Lichen is a common name for several types of skin diseases that differ in symptoms, causes and treatment principles. The disease usually lasts a long time, requires constant attention and observation by a dermatologist, since there is a high risk of relapse. In the absence of timely treatment, the patient may remain physical defects and even psychological trauma. The article will describe the characteristics of lichen species, a photo with names, a description of approaches to treatment.
Definition
Lichen is considered a serious dermatological disease caused by the action of harmful fungi and viruses. It is freely transmitted from person to person through direct contact. More likely to get infected in those whose body is weakened by a poor diet, adverse environmental conditions, stress, the use of complex drugs and other factors.
Lichen manifests itself in local areas of the skin in the form of age spots, vesicles, peeling, itching and pain at the lesion site. The disease causes the patient constant discomfort and even unbearable sensations. With the right approach, all types of lichen known in humans are cured to the end and with minimal damage to the body. However, there are also chronic forms, for example, psoriasis, which require a person to take medications, control nutrition, and lifestyle. Types of lichen in children are caused by the same reasons as in adults. But immediate measures are required, since the child has a faster degree of spread.
Common symptoms
Timely treatment depends on the stage of development of the disease, so it is so important to determine the symptoms in time and make the right diagnosis. Affects both a small area of the skin and the whole body. Moreover, infection can occur in any place: on the head, in the inguinal region, on the tongue, heels, fingers, etc.
Each type of depriving and treatment proceeds differently, but the following general symptoms can be distinguished:
- Pigmentation disorder, the area of the skin darkens, turns red and turns pink.
- In the affected area appear vesicles, peeling of the skin, suppuration.
- Mild or severe itching.
The main sign of a dermatological problem is the formation of a skin site with an unhealthy structure. This can be a reddish spot, a group of blisters, a purulent neoplasm or a change in the skin. Symptoms depend on what kind of lichen. There is a fungal and infectious nature of the disease. In the latter case, a general deterioration in well-being is noted: a fever or the appearance of chills is possible. If you notice any of these signs, you should definitely contact your doctor for a diagnosis. In the article you will find a description of the types of lichen and photos. Treatment will depend on the manifestation of the disease.
Reasons for the appearance
The causative agents of the disease in humans are three types of microscopic fungi:
- zooanthropophilic - can live on the skin of both animals and humans;
- anthropophilic - found only in humans;
- geophilic - live in the ground.
In addition, lichen cause some infections. For example, herpes can be in the body for many years and manifest itself with a decrease in immunity.
The treatment depends on the correct definition of the type of depriving a person. It’s impossible to know the type of fungus by eye. For an accurate diagnosis, a dermatologist is required to take a scraper from the site of infection. With the help of professional laboratory equipment, a variety of source and stages of its development are determined. Only after this, the doctor prescribes treatment.
Varieties of lichen
Some types of the disease are generally asymptomatic and do not require special treatment, the immune system itself copes with the pathogen. But most fungi and viruses just do not disappear, a phased approach is needed.
Types of lichen:
- Ringworm - it is characterized by damage to the scalp, neck, face and shoulders; manifested in the form of pinkish spots of regular shape, peeling and itching.
- Pink - spreads over large areas of the skin: back, shoulders, chest, abdomen; spots are round or oval in shape, itch and flake strongly, several foci can merge into one large one.
- Multi-colored - manifests itself as spots of different shapes and sizes, on the tanned skin the areas lighten, in the cold season they darken, in some cases they acquire a greenish tint.
- Tinea - usually the first foci occur on one side, the spots are very itchy and sore; after a few days, bubbles with a clear liquid appear, which burst and crust; Herpes zoster is very difficult for the eyes, in the absence of treatment, a person may even lose vision.
- Red flat - the human skin is covered with reddish or purple nodules, the disease is accompanied by prolonged itching; if the nails are affected, the plates will quickly crumble.
A complete list of lichen species in a person with photos and names can be found in the medical encyclopedia. The most important rule in treatment is an accurate diagnosis. The fact is that each type of fungus requires different drugs and a set of preventive measures. Do not let things go on their own and self-medicate, you need to contact a dermatologist as soon as possible and get accurate recommendations.
Description and photo of herpes zoster
One of the most unpleasant and difficult to treat forms. The appearance of spots is accompanied by a strong, ongoing itching. Herpes zoster is caused by a herpes viral infection, it is characterized by multiple rashes in open areas of the body with the appearance of edema. Herpes can cause two types of disease: chickenpox and shingles. The virus does not tolerate extreme heat, at a temperature above 38 ° C it loses its properties, but when frozen, it can remain alive for a long time.
Scientists have the opinion that the infection penetrates human cells in childhood and falls into "hibernation" there, in adulthood, under favorable conditions, the virus wakes up and begins to actively spread throughout the body. It manifests itself most often in elderly people, with weakened immunity after illness or in direct contact with an infected patient.
Symptoms of herpes zoster in humans and treatment:
- At the initial stage, general malaise, a person feels weakness, fatigue.
- Body temperature rises, chills appear.
- In problem areas, the skin swells, bubbles form the size of a pinhead with a clear liquid, which becomes cloudy after 3-4 days.
- After about a week, the bubbles burst, a yellow crust appears, after its convergence pigment spots remain.
- The faster treatment begins, the faster recovery will occur; Even at the stage of the appearance of spots on the body, you need to urgently consult a doctor.
The course of the disease is accompanied by severe itching and pain. In severe form, the vesicles degenerate into abscesses. But after recovery, the body develops a stable immunity to herpes.
Versicolor
This form is caused by a fungus. The disease usually develops in spring and summer, during the active solar period. The shape is characterized by the appearance of yellow flaky spots. This species is found even at a young age, in children from 7 years.
A disease can develop for the following reasons:
- profuse sweating;
- endocrine system diseases;
- weakened immunity;
- pregnancy;
- genetic predisposition;
- diabetes.
Doctors did not agree on how infection with shingles occurs. There is a theory that the fungus is transmitted by contact or is constantly located in the cells of the epidermis. This species is characterized by the appearance of “burned out”, discolored spots on the skin. This is because the fungus penetrates the skin and disrupts the cells that produce melanin.
Most often, rashes occur on the back, chest, shoulders and forearms, are possible in the inguinal region and on the head. At first, these are separate foci, but without appropriate treatment, they can merge into large areas. A dermatologist first determines the source of infection. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the patient is prescribed external funds with fungicidal or keratolic properties.
Lichen planus
Scientists still do not agree on what is the cause of this form. Some believe that this is a genetic predisposition, others - an allergic reaction. Also, a factor contributing to the development of the disease is called a violation of the nervous system. But most dermatologists tend to think that the main cause is infection. This statement is supported by the positive results of antiviral treatment.
Symptoms of lichen planus:
- A rash of small, polygonal papules, a rash appears on the skin: chest, abdomen, inguinal region, armpits, lower legs and wrists; foci can also occur on the mucous parts: the tongue, the inner surface of the cheeks, lips, vagina, and the glans penis.
- The rash is always accompanied by severe itching and pain.
- Thickened stripes appear on the nails, and the plate itself gradually dims and breaks.
You can distinguish flat lichen by the characteristic grid on the papules, it clearly manifests itself when soaked with water. There are many forms of the course of the disease, which differ in the color of the rashes, the transit time, and other factors.
For diagnosis, a visual examination by a dermatologist is usually sufficient; to be sure of the diagnosis, the doctor can take a sample of fluid from the vesicles. For treatment, external agents are used: creams, gels and sprays. Special antibacterial baths help well. In addition, a number of drugs are prescribed to prevent an allergic reaction, reduce nervous tension. Physiotherapy and general strengthening procedures are also actively prescribed.
Pink lichen
This form is caused by an infectious-allergic nature, therefore, each proceeds differently. The form of transmission is contact, and whether a person becomes ill or not depends on the state of his immunity. In the cold season, when the body is constantly exposed to various viruses, the risk of lichen is especially high.
The disease is manifested by multiple rashes of pink spots of oval shape. Usually, rashes occur on the chest, then pass into the axillary region and the entire body. After a few days, the neoplasms begin to peel off and itch strongly. After cure, pigment spots remain in this place.
Most often, pink lichen, or Giber disease, is found in adults. Treatment involves the use of external agents to reduce foci of inflammation, and more thorough and accurate hygiene procedures are recommended.
Scaly lichen
Psoriasis can occur in all people, regardless of age and living conditions. The scaly appearance of lichen is well-treated, but if not taken, the consequences can be very serious. Almost always, the form becomes chronic and sluggish and can haunt a person all his life. Many doctors tend to believe that psoriasis is inherited, but there are other developmental options:
- Skin damage through burns or mechanical exposure.
- The appearance in the body of streptococcal infection.
- Chronic diseases like bronchitis.
- The consequences of taking hormones or other potent drugs.
- Changes in the body caused by pregnancy, menopause or puberty.
- Conducting chemotherapy.
Men, women and children are affected by the disease with the same frequency. There have been cases when psoriasis developed in completely healthy people without the participation of the above factors. In this case, the nature of the occurrence is unknown. One of the severe forms of squamous lichen is generalized pustular psoriasis, which is accompanied by a significant increase in body temperature and general intoxication of the body.
Symptoms similar to other types of manifestation: redness of the skin, the appearance of ulcers with fluid, peeling and severe itching. Treatment involves the constant elimination of external factors that complicate a person’s life. Also, certain medications are prescribed to the patient, it is recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle, observe personal hygiene so as not to provoke further development of the disease.
Among all the varieties, the ringworm of a person and his treatment are especially dangerous today. Photos of infected people demonstrate a distinctive feature of this form - the appearance of bald spots on the scalp and body. The disease is very contagious, can develop in everyone, regardless of age and gender. In children, it most often occurs among boys.
Ringworm appears on the head, skin, nails and is seasonal. There are forms of disease in animals and humans. The fungus can only be transmitted from animal to animal or from person to person.
Developmental stages
Each type of depriving in the photo has its own specific course. Also, the degree of manifestation depends on the individual characteristics of the patient's body and the course of treatment. But doctors distinguish common features characteristic of all types:
- Contact with the skin or hair of the causative agent.
- The start of the pathological process, the time depends on the type of fungus and the human body, some forms appear immediately, others fall into hibernation for several months or years.
- Spots, vesicles, or other signs of infection appear on the skin.
- Spots spread throughout the body or in large areas, several foci are connected, the accompanying symptoms appear: itching, peeling, and secretion of fluid.
- Hair loss or thinning.
- The period of extinction under the influence of drugs or relapse without lack of treatment.
The omission of the first symptoms contributes to an even weakening of the immune system, therefore, foci of other skin diseases may appear. Do not postpone going to the doctor for later, timely measures taken contribute to a quick recovery.
Treatment of species depriving a person (photo)
The appointment of drugs is possible only after a complete diagnosis. All forms require a different approach and different medicines, some are generally treated with a special diet and thorough hygiene.
Usually, the treatment is complex. First of all, the visible foci of inflammation are eliminated with the help of external means, if necessary, the patient is prescribed antiallergenic drugs, as well as medications for the general strengthening of immunity. In chronic forms, such as psoriasis, a person must strictly monitor the condition of his body. So, too greasy, spicy food is removed from the diet, bad habits are excluded: alcohol and smoking.
The main rule in the treatment of any type of lichen is not to let the disease progress by gravity. Running forms can quickly flow into chronic ones.