In medicine, the term "pink lichen" refers to a dermatological disease of an acute nature. It is characterized by the appearance of pink spots, which cause a person not only physical, but also psychological discomfort. According to statistics, most often pink lichen (photo below) is diagnosed in people from 10 to 40 years old. In young children and the elderly, it is found in isolated cases. Other names for the pathology are pitiriasis, Zhiber pink lichen, scaly roseola.
What is this disease?
Currently, the disease is not well understood. Experts suggest that it has an infectious and allergic nature. In humans, pink lichen appears, as a rule, against the background of a weakening of the body's defenses. In addition, the disease is characterized by seasonality - most often it occurs in the spring-summer period.
The first alarming sign is the appearance of peeling pink spots. Information on how to treat pink lichen should be provided by a dermatologist, since the disease is easily confused with other skin pathologies. The need to contact a specialist is also explained by the fact that the treatment regimen for this disease is selected individually. This is due to the fact that each person has a different disease.
In most cases, after a pathology, a strong immunity to pink lichen is formed in the body (photo below). But it also happens that the disease appears again.
Causes
To date, it is not known which pathogen is responsible for the development of the disease. There is an assumption that the herpes virus is involved in the pathology. This is due to the fact that the initial stage of the development of the disease in a person shows signs of influenza. There is also a theory whose proponents claim that pink lichen is an allergic reaction. There is an opinion that pathology is not an independent disease, it appears only in response to the adverse effects of the external environment.
Despite the fact that the exact causes of pink lichen have not yet been clarified, experts unanimously argue that the following factors are provoking:
- general hypothermia of the body;
- prolonged exposure to stress;
- weakening of the immune system;
- diseases of an infectious nature;
- malfunctioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- vaccination;
- avitaminosis;
- bites of lice, fleas and bedbugs;
- metabolic disturbances.
It is important to know that pathology is transmitted between people, but with the normal functioning of the immune system it develops very rarely after contact with a patient. Such cases are known to medicine, but they are single. It is believed that bugs, lice and fleas can transmit the infection. This is due to the fact that it is at the site of the bite of these insects that the formation of maternal plaque occurs.
Symptoms
In many patients, the precursors of rashes are:
- joint aches;
- headache;
- general deterioration in well-being;
- enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes.
Spots of pale red color are the main sign of pink lichen (photo below). They are usually very small, but quickly grow to the size of a coin with a diameter of 2-3 cm. Rashes are often localized on the body, less often on the limbs, face, neck, feet. About 2 weeks before the appearance of spots in half of the patients, one is formed, which is called maternal. It is large (4-5 cm in diameter), peeling is observed over its entire surface. Immediately before the appearance of a small rash, patients note a general condition of malaise, accompanied by an increase in body temperature.
A feature of all spots is their oval or round shape with a bright border. This is also one of the characteristic signs of pink lichen in humans. In addition, they can cause itching. After about two days, the following changes occur: the edges of the spots seem to rise above the surface of the skin, the peeling process in this area stops. The center, on the other hand, acquires a brown hue, slightly sinks and is covered with horny scales. After about 1-2 months, the spots begin to disappear, in their place there are areas with impaired pigmentation.
Many people have no signs of pink lichen except rashes. Only a few note that after suffering stress or hypothermia, they have a burning sensation in the affected areas of the skin.
Children suffer the disease worse. Its course is accompanied by fever, lethargy, decreased appetite, and general malaise. When the first symptoms appear, it is necessary to show the child to a pediatrician and dermatologist. Self-medication is fraught with the occurrence of complications.
Atypical forms of the disease
In some cases, uncharacteristic types of the disease occur:
- Bubble. The rash with this form looks like a lot of points.
- Uptikarny. Blisters form at the site of skin lesion.
- A form characterized by the appearance of spots in areas of excessive sweating of the skin or places of violation of its integrity. The rash is large, the foci can merge and itch.
- Deprive Vidal. It is characterized by the presence of several spots, but in size they can reach 8 cm in diameter. The rash is localized mainly on the abdomen and limbs, less often on the neck and face. Maternal stain is absent. This form is the longest, it can go into the chronic stage, due to which the duration of the disease stretches for several years.
It is worth noting that atypical species of pink lichen are extremely rare.
Diagnostics
If alarming symptoms appear, consult a dermatologist. During the initial appointment, the doctor will collect a medical history and prescribe laboratory research methods to confirm the diagnosis. A dermatologist needs to provide information on what symptoms the patient is worried about and for how long, whether pathologies of an infectious nature have recently been transferred, under the influence of what negative factors the person was (hypothermia, stress, etc.). After the survey, the doctor will examine the skin, assessing the nature of the location of the rash.
Diagnosis of pink lichen in humans (photo below) implies the appointment of the following laboratory tests:
- General analysis of blood and urine.
- Scraping.
- Blood to detect antibodies.
Despite the fact that pink lichen in a person has a number of characteristic features, it is strictly forbidden to conduct self-diagnosis and, on its basis, prescribe treatment. This is due to the fact that the disease is easily confused with other pathologies that have similar symptoms.
The doctor conducts differential diagnosis regarding the following ailments:
- Seborrheic eczema. With this disease, the nature of the location of the rash is different. In addition, there is no maternal spot, and other foci are covered with larger and greasy scales.
- Psoriasis. The disease is characterized by the formation of not spots, but papules, and there is no maternal plaque. As a rule, the rash is localized on the face, hands, feet and scalp.
- Teardrop-shaped parapsoriasis. With this disease, a different nature of peeling and the location of the rash. She, in turn, is represented not by spots, but by papules. The color of the rash is not pink, but dark brown.
- Syphilis. The hue of the papules is paler. In addition, a dense infiltrate is present at their base.
- Mycosis. The causative agent of this disease is detected during a microscopic examination.
Thus, despite the presence of characteristic signs of pink lichen, treatment for both adults and children is prescribed only on the basis of diagnostic results. This is due to the fact that the treatment regimen is different for each of the above diseases.
Treatment methods
Pathology does not require a specific approach. In most cases, its manifestations disappear on their own without any intervention. The goal of treatment is to get rid of unpleasant symptoms that significantly reduce the quality of human life, as well as reducing the duration of the disease.
In the presence of pronounced itching, the doctor prescribes the following antihistamines:
- Suprastin. This tool must be taken three times a day during a meal. Dosage is determined for each patient individually. If you follow the standard instructions, for adults it is 1-2 tablets per 1 dose.
- Tavegil. The drug in a short time eliminates itching and signs of an allergic reaction. In addition, it has a positive effect on the state of the walls of blood vessels. Means must be taken before the start of the meal. The recommended regimen is 1 tablet twice a day.
- Xizal. This antiallergic drug is taken on an empty stomach or during meals. For adults, the daily dosage should not exceed 5 mg, which is equivalent to 20 drops or 1 tablet.
- "Erius." The drug is recommended to be taken during the course of treatment at the same time according to the following scheme - 1 tablet 1 time per day.
- "Loratadine." A drug that eliminates the symptoms of allergies. The tool must be taken 1 time per day at 10 mg.
- Claritin. This antihistamine drug quickly relieves itching, and the effect persists for a long time. It is necessary to take it once a day for 10 mg, which is equivalent to 1 tablet or 2 teaspoons of syrup.
- Diphenhydramine. It has not only antihistamine, but also a local anesthetic effect. The drug is administered intramuscularly in 5 ml 1-2 times a day.
For a faster disappearance of pink spots, a dermatologist prescribes the following funds:
- "Ethacridine Lactate." This is an antiseptic that has a detrimental effect on pathogenic microorganisms. Available in the form of paste, ointment, solution and powder. The treatment regimen is compiled individually.
- "Calcium pantothenate." A drug that significantly accelerates the regeneration process. It is taken before meals, 1-2 tablets 2-4 times a day.
In addition, in the treatment of pink lichen in humans (photo below), it is necessary to take vitamins that strengthen the body's defenses. If the spots increase in size and begin to spread to other parts of the body, it is advisable to use antibiotics. As a rule, doctors recommend Erythromycin, which must be understood 1 hour before a meal. A single dosage of the drug is 0.25 g. The drug must be taken at intervals of 4-6 hours.
Treatment of the disease also involves the use of external agents. The most effective ointments for pink lichen:
- "Hydrocortisone." In a short time, relieves itching and prevents the formation of exudate. The ointment is applied to the affected areas with a thin layer twice a day. To enhance the effect on top of it, it is recommended to apply a bandage.
- "Prednisolone." Ointment eliminates allergy symptoms, relieves inflammation and swelling. The tool must be used three times a day. A bandage is also advisable on top of it.
- Diphenhydramine. To reduce the severity of redness and get rid of itching, it is necessary to mix the ointment with an ordinary baby cream and treat it with affected areas.
- "Acyclovir." The tool prevents the formation of new spots and eliminates unpleasant symptoms. The foci must be treated 5 times a day.
On the recommendation of a doctor, various talkers can also be used.
The goal of treating pink lichen in children (photo below) is to get rid of itching and burning, as well as strengthening immunity. For this, the pediatrician or dermatologist prescribe the following drugs:
- "Ethacridine Lactate." This product is available in the form of gelatin capsules. Dosage is calculated depending on the age of the child.
- Ascorutin. It is prescribed to strengthen the body's defenses. As a rule, the drug must be taken twice a day for 1 tablet.
- Fenistil. Available in the form of drops and tablets. In a short time eliminates the symptoms of an allergic reaction. An alternative to this drug are the following antihistamines: Zodak, Suprastin, Zirtek, Claritin, Cetrin.
If complications arise, the pediatrician prescribes the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.
For the treatment of pink lichen in a child, external agents are also prescribed. The most effective and safe are the following:
- "Fluorocort", "Hyoxyson", "Flucinar." These drugs are glucocorticosteroids, that is, hormonal agents. The prescribed medication is recommended to be mixed equally with baby cream and applied once a day to the affected areas.
- "Sulfuric ointment". The tool eliminates inflammation and prevents the further reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms.
- "Riodoxol ointment." It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. The tool is applied three times a day.
- "Flucinar." The ointment is designed to get rid of peeling on the spots. The tool is applied twice a day.
The duration of the course of treatment of the disease in children is determined solely by the doctor. The treatment regimen is also compiled taking into account the individual health characteristics of each child.
Alternative methods of treatment
It is important to understand that their use does not eliminate the need to visit a specialist. It is advisable that non-traditional methods be agreed with the doctor. This is because some natural components can worsen the course of the disease or weaken the effect of medications.
The most effective recipes:
- Take a large leaf of a golden mustache. It is necessary to grind it as much as possible. Porridge can be wrapped in gauze and apply compresses to the affected areas. In addition, the resulting juice is also recommended to treat stains.
- Prepare 3 cloves of garlic and 1 teaspoon of stevia (in powder form). Mix the ingredients thoroughly and pour 200 ml of boiling water. Let it brew for about 10 hours. Use the resulting product as lotions.
- Grind aloe leaves and lay them on the bottom of a 1 liter glass jar. Each subsequent layer of the plant must be sprinkled with sugar. Close the container and put in a dark place. After 2 days, it is necessary to filter the product and use it 1 tablespoon three times a day half an hour before the meal. The course of treatment is 2 weeks.
Possible complications
The most common consequence of the disease is psychological discomfort, which for a long time can bother a person. It also happens that when combing the affected areas, a secondary infection joins. In these situations, the doctor prescribes antibiotics, and the duration of treatment increases.
Various complications are much more common when ignoring the need to seek qualified medical help. Most people who are self-medicating harm their body and go to the doctor only when the negative consequences are pronounced.
Recommendations to patients
In order to accelerate recovery and not aggravate the situation, it is necessary to regularly observe the following rules:
- Wear cotton clothes. Synthetic and wool products contribute to itching and the appearance of uncomfortable sensations.
- Use the shower. In this case, it is desirable to give preference to detergents with a hypoallergenic composition.
- Follow a diet. All dishes must be steamed, baked in the oven or boiled. Fatty, fried, salty, spicy foods must be excluded from the diet. In addition, it should not contain potential allergens.
- Minimize exposure to sunlight.
- Prevent the occurrence of excessive sweating. With excessive secretion, it is necessary to wash it off under the shower as soon as possible.
Regular observance of the above rules will reduce the duration of the disease and reduce the severity of symptoms of pink lichen in humans (photo below).
Finally
Pyritiasis, or scaly roseola, is a pathology of a dermatological nature, characterized by the appearance of a rash in certain areas of the body. Currently, the causes of the appearance of pink lichen have not been clarified, but experts believe that the disease has an infectious and allergic nature. Doctors say that the disease is transmitted from a sick person to a healthy one, but in the latter case it develops extremely rarely. This is due to the suppression of the vital activity of the pathogen by the body's defenses.
If alarming signs occur, consult a dermatologist. The doctor will conduct a thorough examination and exclude the presence of other pathologies, the symptoms of which are similar to manifestations of pink lichen.