Dermatosis is a common disease at present. There are many varieties of it. One of them is lichen. The disease has been known since the time of Hippocrates. It combines skin pathologies, for which one of the signs is characteristic - this is the presence and spread of scaly colored spots throughout the body. They can be triggered by viruses, fungus, or a decrease in immunity. Next, we consider how to treat pityriasis versicolor and what is the peculiarity of its course.
Characterization of pityriasis versicolor
Pityriasis versicolor is of fungal origin. Conditionally pathogenic yeast-like fungus causing pityriasis versicolor Malasseziafurfur, Pityrosporumovale. The carrier can be an absolutely healthy person.
The disease does not affect the quality of human life and does not cause complications. Although it can cause inconvenience due to the unaesthetic appearance of the skin. It is not contagious. Treatment can take quite a long time, since the disease is characterized by a long chronic course. In the article, we will consider the pityriasis versicolor versicolor, how to treat it and for how long.
The disease is characteristic of the category of citizens aged 14 to 40 years. In men, it is much more common. Almost never happens in children under 7 years of age and in old age. There is also evidence of a hereditary predisposition to the development of pityriasis versicolor.
Symptoms of the disease
There are several symptoms characteristic of pityriasis versicolor:
- On the body, spots of different sizes appear.
- Their localization is mainly in the upper body, on the stomach, in the armpit area and on the neck.
- The spots are asymmetrical.
- The shape is round or irregular.
Pityriasis versicolor has a chronic course. Treatment can last for months, but spots can disappear without any treatment. Relapses are also possible. This is especially true for people living in areas of hot and humid climate.
Diagnosis of pityriasis versicolor
If you identify any symptoms of the disease, you should consult a dermatologist. It is worth noting that starting the treatment process without consulting a doctor can only aggravate the situation. Perfectly demonstrates how pityriasis versicolor looks, photo. How to treat the disease, the doctor decides after diagnosis as a result of the examination.
For the diagnosis of pityriasis versicolor, several medical techniques are used:
- Balzer test. A 2% iodine solution must be applied to the stain. In the case of a positive test, the spots will become brownish brown.
- Wood's UV lamp. By directing the light of a lamp to spots, you can detect a change in color to pink or brown.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe additional laboratory tests. It is necessary to identify the type of fungus. This allows it to be distinguished from other varieties, seborrhea, secondary syphilis, pink lichen, eczema, vitiligo and others. It makes it possible to distinguish the disease from another type of dermatosis and finally choose what to treat.
Pityriasis versicolor in children
As noted earlier, in children under 7 years old, as a rule, this disease does not occur. But quite often diagnosed in adolescence.
When the first signs of pityriasis versicolor appear, it is necessary to show the specialist. It is much easier to treat the disease at an early stage, although it is not dangerous. In children, pityriasis versicolor does not penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin, but requires immediate treatment.
What are the symptoms of pityriasis in a child:
- Localization of spots in the shoulders, back, possibly chest, back.
- The spots on the dark skin are colorless.
- Spots of different shapes can merge into foci with uneven edges and have a pinkish tint.
- In the cold season, spots become darker than their own skin.
- There is slight peeling.
Parents do not seek to see a doctor and try to treat pityriasis versicolor on their own with the help of antifungal ointments. But it is worth considering the causes of the disease, and only a competent doctor can help with this. How to treat pityriasis versicolor in humans? Ointments for treatment use the following:
- "Ketoconazole."
- "Terbinafine."
- "Nizoral."
- "Exoderyl."
- "Bifonazole."
- Cyclopirox.
The following methods are also shared:
- The course of vitamin complexes.
- Physiotherapy:
- Magnetotherapy.
- UV exposure.
Do not start treatment of a child without consulting a dermatologist. This will speed up the healing process and help you quickly solve your problem.
The stages of treatment of pityriasis versicolor
To effectively combat pathology, it is important to approach the solution of the problem in a comprehensive manner, the only way to permanently get rid of the fungus that spoils the appearance of the skin.
Before deciding what to treat pityriasis versicolor on a person’s body, it’s important to determine the tactics, and it involves the use of the following measures:
- Local drug therapy.
- Use of drugs to relieve symptoms.
- The use of sedatives and antihistamines.
- Therapy with sorbents.
- The use of hypoallergenic personal care products.
- Revision of nutrition.
- Exclusion of stressful situations.
- Reducing the intensity of physical activity.
- Physiotherapeutic treatment.
- The use of decoctions of herbs.
It is important to remember that therapy can take a long time. You won’t be able to get a positive effect quickly.
Treatment of pityriasis versicolor in pregnant women
When signs of pityriasis appear in a pregnant woman, the first question that arises is whether it can harm a future baby.
Pathology has no effect on the fetus and health of a developing child. The fungus is not able to penetrate the placenta. The disease does not affect the course of pregnancy.
When signs of pityriasis appear in a future mother, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible and begin timely treatment.
The doctor can advise how to treat pityriasis versicolor on the body, which antifungal drugs can be used in the form of ointments. Additionally, antiviral agents may be prescribed.
Medication for pityriasis versicolor
The question arises: if the diagnosis is "pityriasis versicolor", what to treat? Antifungal ointments are one of the methods of drug treatment. In the case of non-launched forms, this therapy is effective. It is performed on an outpatient basis. To do this, use the following drugs:
- "Lamisil."
- "Clotrimazole."
- "Nizoral."
- "Salicylic ointment."
- "Bifonozole."
- Sertaconazole.
It is worth noting how to treat pityriasis versicolor in humans. Preparations in the form of ointments must be alternated with gels or creams, since they are poorly absorbed due to excessive fat and interfere with the respiration of the epidermal layer of the skin. It is necessary to apply them twice a day.
In severe cases of the disease, together with ointments, antifungal drugs are used:
- "Fluconazole."
- "Itraconazole".
The use of keratolytics is aimed at destroying the fungal pathogen, as well as for easy softening and removal of the epidermal layer. Only the regularity of use and dosage compliance is important, otherwise you can not wait for a positive result of therapy.
Lichen can affect the scalp. In this case, antifungal shampoos are used for treatment .
Use according to the instructions no more than 2 times a week. If itching is present, it is necessary to treat the stains with salicylic alcohol or Rysorcinol solution.
One of the effective methods of treatment is the Demyanenko method. It is as follows:
- At the first stage, sodium thiosulfate solution is rubbed in for three minutes.
- It is treated with hydrochloric acid solution.
- The procedure must be repeated for a week every day.
This method has proven itself both as an excellent anti-inflammatory process and already having a bactericidal effect.
The use of sulfur-salicylic ointment shows good results. Use it 2 times a day.
The modern preparation “Lamisil” in the form of a spray is convenient to use and practically has no side effects. Apply within 2 weeks.
It should be noted that Cyclosporin will help restore the skin's natural shade and restore the function of the epidermis after treatment. Also help to even out the color of the skin of the sun bath.
Pills for getting rid of lichen
If you ask your doctor how to treat pityriasis versicolor in a person, then in addition to ointments, he will recommend taking pills. They proved their effectiveness:
- "Rumikoz". The main active ingredient is itraconazole. It is able to suppress the symptoms of pathology. Therapy involves taking pills regardless of the fullness of the stomach, but it is better to do this at the same time. If the patient has already reached the age of 16 years, then once a day it is indicated to take 200 mg of the drug.
- Itrazol. The active substance is the same. Adults are allowed to take 2 capsules once a day. With a severe degree of pathology, it is permissible to use 2 capsules twice a day. The drug for the treatment of pregnant and lactating women is prohibited.
- "Fluconazole." Therapy lasts up to 2 months. It is necessary to take a capsule once every seven days after a meal.
Pills for the treatment of lichen are used only as a last resort, when the pathology affects a large area of ​​the body or head.
Sprays and treatment solutions
How can I treat pityriasis versicolor? Sprays and solutions will come to the rescue. Among them, the following are popular with doctors:
- "Bifonazole." The active substance copes with fungal infections. Use for treatment is allowed only 1% solution. Apply to affected areas once a day at any time. If the doctor prescribes several drugs, it is important to clarify the treatment regimen, since they cannot be used at the same time. The duration of treatment is at least 2 weeks, but no more than 21 days.
- "Terbinafine." He proved his effectiveness in monotherapy. It is necessary to use the drug twice a day, applying to the affected areas and slightly affecting the healthy ones. The course of therapy is 7 days.
Sprays are generally well tolerated and do not affect the general condition of the patient. Sometimes there may be a slight burning sensation, itching, but it all depends on the individual sensitivity of the body.
Alternative methods of treatment
The use of folk remedies for the treatment of pityriasis versicolor is possible only after consulting a doctor. How to treat pityriasis versicolor at home?
We list a few folk recipes:
- It is recommended to lubricate the lesion with apple cider vinegar 4-6 times a day for a week.
- To treat stains with garlic juice twice a day.
- Hypericum infusion. Two tablespoons of dry grass pour a glass of boiling water and insist for 40 minutes. Use as lotions.
- Miracle celandine is brewed at the rate of: two tablespoons per 400 ml of water, insist and make lotions twice a day.
- It is recommended to use a decoction of pine needles and tansy for bathing. A kilogram of sea salt is added to a liter of broth. A bath must be taken every day. The course of treatment is 15 days.
- A sorrel-based mixture is made. Grind fresh leaves into gruel and add fat cream or sour cream. Rubbed into the affected area for 10 days.
- It is necessary to take three tablespoons of a mixture of herbs of a string and eucalyptus in equal proportions, pour a liter of boiling water and insist 40 minutes. Use as a compress.
Before treating pityriasis versicolor at home, remember about the possible manifestation of an allergic reaction to the components that make up folk recipes.
Preventative measures
The disease can have relapses, so it is very important to follow preventive measures regardless of how the pityriasis versicolor is treated.
Here are a few recommendations:
- Avoid wet areas.
- Keep your body clean.
- It is recommended to wipe with slightly acidified water. You can use vinegar or lemon juice.
- Give preference to cotton linen.
- After the treatment, the linen must be disinfected and ironed with a hot iron.
- Keep your room clean.
- Do not use other people's towels, clothing, or personal hygiene items.
- Avoid stress, excessive physical exertion.
- Strengthen the immune system.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Treat concomitant diseases.
Subject to these simple recommendations, the pityriasis versicolor will recede and will not disturb you for a long time.
Treatment Reviews
Consider what reviews exist about treatment.
Doctors most often suggest treating pityriasis versicolor with the use of Clotrimazole ointment. As well as rubbing stains with Resorcinol solution. Treatment takes no more than two weeks.
Lamisil spray has great popularity and good effectiveness. Many patients note its noticeable effect from the first applications, as well as the absence of side effects.
With the development of the fungus on the scalp or slightly on the body, the effectiveness of Nizoral shampoo is noted. It must be applied to the head and the whole body. After 7 minutes rinse off. Many patients use this remedy as a prophylactic.
Also known about the effectiveness of folk remedies. Well-proven salicylic 5% alcohol. This method is suitable for those who are looking for an answer to this question about the treatment of pityriasis versicolor: "How to treat quickly?" There are also a lot of positive feedback about wiping the damaged areas with apple cider vinegar.
Many patients have noted the benefits of using tar soap, but they should be used regularly.
In the treatment is mandatory disinfection of bed linen and underwear, daily ironing with a hot iron. It is also necessary to wear clothing made from natural materials and observe hygiene rules.
The article examined what treats pityriasis versicolor in humans. Do not delay the visit to the doctor. This will speed up the healing process and help preserve the beauty of the skin. Despite the apparent safety of the pathology, it is still capable of causing a cosmetic defect and disturbing calm. Why delay with therapy if a fungal disease can be perfectly managed.