs (Cycloferon, Neovir), ultraviolet radiation are also used; in severe cases, ointments, emulsions and creams with corticosteroids are applied externally.

This general name combines two similar infectious diseases of the skin and hair, and less commonly, nails, caused by different fungi. These include microsporia, the causative agents of which are fungi of the genus Microsporum, and trichophytosis, fungi of the genus Trichophyton. Carriers of microsporia are usually homeless sick cats, especially kittens, and dogs, much less often (3-4%) - a sick person. Therefore, children most often become infected with the disease as a result of direct contact with these animals. From sick people, ringworm is transmitted in a hairdresser, through direct contact, as a result of using shared hats, hair care items (combs), linen, towels, etc.

Microscopy

The incubation period ranges from 2 weeks to 2 months. Symptoms of microsporia:

Several oval or round lesions of a reddish color with a flaky surface appear on the scalp. They range in size from 2 to 6 cm in diameter. The hair in the area of the lesions at a height of about 3 mm from the surface of the skin breaks off, and the remaining part of the hair outside and inside is affected by fungal spores and has a dull whitish or grayish color.
On areas of smooth skin, the lesions have the same color and surface, and are slightly smaller in size (from 0.5 to 3 cm). The spots are surrounded by a raised area in the form of a roller with small bubbles that transform into crusts. Fungal lesions have the appearance of a ring due to peripheral growth and subsidence of inflammatory processes in the central part. With a long flow inside one ring, a second one is determined.
Skin itching in the affected area and transfer of infection to other parts of the body during scratching.
Localization of lesions in the area of the eyebrows and ciliary edge of the eyelids is rare (1-2%) and mainly in children; damage to the nail plates is even less common.

Trichophytosis

Trichophytosis is contracted from cattle. The clinical picture differs little from microsporia. With trichophytosis, hair breaks off at the level of the skin surface (black dots) or at a distance of 2-3 mm from it. In addition, the lesions may contain apparently unchanged long hair or comma-shaped hair, since the latter is located in a layer of accumulated scales. Diagnosis of diseases is based primarily on microscopic examination.

To prevent infection of others, isolation of the patient is necessary. Drugs for the treatment of lichen are applied to the lesions - iodine solution, sulfur-salicylic ointment, Clotrimazole, Ketoconazole, Miconazole, Terbinafine, Bifonazole, etc.

When lesions are localized on the scalp, the lesions are widespread, or when local therapy is insufficiently effective, a combination of local treatment with systemic treatment is necessary (oral administration of drugs Ketoconazole, Herbinafine, Griseofulvin).

Weeping (eczema) and scaly (psoriasis)

Types of lichen are polyetiological diseases with a separate complex classification and clinical features. Therefore, they are considered as independent separate nosological units.

Lichen in humans is still considered one of the most controversial and mysterious diseases in medical circles. Its treatment is approximately the same for different types of lichen, and the question of its occurrence in certain groups of people remains open to this day. Various versions follow each other, but none of them is recognized as the ultimate truth. Dermatologists agree on only one thing: the skin is damaged due to decreased immunity due to prolonged exposure to stress factors.

The most common case is when lichen appears as a result of the action of viruses and fungi. But there are lichens caused by a hereditary predisposition (under the influence of trigger factors) or an allergic reaction that occurs in response to taking certain medications.

Risk group for lichen incidence and clinical manifestations

Studying the varieties of lichen, scientists came to the conclusion that some people are more susceptible to this scourge. In particular, these are persons suffering from frequent colds, persons with reduced immunity (for example, children, since their adaptive system has not yet matured), persons who have suffered from hypothermia or severe emotional shock. Doctors noted that in adolescence the disease practically does not occur, but in the period from 30 to 70 years it is the opposite.

The individual characteristics of the human body determine the symptoms of the disease. In some cases, the skin slowly becomes covered with rashes, and in others it happens rapidly, affecting the human body in various places.

Varieties of lichen differ in the color of the rash (white, pink, red, brown), and location (in most cases, lichen appears on the arm and scalp, less often on the face and back, and very rarely on the genitals). Ringworms also differ in the form of rashes: small nodules, flaky spots, pigmented skin, blisters with liquid.

There are types of lichen that do not need to be treated, as they go away on their own, or occur hiddenly, without pronounced symptoms. Others require medication, lubrication of lesions and isolation from healthy people.

The causative agents of the disease are deprived

In some cases, lichen is difficult to miss: rashes accompanied by unbearable skin itching. Ringworm is usually caused by microscopic fungi that enter the human body in several ways:

The causative agent of the disease can be a virus, such as herpes, which causes shingles in adults. The same virus, once in a child’s body, will cause chickenpox. The appearance of pityriasis rosea is also viral in nature. The penetration of viruses into a healthy body will not affect it in any way. The carrier of the virus may not know anything about it for years. Only under the influence of certain factors, with a decrease in immunity, the virus goes from a passive state to an active one and this or that disease begins. A hypothesis has also been put forward about the allergic nature of some types of lichen.

Types of lichen in humans

There are many types of lichen, each with its own distinctive characteristics. It is not difficult to recognize them and begin to take measures to eliminate them at home. However, as soon as the first signs of lichen appear in a person, an additional diagnostic examination by a dermatologist is necessary to determine the main pathogen and prescribe the most effective means of combating the disease. The drug approach does not exclude the possibility of alternative treatment for rashes. Next, let's look at what types of lichen occur.

Symptoms of lichen depend on its type, on the body's reaction to the invasion of a pathogenic microorganism and on the individual sensitivity of each person.

Ringworm is mainly based on the scalp (in the scalp) and appears as reddish patches with jagged edges that are itchy and flaky. Then these places are covered with whitish crusts, the hair on them breaks off at a distance of about 3 mm from the surface, forming bald spots.

In men, ringworm appears on the chin and mustache. On hairless areas of the skin, this type of lichen looks like pale pink spots. Ringworm does not appear immediately, but a week after infection.

Pityriasis rosea affects all possible places on the skin. It appears as rashes ranging from pale pink to dark brown. The spread of infection usually begins from one place - the maternal plaque, which looks like a round formation with a rim. All patches of pityriasis rosea are flaky and itchy. Their size varies from a few millimeters to several centimeters.<>
Shingles affects nerve trunks and endings, is manifested by a sensation of itching and burning, followed by a rash with watery contents. After a week, the pimples burst and become covered with crusts. If you don’t scratch or tear them off, the scabs will fall off without leaving scars. It is extremely rare, but there have been cases of shingles affecting the eyes, which inevitably led to loss of vision.

With microsporia, symptoms similar to trichophytosis occur. The main difference is the absence of itching and longer hair on the head when it breaks off. Microsporia also occurs on the neck, limbs and other parts of the body.

Lichen planus accompanied by severe itching at the site of the rash. Its peculiarity is damage to the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth. They increase the likelihood of this type of occurrence by depriving various microtraumas of the skin. The rashes are red or purple in color. As the disease progresses, individual lesions merge into large plaques. Damage to the nails with lichen planus is rare and is accompanied by thinning, deformation and crumbling.
Recognize pityriasis versicolor easily: it appears as colorless or brownish spots, becoming more noticeable on tanned skin. In some places these spots peel and may change color.

Treatment

If you find any suspicious rash on your skin, you should contact a dermatologist, as he will decide how to cure lichen most quickly and effectively. Advanced forms of the disease are more difficult to cure, so you should rush to see a doctor in the initial forms of the disease.
You can remove lichen with the help of folk remedies, but medical help will still be more reliable. Even better is a combination of medicinal methods of elimination with home medicine.

: not required in some cases, since the body copes with it itself within 2 months. However, to speed up recovery, it is recommended to use antiallergic drugs: Tavegil, Suprastin, Zyrtek and others.
: consists of shaving all the hair on the head, lubricating the affected areas with a 3-5% iodine solution. At night, sulfur-salicylic or sulfur-tar ointment is applied to the lichen. For this type of disease, antibiotic tablets are prescribed (for example, Griseofulvin).
Treatment of microsporia repeats the fight against ringworm and consists of applying external antifungal drugs: Clotrimazole, Ciclopirox, Mycozolon, Triderm and others. Complex forms of damage are accompanied by the use of antibiotics.
Treatment of herpes zoster: with this type of disease, the emphasis is on antiviral drugs for herpes: Valacyclovir, Acyclovir. Drugs that improve nerve conduction, such as Milgamma, are also prescribed. In severe cases of lesions, medication injections are given. Wet lichen (synonymous with shingles) is very contagious during the period of cracking of bubbles with liquid. At this time, it is necessary to limit the patient’s contact with others.
There are universal preventive measures to prevent lichen infection. They include: maintaining the immune system, taking vitamins, cleansing the body of toxins, maintaining personal hygiene, avoiding hypothermia and stress. We looked at what types of lichen occur, how to recognize them and what to do if they occur. You can get more detailed information by reading separately about each type of lichen.
Stories from our readers

Many people believe that lichen is a skin lesion that is transmitted to humans from animals. However, this is not quite true. Ringworm is a group of diseases that are usually infectious in nature. This disease affects the upper layer of the epidermis of the skin.

But many people don’t even know what lichen looks like in humans, so it is often confused with other diseases. Therefore, it is very important to identify the first signs of this disease. In addition, you need to know how to remove lichen, otherwise it can develop into more complex forms, which can be accompanied by unpleasant symptoms.

It is imperative to know the first signs of lichen in a person; they will help to identify the presence of this lesion and provide timely treatment. Usually, if this problem is identified, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist who will conduct further examination.

Important! Ringworm has an insidious property; it can be transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person. Infection can occur after close contact, when using the patient's belongings.

In addition, the microorganisms that cause this lesion can live in the human body for a long period. Usually, when immunity decreases, lichen occurs on a person’s skin.

How to recognize the presence of this pathology? The first symptoms of lichen:

Increased hair loss may occur;
The appearance of severe itching;
Peeling of the skin may occur;
Ringworm can cause changes in skin pigmentation;
Lichen disease can be accompanied by the appearance of spots with an unclear shape and different sizes.

It is important to recognize the first manifestation of this disease. If you identify lichen at the initial stage, you can prevent dangerous consequences and complications.

Types of lichen

In addition to the first symptoms, it is important to know the types of lichen in humans. This lesion can have different varieties, which can manifest themselves in different ways. In addition, not every species is contagious. What types of lichen are transmitted by shaking hands, by touching an infected person, through the clothes and belongings of an infected person, and some types cannot be transmitted.

Below are the main types of lichen:

Girdle type;
Pink look;
Pityriasis;
Red flat;
Shearer;
Tubular.

In order to understand the symptoms and treatment, it is worth carefully considering the characteristic qualities of each type of lichen. Timely identification of the first symptoms of lichen and its type will help provide the necessary treatment.

What causes this type of lichen? The main cause of this type of lesion is the virus that causes chickenpox. Ringworm appears on the skin of a person who previously had chickenpox.

In adults and children, this virus activates the process of reducing the immune system in the following conditions:

During a period of prolonged and severe illness;
For HIV infection;
During chemotherapy and radiation treatment;
When performing an internal organ transplant operation;
For blood diseases;
During severe hypothermia of the body;
During periods of systemic pathologies that require the use of glucocorticoid hormones or cytostatics;
In severe stressful situations.

At the initial stage, this type of lichen is accompanied by standard symptoms - a slight increase in temperature, a feeling of chills, headache and sometimes nausea.

After a certain period, the temperature rises even more, a sensation of pain and itching is observed in certain parts of the body, face, and sometimes these sensations can be observed in the limbs. Later, lichen appears, which usually looks like small blisters on the skin.

How does this defeat manifest itself? What characteristic qualities of the rash should you pay attention to:

The bubbles contain transparent contents;
Usually the rash is located in one place;
The rash is red;
After the rash appears, the sensation of pain and itching decreases slightly;
After 2-3 days, all the bubbles burst and a crust appears in their place.

Important! The whole danger of this type of lesion is that it can cause serious complications. Herpes zoster can cause severe eye damage, which increases the likelihood of vision loss.

Before curing lichen in a person, it is necessary to undergo a complete examination by an appropriate specialist. Once a diagnosis is made, it is necessary to begin treatment for lichen on a person’s skin.

How to treat lichen in humans at home:

It is imperative to take antiviral medications - Acyclovir, Valavir, Zovirax, Famciclovir. This group of drugs has a strong effect on the virus and helps to quickly suppress it. These medications can be used to prevent lichen in humans;
Carrying out immunotherapy. During these procedures, the necessary immunoglobulins are introduced;
Together with the main treatment, medications with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects should be used;
Herpes blisters should be treated with special alcohol solutions with an antiseptic effect;
If there is severe itching, then the use of antihistamine medications is additionally prescribed - Loratadine, Suprastin, Fenistil.

Important! How long does it take to treat this type of lesion? Usually it all depends on the symptoms and severity of the lesion. The average healing time is from 2 weeks to 2 months.

This type of lesion can appear in people between 15 and 40 years of age. Typically, this lesion appears as pink, scaly areas. This species can appear and develop in spring and autumn. This is a simple lichen that often occurs after a cold.

The exact reasons for the appearance of this type of lichen have not yet been established. However, the main causative agent of this lesion is considered to be the human pathogen of the herpetic group. Typically, this pathogen manifests itself in a person who is prone to allergies. This type of lichen does not belong to contagious lesions.

How to identify pityriasis rosea? Initially, signs such as:

Body temperature may increase;
Signs of nausea;
Pain in the joints;
State of weakness;
Pulse disturbances.

As soon as an abundance of rashes appear on the skin, all of the above symptoms disappear. At first, large round plaques with clear boundaries appear on the skin; there can be about three of them. After a certain period, additional formations with a pink color appear.

What kind of pityriasis rosea occurs in humans? What signs to look out for:

All formations become pink;
Peeling of the skin appears;
These formations can be located on different parts of the body - on the abdomen, neck, hips, shoulders, legs and arms, in the area of folds of the skin;
Plaques are located in the area of Langer's lines;
Itching may occur.

Important! After a certain period, the size of the round spots increases, they begin to darken and turn yellow, and the area of the skin with these formations begins to peel off. After about 21 days, the spots disappear completely.

Examination and treatment of lichen is carried out by a dermatologist. Diagnosis is usually made through a complete examination.

How to quickly cure this type of lichen at home? At first, a person is recommended to adhere to a special hypoallergenic diet, from which irritating foods should be removed.

It is also not recommended to take a bath; only showers are allowed. When washing, do not use detergents with a soap base, which have an irritating effect on the skin. It is advisable to wear things that are based on natural fibers.

The treatment procedure for this lichen consists of the use of the following means:

For severe itching, you need to take medications - Zodak, Citrine, Erius;
At the first stage of the disease, antibacterial medications will be effective;
Additionally, it is recommended to treat the affected skin with ointments containing glucocorticoids. You can also treat with talkers, which are based on water-alcohol or oil components.

With pityriasis versicolor, damage to the upper layer is observed, which is accompanied by the appearance of multi-colored spots with a flaky structure. This type of lesion often appears in young people.

The main causative agents of this disease are the yeasts Malassezia and Pityrosporum. Infection with fungal lichen can occur under different conditions:

When the pH level of the skin of a healthy person changes;
With increased sweat production;
With a decrease in the general immunity of the skin and general immunity;
The presence of various endocrine diseases;
During contact with the patient's skin.

The fungus may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

The first thing that appears is spots. This type of fungal infection can begin with different types and sizes of spots;
During lichen, the spots do not appear at the level of the skin;
If the skin is dark or tanned, the spots are white. In winter they darken;
During long-term damage, the spots become different colors. On the skin you can simultaneously find pink, yellow, brown, brown formations;
There is no swelling or redness around the formations;
There is no pain when touching the formations;
There is no itching sensation;
Small spots gradually merge and take on the appearance of large areas that have clear boundaries and torn edges.

Treatment of lichen is accompanied by the use of local agents with anti-inflammatory and antifungal effects. The most effective are considered:

Salicylic ointment;
Sulfuric ointment;
Gel Lamisil and Terbinafine;
Ketoconazole and Itraconazole tablets.

Important! All these products need to be used several times a day. But you definitely need to undergo an examination and consult a doctor.

Lichen planus is a lesion of the skin, nail plates and the surface layer of mucous membranes with a chronic and non-inflammatory nature.

The emerging lichen is usually characterized by a rash, which has several important features:

It can have a red, crimson, red-violet color;
All rash formations have irregular shapes;
The surface of the rash is shiny;
Itching may occur. Therefore, lichen may itch;
These formations rarely peel off;
They often protrude above the surface of the skin, forming nodules. Sometimes they may resemble rings, tubercles, erosions, ulcers;
In the area of the mucous layer of the oral cavity and genitals, nodules with a pale pink tint may appear;
At first, the rash is located in groups and then merges;
After the rash disappears, hyperpigmentation appears in its place.

After all these signs appear, you need to be examined by a dermatologist. The doctor will be able to conduct an adequate examination and make an accurate diagnosis. Based on the results obtained, treatment is prescribed, which consists of the following procedures:

PUVA therapy;
Selective therapy is carried out;
Be sure to use ointments containing glucocorticoids - Celestoderm, Advantan;
If the lichen itches, then antihistamines are prescribed;
Preparations containing B vitamins are used.

Ringworm is the name given to two fungal diseases. Lesions of this species are highly contagious. The main pathogens are microsporia and trichophytosis.

Important! People can become infected with this type of infection from infected people or animals. Why is ringworm dangerous? The thing is that with deep forms, hair breaks off and abscesses with pus appear on the skin.

The main signs of this deprivation:

The first thing that appears are spots on the skin that are pink in color, and white scales form in their centers;
There is a feeling of itching;
Typically, spots occur in areas where there was contact with infected skin;
In advanced stages, hair breaks off;
After a few months, abscesses with purulent discharge appear on the surface of the skin, and a white-yellow coating is observed on the hair.

Important! The causes of ringworm may be genetic failure, the presence of wounds, or a reduced immune system of the skin. Children often suffer from this lesion.

How to get rid of ringworm? Usually the treatment is long-term, first of all you need to undergo an examination. If the infection occurred from an animal, then the patient must be isolated from it.

The animal must be treated. Therapeutic therapy is usually carried out at home. The use of ointments and tablets with antifungal action is prescribed. The use of antihistamines is also necessary. How long does it take to treat lichen? The course of treatment depends on the extent of the lesion and stage.

Tubular lichen - signs and treatment

Tinea tubularis is a fungal infection that occurs as a result of infection by the fungus Malassezia. This fungus lives for a long time in the sebaceous glands, but it does not cause any discomfort.

With a decrease in the immune system, this lesion begins to develop in full swing. Symptoms such as small-sized spots that have uneven edges may occur, and peeling forms on the surface of the spots. After a certain time, all the spots merge and form a large spot, which can be pink, brown, or yellow.

How to remove tubular type ringworm? Lichen simplex is treated with antifungal agents in the form of ointments, tablets, and injections. It is also prescribed to comply with all necessary measures that will prevent the re-formation of this type of lichen.

There are different types of lichen and they are all dangerous in their own way. In any case, if these lesions appear, you should immediately consult a dermatologist rather than get rid of them yourself.

Skin diseases are quite diverse, but they must be treated with the help of special means. Some believe that it is enough to remove the top layer of the lesion, but removing these formations can also cause serious infections. Only a competent specialist can cure these diseases.

Ringworm is a dermatological disease of infectious origin that affects the upper layer of the epidermis.

The disease manifests itself as peeling, irritation and changes in the color of the affected areas of the skin. A person is susceptible to infection by several types of lichen, some of which can be quite dangerous.

Animals, fungi and people act as carriers of the disease. Infection with pathogenic microorganisms occurs through contact and household contact.

An extremely unpredictable disease: it can appear suddenly, then gradually fade away and reappear with multiple rashes.

Different types of lichen have their own characteristic symptoms, and it is important to understand which of them is the case, because treatment depends on this.

Ringworm usually contagious, and when the first signs appear, you should contact a dermatologist so as not to expose your immediate environment to risk and trouble. It is also worth noting that the microorganisms that cause this disease sometimes live in the human body for a long time, and when immunity decreases, they suddenly become more active.

The first signs are:

hair loss;
severe itching and peeling of certain areas of the skin;
changes in skin pigmentation;
the appearance of spots of unclear shape and different sizes.

These are the general symptoms of the onset of the disease. There is usually no deterioration in health, but a person may become nervous and irritable due to the unpleasant sensations on the skin that he has to experience.

Signs of different types of lichen

Signs and symptoms of shingles vary as there are different types of the disease. Knowing about these features, it is possible to determine the form of the disease yourself.

Ringworm (trichophytosis)

It usually affects the hairy parts of the body, most often the crown, but also spreads over smooth skin. The disease is characterized by spotty reddish rashes with whitish scales. If there is hair in the area, it breaks off at the root. In advanced cases, the spots begin to emit a sweetish odor.

Pityriasis rosea (lichen of Zhibera)

Caused by herpes virus type 7. At first, a small pink spot is visible, which begins to spread, and its middle becomes yellow and peels off. Then within a few days smaller spots form on the shoulders, back, chest and hips.

It is provoked by a virus that affects nerve cells. This results in acute headache, fever, and poor health. The affected skin areas (usually the torso) are covered with bubbles with clear liquid inside. Then the blisters dry out and the skin becomes flaky. But after the damage has healed, neuralgic symptoms still remain for several weeks.

Its cause is a pathogenic fungus. The spots are clearly defined, flaky, their color can be any - white, beige, dark brown, reddish. Favorite spots for spots are the stomach, back, neck, chest and sides. As a rule, there is no pain or discomfort.

It can affect different parts of the body - mucous membranes, nails, skin. The disease is expressed by medium spots of red-lilac or light crimson light. The lesions have a smooth surface, only in rare cases there is slight peeling. The nodules are arranged in groups, merge together and plaques appear. This type of lichen “likes” to be located in the bends of the elbows, on the palms and armpits.

It is often differentiated as a separate disease. Whitish, silvery or gray spots appear on the skin, similar to frozen wax drops. Then they begin to turn red and itch. Psoriasis manifestations are most often localized on the buttocks, bends of the limbs, feet, palms and scalp.

What does lichen look like in humans?

The patient does not immediately notice lichen: the active period of the disease is preceded by an incubation period, which can take several days or several months (up to two).

The first sign of pathology will be the presence of areas with flaky skin. This focus will be limited in the form of a pink, slightly raised ridge. Small papules may also be found in the area.

On the affected hair area, the hair will break off, leaving only the roots, which in turn will be covered with a silvery or gray coating. There may be one such “bald spot” or several similar ones on the head. Such pathological lesions can be up to 10 cm in diameter.

In some patients the disease does not cause unnecessary discomfort, in others suffer from itching in the fungus-affected area.

In areas without hair, lichen has the following appearance: a pink spot limited by a ridge is identified, in the center of which the skin is covered with gray scales. Such spots may become larger, and they, in turn, form their own internal rings.

Photo - how to recognize lichen?

The main types of lichen are presented in the photo.

Video: the doctor will talk about the symptoms

Stages of the disease in humans

Doctors usually distinguish several stages of the inflammatory process caused by a fungus on the skin.

The first of these is the initial or superficial stage (active). It is characterized by: the appearance of spots, itching, hair loss.

If the lichen was not treated or mistakes were made in its treatment, then in this case the dermatosis enters the chronic stage. It does not appear as clearly as the acute stage (symptoms are smoothed out), but it is during this period the patient as a carrier of the disease, poses a great danger to others.

Treatment of the disease

The treatment of this disease should be carried out by a specialist: either an infectious disease specialist or dermatologist. Before starting treatment, the doctor must diagnose the pathology and make an accurate diagnosis - it is from the latter that he will start, prescribing appropriate therapy.

To make a diagnosis, an examination of the affected area is performed under the rays of a special lamp - a Wood's lamp; a scraping is taken to view the material under a microscope and cultured on nutrient media.

If the lesion is single and the patient feels acceptable, then it is possible limit yourself to local treatments. In this case, antifungal ointments and iodine solution are prescribed.

If several different parts of the body are affected by the fungus, then local treatment is combined with general treatment: antifungal drugs and vitamin complexes are prescribed.

Tablets - review of drugs

The use of tablet dosage forms is appropriate when the skin several foci of lichen are noticeable or when there is damage to hair areas on the head or torso.

Antifungal agents have the property of destroying fungi in all organs of the human body: they shorten the healing process and eliminate the possibility of re-infection with the fungus.

Among all the known drugs, the following are distinguished:

"Orungal." This drug is capable slow down the proliferation of dermatophyte fungus and destroy its protective shell. The course of treatment takes about two weeks: taken in an amount of 100 mg once a day;
"Griseofulvin". Also slows down the growth of fungal colonies. You should take no more than 8 tablets of the drug per day. The funds are accepted along with meals, It is advisable to take the tablets together with one teaspoon of vegetable oil. The dosage is reduced when the tests obtained show a negative result;
"Lamisil." Completely destroys the fungus. Taken for 1.5 months up to two times a day.

Despite their obvious effectiveness, antifungal agents have a number of side effects and contraindications, so their use must be agreed with a specialist.

Ointment for ringworm

Externally, lichen is treated with ointments: they are able to remain on the skin longer, and also more they penetrate deep into her. These properties, which are inherent in ointments, undoubtedly help to cope with fungal infections faster.

Ointments can be combined with iodine tincture: in the morning on the area affected by lichen iodine is applied (for drying), and in the evening before going to bed, the same area is lubricated with ointment.

The following ointments have found widespread use:

10-20% sulfur ointment. Sulfur has the ability to restore damaged tissue, dry out acne and eliminate fungus. This ointment should be applied once a day.
Salicylic ointment. Eliminates inflammation and also fights fungus. The skin is covered with either a film or a sterile napkin over the ointment.
Sulfur-tar ointment. It has the ability to disinfect skin affected by fungus, as well as the skin around the pathological area. Rub it into the lesion with massaging movements; the ointment can also be covered with a film on top.
"Lamisil." Destroys fungus and prevents its reproduction. Use for at least 5 weeks.
"Mikospor-ointment." It also has the property of killing fungus. Rub into the affected area. The product is used for about 5 weeks.

Before applying the ointment, it is best to first treat the work surface with a disinfectant solution, such as furatsilin, potassium permanganate.

Diagnosis of the disease

It is possible to independently diagnose lichen, as well as its form, without leaving home. But only a dermatologist should officially approve the diagnosis and prescribe competent treatment.

The lichen itself is obvious on clinical examination. But its type is recognized by scraping from the affected area.

Treatment is prescribed locally, using a drug that has a destructive effect on the microorganism that causes the disease.

Folk ointments

As an addition to medications prescribed by a specialist you can use folk remedies. Thus, natural ointments and lotions have proven themselves well and have been tested by a huge number of people:

Ointment made from calendula, hops and burdock. A decoction of 20 hop cones, 10 g of calendula flowers and 20 g of burdock mixed with Vaseline in a ratio of 1 to 2. Apply to diseased areas of the skin up to 6 times a day.
Soft pork lard and sifted wood ash - in equal proportions. Mix and prepare ointment. Rub into skin twice a day.
A soft ointment made from St. John's wort, burdock roots and marigold flowers. You need to take 20-25 grams of herbs. Mix. Pour a quarter liter of sunflower oil and let it brew for 10 days in a dark place.
Garlic and charcoal. The affected areas must first be thoroughly rubbed with garlic, and then with charcoal. Carry out the procedure for at least half an hour.

Folk compresses

Compresses also have an auxiliary effect in the fight against lichen. Cranberry is effective for eliminating lichen rashes. Any clean cloth or gauze should be soaked in fresh cranberry juice and applied to the affected areas for 2-2.5 hours three times a day.

The vinegar compress should be kept for 10-15 minutes up to 6 times a day. It is best to use apple cider vinegar undiluted.