The multi-colored lichen in humans is a chronic fungal infection that affects the stratum corneum. Often it is called pityriasis or sun, due to the manifestation after prolonged exposure to the sun. The disease is not contagious and is not accompanied by an inflammatory process. The causative agent is a yeast-like fungus, has three forms of existence: oval, round and mycelial. Each of them can move from one to another. All of them are on the skin of a person, but the disease occurs only under suitable conditions. The article will consider the treatment and the causes of the appearance of multi-colored lichen, as well as its symptoms.
The main causes of the disease
The exact cause of the development of the disease has not been established. Specialists identified only certain factors that provoke the development of the disease. Under their influence, the fungus passes into a pathogenic form and begins to spread. These include:
- fatty type of dermis;
- weakened immune system;
- hereditary predisposition;
- excessive sweating;
- overweight;
- prolonged exposure to the sun;
- hormonal imbalance;
- overstrain of the nervous system, constant stress;
- gastrointestinal diseases;
- problems with the endocrine system;
- respiratory system diseases.
The most basic cause of pityriasis dermatosis is weakened immunity. In this regard, it is often manifested in adolescents, pregnant women, cancer patients, HIV-infected, and women during menopause. Elderly people and children under the age of seven practically do not suffer from this disease. Identified causes and treatment of multi-colored lichen are in a certain dependence on each other.
Symptoms of the disease
The disease proceeds without pain, it can be detected only by external signs:
- the appearance of small spots in a tan;
- the main areas of damage are the chest and back, then the forearm, neck, shoulders, sides, abdomen, head;
- spots are flat, no swelling;
- with sweating, itching appears;
- the main symptom is sustained peeling of the skin.
In adolescence, the symptoms of multi-colored lichen, the treatment of which is carried out by a dermatologist, are pronounced. Therefore, having noticed the initial symptoms, it is necessary to pay a visit to the doctor immediately.
The clinical picture with multi-colored lichen
The incubation period can be at least two weeks and last up to several months. Yeast fungi show activity only under favorable conditions for them. The disease begins with the appearance of small yellowish-brown spots on the skin, which have clear boundaries and are located in random order. They are located mainly on the chest and back, less often on the surface of the shoulders, neck and abdomen. The color of the spots varies from milky cream to grayish brown, hence the lichen and got the name - multi-colored.
With the progression of the disease, they increase and merge with each other. At the same time, they do not cause any unpleasant sensations: they do not itch and are not inflamed. The upper layer of the skin, loosening with a fungus, begins to peel off with small bran-shaped scales. The disease is accompanied by excessive sweating, which provokes slight itching. Pityriasis versicolor is a chronic disease and lasts for years with periodic relapses. After that, in the place that was affected by lichen, white spots remain. They stand out sharply against the background of other skin integuments. As a result of this, young people, who are mainly susceptible to this disease, experience psychological problems. If symptoms of multi-colored lichen in a person occur, treatment should be started immediately.
Diagnosis of the disease
The following measures are taken to diagnose pityriasis versicolor disease:
- Visual inspection The doctor carefully examines the damaged areas of the skin and notes all of its characteristic signs.
- Wood lamp. When light enters the dermis affected by the fungus, their color changes to yellow-orange.
- Balcer iodine test. The age spots are lubricated with an alcoholic solution of iodine. They become an intense dark color.
- Symptom Behnier. From the loosened spots affected by the fungus, when scraping, the scales of the upper stratum corneum are separated.
- Microscopic examination. An alkali solution is taken from a previously treated damaged surface of the skin with a solution of alkali. When confirming the diagnosis, fungal elements are found in it.
After all the examinations, the final diagnosis is clarified, the doctor prescribes measures to eliminate the causes of the appearance of multicolored lichen and treatment, which is carried out on an outpatient basis.
Treatment for sunshine with ointments
You should immediately warn that you do not need to self-medicate, if signs of pathology appear, you need the help of a doctor.
Lichen is treated with antifungal agents. For external use, they are more often used:
- Medicines based on terbinafine. It adversely affects fungal cells, preventing them from multiplying. The use of ointment preparations for the treatment of multi-colored lichen leads to the elimination of the development of infection. Often use "Thermicon", it is made in the form of a cream or spray. The drug is used twice a day. On the same basis are issued: “Exifin”, “Mikoterbin”, “Lamisil”, “Binafin”.
- Means containing imidazole. It is able to quickly destroy the shell of the cells of the fungus, leading to their death. These include the following ointments: Ketoconazole, Miconazole, Clotrimazole. In the treatment of pityriasis and multicolor depriving with these drugs, lubricate damaged skin areas twice a day. If the dermis of the head is damaged, shampoos containing ketoconazole are used.
- Preparations containing pyroxolomine. Fungi die without receiving adequate nutrition. The most popular ointments: Cyclopirox and Toltsiklat. Method of application - twice a day.
Other treatments for lichen
Of particular note is the effective Triderm cream for the treatment of multi-colored lichen in a person containing betamethasone, gentamicin and clotrimazole. It has not only an antifungal effect, but also has antibacterial properties.
The therapeutic effect when used in the morning and evening shows quickly. In addition to antimycotic drugs, the affected areas are treated with sulfur-salicylic ointment and iodine solution. In severe cases of the disease, the doctor prescribes drugs for internal use. To do this, use "Fluconazole" and "Itraconazole" in tablet form. They have an antifungal effect. The dosage is prescribed by the doctor individually for each patient, taking into account the characteristics of the body. The treatment of multicolored lichen is carried out at home, hospitalization is not required.
Deprive children
Multi-colored lichen in children is rarely recorded. The reason for its appearance is weakened immunity against the background of systematic stressful conditions and excessive sweating. It is noted that the disease appears from frequent use when bathing antibacterial agents.
Diseases are children from ten years. They have the same symptoms of the disease as adults, the latent period lasts about three weeks, and can last several months. The treatment of multicolored lichen in children requires special care. Only a doctor prescribes drugs. Improper therapy leads to a protracted course of the disease.
The disease in pregnant women
Pregnant women in connection with hormonal changes and weakened immunity are also able to get pityriasis versicolor. A woman in labor conduct a full examination, after which they restore and strengthen the immune system. It should be noted that the disease does not harm the health of the baby and mother. The doctor will prescribe a gentle treatment of multi-colored lichen, which will not bring harm. In addition, a set of measures is being taken to strengthen the immune system.
Folk remedies for pityriasis versicolor
The main treatment is good to supplement with drugs prepared according to folk recipes using medicinal herbs. Before using them, you need to consult a doctor. To eliminate the symptoms of the disease, use:
- Apple vinegar. Any acidic environment leads to the death of yeast fungi. For the treatment of multicolored lichen, it is necessary to lubricate the affected areas with apple cider vinegar up to four times a day for a week.
- Lotions of onions and garlic. Juice is squeezed from the crushed products, the affected areas of the skin are wiped with a swab moistened in it. The drug gives an antiseptic effect.
- Ointment from a fragrant rue. Fresh finely ground leaves of the grass are mixed in a ratio of 1: 3 with petroleum jelly. The skin is treated up to three times a day.
- Peppermint decoction. It is prepared from one tablespoon of mint leaves and a glass of water for a quarter of an hour in a steam bath. After filtering, the treatment of multicolored lichen is carried out with lotions.
- Therapeutic bath. Make a decoction of needles and tansy. A liter of broth and sea salt are added to the bath. Take it at bedtime for a quarter of an hour. Swimming is allowed after a week of treatment using ointments and gels. Cooked broth has an antiseptic effect.
Disease prevention
Preventive measures will help get rid of the disease and prevent relapse. To do this, you must follow these simple rules:
- Monitor the cleanliness of the room, do wet cleanings and periodically wipe the surfaces with antiseptic solutions.
- Wash the patient’s bedding and underwear separately with hot water and iron things on both sides with an iron.
- Each family member should have personal hygiene items, dishes and towels.
- Wipe the skin with acidified water by adding lemon juice, apple cider vinegar or salicylic alcohol in the hot season.
- Wear loose clothing made from natural fabrics in the summer.
- Constantly strengthen the immune system, take multivitamins periodically, have a good nutrition.
- Use antifungal medications prescribed by your doctor once a month.
To prevent relapse, it is more likely to be in the fresh air, have daily moderate physical activity, and control the intake of any medications. Pay attention to excessive sweating, start treatment on time. Do not sunbathe on wild beaches, use sunscreens. After bathing and relaxing in nature, you must take a shower.