Multi-colored lichen is a dermatological pathology in which only the upper layer of the skin is damaged. This disease is also known under a different name - pityriasis versicolor, and in the people it is also called a sun fungus. And all because pathological changes on the skin, as a rule, occur in a hot climate after prolonged exposure to the sun.
Description
Multi-colored lichen appears due to an ordinary fungal infection. And it usually provokes hyperfunction of the sebaceous glands. But this does not end the list of causes of pathology.
Is versicolor lichen contagious? One of the main features of this disease is the absence of concomitant inflammation and minimal infection. The causative agent of multi-colored lichen is a conditionally pathogenic fungus that exists in three types: oval, round and mycelial. It is noteworthy that all these forms are capable of changing, replacing each other.
Features
A yeast in any form is always present on the skin of each person, but becomes active exclusively under certain conditions that are positive for it. It can be transmitted in the event of close contact with another person. However, this does not mean at all that the infected person will certainly fall ill. Indeed, for this it is still necessary to create appropriate conditions that only in some circumstances trigger the infection mechanism.
External causes of the disease
Multi-colored lichen occurs due to the influence of many different factors that are external and internal.
Exogenous prerequisites for the development of pathology:
- skin irritation caused by wearing too tight, tight-fitting synthetic clothing, for the same reason, blood flow and full lymph drainage may also be impaired;
- addiction to various bad habits, including tobacco smoking and alcohol abuse;
- the arbitrary use of certain medications - antibiotics, oral contraceptives, anti-inflammatory;
- regular use of antibacterial agents that dry the skin - shampoo, gel or soap;
- too long exposure to the sun;
- constant stress and nervous tension.
Internal prerequisites for the development of pathology
Endogenous causes of multi-colored lichen:
- hereditary predisposition;
- permanent infectious foci in the form of tonsillitis, caries, pyelonephritis;
- decreased protective properties of the immune system;
- pathology of the gastrointestinal tract;
- all kinds of diseases of the nervous and endocrine system, for example, vegetovascular dystonia or diabetes;
- oily skin and a predisposition to dermatological mycoses;
- excessive sweating;
- overweight;
- diseases of the respiratory system in the form of tuberculosis, pneumonia or asthma;
- hormonal disruptions provoked by diseases of the internal organs, pregnancy or menopause.
Multi-colored lichen is extremely rare in young children up to seven years old and in older people. But the peak of the disease occurs in adolescents, who often have hormonal disorders, and sweat is activated.
Fungal infection is often found in people with weak immunity. That is why the high-risk group also includes patients who have undergone severe operations, who have immunodeficiency problems, and patients in the cancer department.
Signs of multicolored lichen and clinical picture
The fungus may not manifest itself for a long time, since it is activated only under the influence of provoking conditions. The incubation period of the pathology lasts from two weeks to several months. During all this time, pathogens are localized on the skin of a person and constantly grow, multiplying only under the influence of favorable factors.
What does multi-colored lichen look like? In the initial stages of the disease, small yellowish-brown spots appear on the skin with clear outlines and an asymmetric arrangement. In some cases, their color becomes brown and even resembles a coffee shade, due to which, by the way, this lichen got its name. Its occurrence does not cause the patient any discomfort or discomfort: there is no itching, no irritation, no inflammation.
Most often, multi-colored lichen in a person is localized on the shoulders, back, chest, neck, armpits. As the pathology develops, the spots spread and are able to merge together, thus forming extensive foci. Although this is not necessary at all, lichen can exist in isolation.
The disease does not cause severe inconvenience, is not accompanied by terrible itching, inflammatory processes or skin irritation. Patients notice only a slight peeling of the damaged areas, which is explained by loosening of the upper layer of the dermis.
Symptoms
The course of the pathology is often accompanied by severe sweating, which can cause minor itching. The disease has a chronic form and, as a rule, torments the patient for years, reminding himself of periodic relapses even after undergoing a course of therapy.
After wellness manipulations, instead of rashes, the dermis is covered with white spots without pigment, which are especially noticeable on dark skin. This is due to the fact that during the life of the yeast fungus produces a specific substance that harms the work of melanocytes and interferes with the production of natural melanin. As a result, natural pigment is lost, due to which the skin discolors in the affected areas.
Multi-colored lichen in a person does not cause a general deterioration in well-being, but often leads to psychological problems. The spots on the skin look ugly and are perceived by others as a defect, because of which the patient develops complexes and lowers self-esteem.
Diagnostics
If you have any initial warning signs, you should immediately contact a specialist - a dermatologist, who will determine the diagnosis and choose the treatment regimen suitable for the patient.
The doctor can make preliminary forecasts after a visual examination, observation of the characteristic pathogenesis and examination of the affected areas using a special device - the Wood lamp. When it is illuminated, the skin damaged by the fungus glows in a light orange color. In addition, it is necessary to carry out the study of scrapings of the epidermis through a microscope.
In addition, another method for identifying multi-colored lichen is known - the so-called Balcer test. For its implementation, the injured areas of the epidermis are lubricated with ordinary iodine, after which they are rubbed with alcohol. In this case, the foci of the fungus, unlike healthy skin, are painted in a rich dark shade, since the pathogen loosens the upper layer, and the dermis absorbs the paint.
After diagnosing the disease, the dermatologist will individually select the appropriate treatment regimen and explain to the patient how to treat multi-colored lichen. There are many simple techniques to maximize eliminate the unpleasant effect of the activity of yeast.
How to treat multi-colored lichen
Therapy of this disease involves the use of antimycotic drugs for external use, among which a special place is occupied by a variety of sprays, creams and ointments. In addition, the systematic administration of antifungal medications in the form of tablets is very important.
To treat damaged skin areas, creams and ointments from multi-colored lichen are often used: Bifonazole, Clotrimazole, Mikospor. Simple salicylic acid with chamomile showed itself very well in the fight against fungus. The action of these substances is aimed at provoking active peeling of the upper layer of the skin, with which the pathogen is eliminated.
Means for external use
To lubricate the scalp, it is best to use means in the form of sprays, solutions and lotions, since the vegetation makes it difficult to apply ointment to damaged places. A good result was shown by preparations with a high content of selenium sulfide, for example, Sulsena shampoo.
The Lamisil spray is very popular, which is quite convenient to use and does not cause any side effects. This remedy eliminates the pathogenic fungus from the inside. It must be used twice a day.
In addition, the skin should be treated with sulfuric ointment, Wilson's agent, salicylic or resorcinol alcohol. These drugs intensively dry the dermis and allow you to quickly and effectively destroy the causative agent of the disease.
Sulfur-salicylic ointment also allows you to achieve a good result in the fight against multi-colored lichen. This tool has an antimicrobial and exfoliating effect. The ointment should be applied twice a day to the affected area.
Drug treatment
In the case of a prolonged course of pathology and a large lesion, it is advisable to use systemic tablets:
- Ketoconazole, Mycozoral, Nizoral;
- Itraconazole, Orungal, Itrazol;
- "Terbinafine", "Terbizil", "Lamisil".
The combination of systemic and local medications guarantees a positive result and makes it possible to prevent relapse of the disease. External keratolytic drugs favor exfoliation of the stratum corneum of the epidermis, and tablets destroy the direct pathogen, affecting it from the inside.
After eliminating the fungus, white spots first remain on the skin, but gradually the initial pigmentation is restored.
Folk recipes
These funds can be used as an addition to traditional medicines. A large number of recipes from medicinal plants and natural ingredients, time-tested, are known. Folk remedies can get rid of the symptoms of multi-colored depriving quickly enough and effectively. But before using them, it is imperative to consult with a specialist.
- Common vinegar. The fungus dies in the acidic flora, so this product has long been used to get rid of lichen. To eliminate the symptoms, it is enough to treat the skin with cotton wool dipped in vinegar for only a week. In addition to it, you can use acidic juices.
- Peppermint decoction. To prepare it, you need to pour a handful of leaves into a glass of water and boil for 15 minutes. Such a decoction should be cooled, filtered and used as lotions.
- Infusion of celandine. This plant has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, so it cleanses the skin of yeast. To prepare a decoction, a handful of leaves must be poured with two glasses of boiling water, after which you need to let it brew for an hour. Then tincture should be used for lotions.
- Ointment based on fragrant rue. To prepare, you need to take fresh leaves of this plant, chop with a knife and mix with simple petroleum jelly in the proportions of 1 to 3. You need to treat the skin with this ointment several times during the day.