The appearance of lichen on the face is a rather rare phenomenon. It is usually associated with the individual characteristics of human skin and the negative effects of fungal infections. From the materials in this article you will learn what types of lichen on the face are, what causes their appearance, how to treat pathology.
General information
By lichen is meant a whole group of dermatous diseases that appear in the form of papules and age spots with characteristic peeling. Dermatitis are pathologies of an infectious nature. Their development in most cases is due to exposure to a number of viruses and fungi. Some forms of lichen occur against a background of reduced immunity and are transmitted primarily by contact-household means.
Pathology can occur on absolutely any part of the body. However, certain forms arise solely on the face. It is about them that we will discuss in more detail in this article.
The main causes of lichen
The disease develops as a result of the introduction of pathogenic microflora into the body (fungi, viruses). Far from always its primary signs are interpreted correctly. Often, spots on the face are mistaken for symptoms of common dermatitis or allergies. That is why, faced with this problem, you need to seek help from a doctor to establish the correct diagnosis.
There are several types of lichen on the face. Depending on the form of the disease, doctors call various causes of its occurrence.
- Reduced immunity.
- Penetration of a specific fungus into the body. Lichen can be transmitted through a household route from an infected person. High temperature and humidity are optimal conditions for the reproduction of the fungus.
- Hereditary predisposition.
Face lichen is more common in men and women 30-50 years old. The course of the disease and the duration of the course of treatment are individual.
What symptoms indicate a pathology?
Lichen is a disease caused by harmful bacteria. They live in the bodies of many people, but strong immunity does not allow them to multiply. The disease begins to appear when bacteria have favorable conditions for life. This usually occurs with vitamin deficiency or with antibiotics.
Face deprivation is a rare disease, so it is often confused with dermatitis or an allergic reaction. The lack of timely treatment allows bacteria to multiply. Different types of disease are accompanied by a certain clinical picture. However, doctors identify a number of certain signs that help distinguish lichen from other pathologies.
- The appearance of rashes on the skin.
- Enlarged lymph nodes.
- Peeling skin.
- Temperature rise.
- General malaise.
It is important that if these symptoms occur, seek the help of a doctor to confirm the final diagnosis and determine the type of disease. Lichen on the face in most cases manifests itself in five main forms: pink, red, flat, ringworm, pityriasis, herpes zoster. Let's consider each of them in more detail.
Pink lichen
This type of disease is the least dangerous, but at the same time the most common. As a rule, pink lichen is diagnosed in school-age children, but neither babies nor adults are safe from it. The main reason for its occurrence has not yet been clarified. Most experts agree that the disease develops against a background of decreased immunity. However, some doctors are confident in its genetic nature.
The development of pathology is preceded by the appearance of a “mother plaque” on the body. It is distinguished by its small size and oval shape. It is difficult not to notice the plaque, because its occurrence is accompanied by itching and painful discomfort. After about 14 days, daughter lesions appear. Characteristic rashes are localized on the face, chest, limbs. The treatment for the disease is not specific. Doctors recommend limiting allergenic foods. With severe itching, antihistamines are prescribed.
Ringworm
The causative agent of the disease is trichophytone fungus. Ringworm on the face is usually diagnosed in children. Infection occurs after direct contact with a sick person, the use of general personal hygiene products. The favorite place for the localization of pathology is the region of the shoulders, scalp, and facial skin.
The disease begins with the appearance of a pink spot with clear boundaries. As the disease develops, the focus becomes inflamed, crusts and vesicles appear on its edges. The skin in the center of the spot begins to peel off. Initially, lichen is not accompanied by a pronounced clinical picture, itching appears over time. Treatment of the disease is carried out in a hospital and includes the use of antifungal drugs.
Lichen planus
This chronic disease is diagnosed mainly in women from 40 to 60 years old. It is characterized by the appearance of brightly colored papules with ragged edges. At the beginning of the disease, the rash may be brilliant, but later it always acquires a bluish tint. The appearance of papules is accompanied by severe itching and burning. Lichen planus on a person ’s face is a rare occurrence, but it still has a place to be. Usually, the pathology affects the limbs, the skin in the genital area and the oral mucosa.
The main reason for the appearance of this disease has not yet been established. Opinions are expressed about the viral nature, hereditary predisposition, and the body's immune responses. There is no specific treatment for lichen planus, before the course of therapy, the patient is carefully examined for pathologies of the internal organs. Patients are usually prescribed antihistamines, corticosteroids, and vitamin complexes.
Pityriasis versicolor
Pityriasis versicolor on the face manifests itself if there is a multiple lesion of the skin of the chest, limbs and back. The disease is characterized by the appearance of rounded pink spots. Rashes are usually accompanied by severe itching.
Pityriasis versicolor is thought to occur more frequently in people prone to excessive sweating. The main reason for its development is the pathogenic fungus pitirosporum. Complex treatment is prescribed. Typically, patients are prescribed antifungal drugs, shampoos with selenium. The positive effect of therapy manifests itself quickly, but there is a high probability of recurrence.
Shingles
The pathology is caused by chickenpox virus. After a childhood illness, he is in a dormant state. As a result of severe emotional overload or frequent hypothermia, the infectious agent may become more active. As a result, rashes in the form of vesicles may appear on the skin along the nerve endings.
Shingles on the face is very rare. Typically, the pathology is localized in the chest and lower back. It is not contagious, therefore isolation of the infected is not required. Patients are prescribed symptomatic therapy using non-steroidal and antihistamines.
What to do if lichen symptoms appear?
First of all, you need to consult a dermatologist. Before making a final diagnosis, it is better to exclude close contacts, use separate dishes and personal hygiene items.
To determine the specific type of disease, a comprehensive examination will be required. It includes a blood test, skin scraping, and bacterial culture. Sometimes additional diagnostics are required, for example, to identify pityriasis versicolor. For these purposes, a dermatologist conducts an iodine test of Balzer and an examination using a Wood lamp. In the first case, the doctor lubricates the spots on the skin with iodine, and after staining, wipes them with alcohol. Infected areas acquire a characteristic dark brown hue, while completely healthy areas remain yellow.
Timely seeking help from a doctor avoids serious consequences, including eye infection and complete blindness.
How to treat lichen on the face?
The treatment for this disease is always complex. Usually it consists of taking immunomodulators (Dekaris, Reaferon), the use of local medicines and vitamin therapy. If the lichen is caused by a virus or fungus, antiviral or antifungal ointments are prescribed, respectively.
Oral drugs include “Acyclovir”, “Valaciclovir”, “Griseofulvin”, to local ones - “Mikoseptin”, “Exoderil”. It is also recommended to treat affected areas with a weak iodine solution or sulfuric salicylic ointment.
When infected with a ringworm, hospitalization is mandatory. A home course of therapy also implies complete isolation of the patient.
If the doctor has confirmed pink lichen, specific treatment is not required. Usually this form of the disease disappears on its own within 5-8 weeks. To reduce intolerable itching, you can take "Tavegil" or "Zirtek."
Help traditional medicine
No less effective may be treatment depriving folk remedies. Before resorting to the help of alternative medicine, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist. Next, we list the most popular recipes for folk doctors.
- Boil 20 g of hop cones, burdock roots and 10 g of calendula flowers. One part of the resulting broth must be combined with two parts of petroleum jelly. Such a mixture is recommended to be applied to the affected area.
- Pour 100 g of birch leaves with a liter of boiling water, insist for 30 minutes and strain. Hot infusion should be treated skin twice a day.
- Apple cider vinegar is an excellent remedy for a disease such as lichen. Treatment involves the use of this tool as lotions. The procedure is recommended to be repeated several times a day. After a few days, tangible relief comes: the skin stops itching, the itching disappears.
Lichen prophylaxis
Depriving the skin of the face is a fairly serious disease, so it is better to prevent pathology before it appears. To do this, you must follow some fairly simple rules.
First of all, doctors advise to pay special attention to personal hygiene. It is equally important to adhere to a healthy lifestyle and eat right. It is better to limit contact with sick animals.
If the treatment of this pathology is not started in a timely manner, its consequences can adversely affect the quality of human life. Lichen on the face is easily confused with ordinary dermatitis or a manifestation of an allergic reaction. Therefore, if there are suspicious rashes, you need to contact a dermatologist to examine the body and prescribe competent treatment. Only in this case, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of sufficiently dangerous complications for humans, to reduce the likelihood of future relapse. Be healthy!