People far from medicine often combine diseases transmitted from animals and frighten children with them, who strive to pet the furry stranger. In fact, in dermatology there are several diseases whose names include the word “lichen,” but which are completely different in nature.

What is lichen planus?

It is observed in approximately 1% of patients with skin diseases, most often occurring in people aged 40-60 years, but people of any age are susceptible to it.

According to statistics, lichen planus is detected somewhat more often in women. A characteristic feature of the disease is that it has many different forms, each of which has its own clinical picture and affects certain areas of the body.

Reasons for the development of LP

Until now, doctors have not determined what exactly causes the development of the disease.

Doctors are inclined to believe that lichen planus is a polyetiological disease.

This means that it develops when several factors unfavorable for the patient are combined.

KPL forms

There are several forms of the disease, differing in localization and clinical manifestations.

Typical shape

It is characterized by the appearance of papules (nodules) of different shapes and sizes. In the center of the pathological element, an umbilical depression can be detected, which helps doctors in diagnosis. The characteristic Wickham network is visible on the nodules (the reason for its appearance is uneven hypertrophy of the granular layer in the epidermis). In the typical form of the disease, the skin of the torso, oral mucosa, and genitals is affected. In addition to nodules on the body, the patient is bothered by severe itching.

Hypertrophic (warty) form

With this form, the papule is stronger, than usual, rise above the surface of the skin. On them you can see growths in the form of papillae, with keratinization (hence the resemblance to warts).

With this form of the disease, the skin of the scrotum, legs, hands, and sacrum is most often affected.

Sclerosing (or atrophic) form

It differs from the typical one in that after the papule disappears, a small atrophic scar or lesion with a brown center and a small ridge along the edges remains on the skin. Localization: scalp, armpits, torso, genitals (usually on the head of the penis).

Pemphigoid (bullous) form

This is a fairly rare form of lichen planus. With it, blisters (bulae – hence the name) form on papules or sometimes unchanged skin. Everything is accompanied by severe itching, which provokes patients to damage the blisters and scratch them until they become erosions and even ulcers. In most cases, the lower extremities are affected.

Pigment form

It appears as brown spots that are located on the skin of the torso, face, and limbs.

To make a correct diagnosis, doctors try to detect typical nodules, which is sometimes quite difficult.

Linear form

In this case, pathological elements appear linearly along the nerve fibers. In most cases, children are susceptible to it.

Lichen zosteriformis

So called because of the similarity of symptoms to Herpes Zoster. Papules appear along the nerve fibers in large quantities. In terms of duration, it can be acute (about one month), subacute (about six months) and long-term.

Pathological elements in this case appear on the oral mucosa, affecting both halves symmetrically.

At the same time, a person’s quality of life is greatly reduced, since even a simple conversation can bring discomfort.
The rash pattern often resembles a light mesh.

Symptoms of LLP

Manifestations of the disease can be different, depending on what form has developed in a person. What lichen planus looks like and the features of the most common forms can be read above, as well as where the rash is localized.

Is lichen planus contagious?

The disease can externally cause quite unpleasant associations and even discomfort among others, but you should not be afraid of it.

As we can conclude from the causes of the development of the disease, lichen planus is not transmitted from person to person.

Diagnosis of LP

The diagnosis is made by a doctor based on the clinical picture and patient complaints. If necessary, a biopsy of the changed area of ​​skin can be taken, followed by histological examination.

Treatment of lichen planus in humans with drugs

What and how to treat a patient with lichen planus on the body and other organs is decided by a dermatologist. If the disease is mild, then a hypoallergenic diet, sedatives and antidepressants (for example, azafen) can help cope with it. Penicillin antibiotics or tetracycline are sometimes effective. Since there is an immunological component in the pathogenesis, histamine blockers (loratadine, diazolin, Zyrtec, suprastin) are prescribed.

The moderate form can be treated with a course of prednisolone in small doses, and vitamin therapy (vitamins A, E, the drug Aevit). Actovegin and solcoseryl - drugs that affect metabolism - promote rapid skin restoration. Use drugs containing quinolone (delagil, chloroquine)

The generalized form is treated with more powerful drugs. An example is cyclosporine, used until clinical effect occurs.

Local treatment

Ointments with corticosteroids are actively used, which have an anti-inflammatory effect and are therefore effective in the treatment of lichen planus, injecting lesions with hydrocortisone. Instrumental treatment is increasingly resorting to laser exposure and diathermocoagulation.

Forecast

By following the recommendations of specialists, patients successfully control the course of the disease and live a full life. The frequency of exacerbations may vary, but they are not life-threatening. The ability to work with red flat deprivation is also preserved.

Lichen planus is a fairly common skin disease that quickly becomes chronic. It often occurs in a chronic form with the occurrence of relapses; acute forms are much less common. The disease is considered dangerous due to its oncogenicity. Without proper treatment, foci of inflammation can degenerate into a malignant tumor.

Causes

Lichen planus accounts for 0.78 to 2.4% of all skin diseases and 7 to 10% of diseases of the oral mucosa. According to various sources, it occurs in 1.3-2.4% of cases of all dermatological diseases. And among diseases of the oral mucosa, its share, according to some authors, is 35%. The disease occurs at different ages. Women suffer from lichen planus more often than men.

The occurrence of lichen planus is caused by immune disorders. Under the influence of provoking factors (psycho-emotional stress, trauma in the broad sense of the word - mechanical, chemical, medicinal; hormonal and metabolic disorders), the sensitivity and susceptibility of skin cells to pathogenic effects increases.

The main reasons for its occurrence:

• Autoimmune disorders.
• Metabolic disease.
• Viral and infectious diseases.
• Neurogenic disorders.
• Hereditary predisposition.
• Allergic and toxic reactions.
• Endocrine disorders.
• Diseases of the cardiovascular system.

A medical history where lichen ruber is inherited is not uncommon. In such cases, lichen appears in children and is difficult to treat. Lichen planus develops very rarely in children. The pediatric population makes up only 1% of the total number of all patients with lichen planus.

Contrary to popular belief that you can catch shingles from someone who is already infected, it is not contagious. In other words, lichen planus is not contagious. For the most part, it is hereditary and is not transmitted through personal contact with its carrier.

• When communicating with a patient, you should avoid shaking hands and other physical contacts.
• do not share dishes, clothes, shoes, scissors and other personal hygiene items.

Symptoms and photos of lichen planus

With lichen planus, the skin most often suffers, although in 3-26.5% of cases isolated damage to the mucous membranes of the oral cavity occurs. Lesions of the vulva, bladder and urethra, rectum, and digestive tract may occur.

Rashes with lichen planus are often multiple and located in groups, forming garlands, rings or lines on the skin

The main symptom of lichen planus is the appearance of characteristic rashes in the form of redness, plaques, and ulcers. The rashes are characterized by a group location in the main affected areas.

Most often, the rash with lichen ruber is located on the following areas of the body:

• elbow bends;
• the inner surface of the wrist joints and hips;
• popliteal fossa;
• lumbar region;
• hypogastrium;
• groin area;
• ankle joints;
• armpits;
• lateral surfaces of the body.

The palms and soles, face and scalp are extremely rarely affected by lichen planus. On the mucous membranes, elements of the rash are observed in the following areas:

• oral cavity: tongue, inner surface of the cheeks, hard palate, gums; V
• passage into the vagina;
• head of the penis.

The appearance of lichen planus on the oral mucosa to a certain extent depends on the presence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (colitis, etc.), liver, and pancreas in patients. In a number of patients, there is an undoubted connection between the disease and vascular (hypertension) and endocrine (diabetes mellitus) pathology.

It is very difficult to identify lichen planus on the face, which manifests itself in the form of uncharacteristic rashes on the skin of the forehead, cheeks, lower and upper eyelids and chin. Instead of the usual plaques, patients experience intense dark pigmentation.

Thus, the symptoms of lichen ruber are itching, redness and other typical symptoms. A dermatologist can determine the presence of the disease during an external examination of the patient.

Types of disease

As we can conclude from the causes of the development of the disease, lichen planus is not transmitted from person to person. Depending on the manifestation, the following varieties are distinguished:

For all forms of lichen planus, local therapy is used, with the main emphasis being on the use of a variety of corticosteroid ointments (celestoderm, advantan, elocom, etc.). Also shown are ointments with a resolving effect, which contain ichthyol, naphthalan, sulfur, tar, and salicylic acid.

Diagnostics

If skin rashes appear, you should consult a dermatologist. The diagnosis of lichen planus is made by a dermatologist and does not present much difficulty, since it is almost always possible to detect typical polygonal plaques with a characteristic color, smooth surface, umbilical depressions, and transverse striations.

A differentiated diagnosis is made to exclude leukoplakia, lupus erythematosus or syphilis. The main direction is to identify underlying diseases that provoke the disease. Detailed questioning of the patient may determine a precipitating factor or heredity.

Treatment of lichen planus in humans

Patients with lichen planus should undergo a thorough examination to identify somatic diseases. Particular attention is paid to the state of the gastrointestinal tract, nervous system, blood pressure and blood glucose levels are determined.

Elimination of provoking factors:

• elimination of stress and traumatic situations in humans;
• treatment at the dentist, sanitation of the oral cavity to avoid damage to the oral mucosa;
• correction of drug therapy with the exclusion of medications that provoke the disease (antibiotics, delagil);
• elimination of occupational and household hazards;
• examination by an endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, neurologist;
• treatment of foci of chronic infection (sinusitis, caries);
• proper balanced nutrition, diet.

Local treatment in adults and children can also be provided with folk remedies, including:

• baths using medicinal herbs, for example, string and chamomile;
• applications for sea buckthorn oil stains;
• ointment based on church incense and calendula;
• lotions, compresses, mouth rinses with beet or viburnum juice, raisin decoction.

Ointments with corticosteroids Advantan, Sinaflan, Belosalik are actively used, which have an anti-inflammatory effect and are therefore effective in the treatment of lichen planus, injecting lesions with hydrocortisone.

It is recommended to treat papules that have been scratched into wounds with Solcoseryl ointment. The drug saturates tissues with oxygen and glucose, regenerates them and prevents the development of ulcers and erosions. Apply 2 - 3 rubles to sore skin. per day, about 2 weeks.

In order to improve the course of metabolic processes, vitamin therapy is indicated. Vitamin A and its derivatives directly have a beneficial effect on the division of skin cells and reduce the severity of inflammation. The vitamin preparation is prescribed for a period of 2–3 weeks in dosages of 25–50 mg.

Among the methods of non-drug therapy for lichen planus, phototherapy (ultraviolet irradiation) deserves attention. There are reports of laser treatment of patients with lichen planus.

Lichen planus in humans is not always treatable; often, after stopping the course of therapy, the disease returns in relapses. Therefore, compliance with preventive measures that will help achieve stable remission is crucial.

When the intensity of scabies increases, treatment is carried out:

• histamine H1 blockers, repellents with antiserotonin and catecholamine blockers. At the same time, sedatives and antidepressants are used. With their help, they normalize sleep and reduce itching;
• vitamin therapy for a positive effect on metabolic processes.

Prevention of exacerbations consists of treating foci of chronic infection (tonsillitis, caries, etc.), treating psychoneurological disorders, overwork of the nervous system, and stress.

Folk remedies

Lichen planus can be treated with folk remedies only after the consent of a dermatologist.

Recipes:

1. Tar. Take 2 eggs, 150 g of birch tar, 100 g of fresh homemade cream, mix and rub into the affected areas until external manifestations disappear. First wipe the inflammation areas with hydrogen peroxide.
2. Daily compress of sea buckthorn oil. They moisten gauze and apply it to the affected areas of the skin for an hour.
3. Calendula. Take 10 g of calendula inflorescences and chop them, grind them in 50 g of Vaseline. Apply the ointment to the affected areas of the skin several times a day until the lichen disappears.
4. Burdock roots and hop cones in equal quantities (2 tablespoons each) are combined with 1 tablespoon of calendula and an ointment is prepared. To do this, pour 200 ml of boiling water over the plants and simmer them a little over low heat. Then the broth is filtered and mixed with petroleum jelly in a ratio of 1: 2. Lichen plaques are treated with this ointment several times a day.

Prevention

Possible preventive measures:

• Taking vitamins and minerals.
• Strengthening the immune system.
• Hardening.
• Stress resistance.
• Try to avoid skin injuries and excessive sun exposure, as prolonged exposure to the sun can provoke unwanted reactions.
• Timely contact with specialists and treatment of emerging diseases.

If you experience any adverse symptoms that manifest as skin rashes, consult your doctor immediately. Timely treatment will allow you to quickly cope with the disease and protect you from serious complications.

Lichen planus is a chronic, systemic, immune-dependent, inflammatory-dystrophic disease of the skin, mucous membranes, and nails, characterized by a multiplicity of forms and clinical manifestations. In the structure of general morbidity in dermatology, chronic lichen planus ranges from 0.78 to 2.5%, among diseases localized on the oral mucosa - up to 35-40%.

Over the past few years, there has been an increase in visits to medical institutions for this disease, and when monitoring patients for from six months to 20 years, transformation into cancer is recorded in 0.4-5%. What are the causes and symptoms, how to treat lichen planus, given that in recent years there has also been a significant increase in the frequency of rare, difficult to diagnose, severe and atypical forms. In addition, the disease is characterized by a long-term (from 5 to 40 years or more), severe and recurrent course, and resistance to traditional methods of treatment.

Causes and mechanism of development

There are various theories explaining the causes of lichen planus:

• hereditary, based on cases of the disease in twins, as well as in relatives in the second and third generations;
• neurogenic, or neuroendocrine, which considers the main cause to be emotional stress, long-term neuropsychiatric disorders, sleep disorders and functions of the autonomic nervous system in various diseases (diencephalic syndrome, hypertension, early menopause, hypothyroidism, hypoestrogenism, etc.); the theory is based on the fact that in 65% of patients there is a clear connection between these disorders and disorders with the onset or relapse of the disease;
• viral, which explains the development of the disease by the presence of a filterable virus, which is found in a person’s skin cells and is activated when the body’s defenses decrease under the influence of mental or physical and chemical injuries, prolonged exhaustion, etc.; however, to date the pathogen itself has not been identified and, therefore, there is no incubation period;
• toxic-allergic, which is based on an allergic reaction to certain components of food products or chemicals, vitamin preparations, tetracycline antibiotics and streptomycin, sulfonamides, preparations containing gold, mercury, arsenic, para-aminosalicylic acid and its analogues, diuretics (Furosemide) and antiarrhythmic drugs, and others;
• theory of endocrine and metabolic disorders; it is based on the common mechanisms of development of diabetes mellitus and lichen planus, which often occur together, especially its atypical forms and lesions of the oral mucosa.

All these theories do not so much explain the cause of the development of lichen planus as the presence of various provoking and predisposing factors and their participation in the pathogenesis of the disease (development mechanism).

Contributing factors also include:

• infectious diseases, in particular hepatitis B and, especially, hepatitis C;
• metabolic disorders in the form of dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, carbohydrate metabolism disorders in diabetes mellitus, etc.;
• primary biliary cirrhosis of the liver;
• xanthomatosis;
• chronic diseases and dysfunction of the digestive system.

Immune-allergic hypothesis for the development of lichen planus

To date, there is no single assumption about what causes lichen planus and no single idea about its development mechanisms. The most acceptable hypothesis is the immuno-allergic one, which considers the disease as multifactorial, which is based on the inferiority of immune regulation.

The skin and mucous membranes in humans, in accordance with modern concepts, are considered an essential part of the immune system. They play a particularly significant role as protectors against the background of the growing influence of external and internal antigenic (allergenic) factors, leading to significant structural and functional disturbances in the constancy (homeostasis) of the internal environment of the body.

In accordance with the immune theory, lichen planus is considered an acquired systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease that develops as a result of the body's inadequate regulation of metabolic and immune processes. This explains the inadequate pathological reaction, disturbances of enzymatic systems with a decrease in individual enzymes, etc. in response to the effects of injury, viruses, drugs, chemicals and other factors.

Particular importance as triggers is given to the influence of persistent viruses and other infectious pathogens present in the body in an inactive state, as well as vaccines, serums and other antiviral and antimicrobial drugs that activate an inadequate response of cellular and humoral immunity.

The body's protective reaction in response to exposure to an irritating factor is initially expressed by adaptive processes that develop both at the level of the central and peripheral parts, which are represented by the skin and/or mucous membranes. Pathogenic factors lead to a sharp activation of humoral (blood, tissue fluid, lymph, saliva, gastrointestinal juices) and tissue mediators, as well as inflammatory modulators. This reaction is aimed at removing or neutralizing the causative factor. If, as a result of the resulting inflammatory reaction, the damaging agent is not completely eliminated or neutralized, maladaptation of the protective mechanisms occurs, and the inflammation becomes chronic.

Subsequently, the presence of pathogenic or conditionally pathogenic microorganisms that have the quality of antigens sensitizes (increases sensitivity) tissues, which leads to further damage and the formation of autoantigens (antigens that become their own tissues), as well as complexes consisting of a combination of microorganisms with damaged cells fabrics.

A normal protective response of the immune system develops to this process, which does not disrupt homeostasis in the body as long as the functional state of specific lymphocytes is maintained. As the suppressive function of the latter is depleted due to constant long-term antigenic exposure, disintegration of the main protective function of tissues occurs, an uncontrolled immune response to antigens by the body with damage to its own healthy tissues under any provoking factors.

These immunoallergic disorders can be provoked by almost any disorder of the function of neurovegetative regulation, vascular and metabolic disorders, various intoxications, hereditary factors, infectious bacterial and viral pathogens. At the same time, the dysfunction of all body systems itself occurs as a result of immune disorders, forming a vicious circle.

The formation of erosive and ulcerative processes not only on the skin and in the oral cavity, but also in the esophagus, stomach, intestines, rectum, on the mucous membrane of the vestibule of the vagina, urethra and bladder, on the head penis.

Is lichen planus contagious or not?

Taking into account these concepts of the causes and mechanisms of disease development, the answer to this question easily becomes clear. Despite the fact that the disease is not dangerous in terms of infection, unlike, for example, from, it must be remembered that it is often combined with chronic viral hepatitis “C”, the causative agent of which, under certain conditions, is transmitted from person to person.

Clinic and diagnostics

Lichen planus can occur at any age, but the maximum incidence occurs in people aged 30-60 years. Women get sick 2 times more often than men, especially in the perimenopausal period. Usually the skin is affected, but cases (from 3 to 27%) of isolated damage to the mucous membranes are also possible. Based on the nature of the manifestations and course, typical and atypical forms of the disease are distinguished.

Typical shape

Symptoms of lichen planus in its classic form, which occurs most often, are characterized by rashes accompanied by itching, general malaise, weakness, discomfort, and neuropsychic instability. Small monomorphic (same type) rashes with polygonal (multifaceted) outlines and a small umbilical depression are dermoepidermal papules with a diameter of 1 to 3 mm. The elements are lilac, violet, bluish-red or red-pink with a lilac tint.

When illuminated from the side, the papules appear polished to a pearlescent sheen. They are not prone to peripheral growth. After applying glycerin or water to their surface, a characteristic Witham network can be determined in depth.

The papules gradually increase in diameter to a maximum of 4 mm, after which their growth stops, but there is a pronounced tendency to merge elements, resulting in the formation of rather large plaques in the form of rings and various figures, covered with small epithelial scales.

No longer at depth, but on the surface of the plaques, a noticeable Witham's network is formed in the form of whitish, web-like intertwined lines and small dots that are visible through the layer of horny epithelium. This “pattern” of the surface of the plaques is due to the unevenness of the excessive thickening of the epidermal granular (granulosa) layer.

Skin rashes with lichen planus are usually accompanied by intense, sometimes painful itching, which can deprive the sick person of rest and even sleep. They can be local and widespread (generalized). The most common localization is symmetrical lesions in the area of ​​the flexor surface of the forearms and the extensor surface of the legs, in the area of ​​the wrist joints, the lateral surfaces of the chest, abdomen, inner thighs, axillary and groin areas. Rashes on the lower extremities may have a linear shape.

As a rule, pathological elements do not occur in the scalp area, on the palmar and plantar surfaces. On the face, purple plaques are located only in the area of ​​the red border of the lips, usually the lower one. Their slightly flaky surface is covered with a grayish-white network.

The emergence of new elements is of a “push-like” nature. Also characteristic of this disease is the Koebner phenomenon, or the so-called provoking isomorphic reaction: in the acute period, fresh typical rashes appear at the site of linear scratching or exposure to other mechanical, chemical and other irritants.

Some people experience damage to the nails with their changes in the form of longitudinal striations, ridge-like protrusions, redness of the nail bed with foci of cloudiness, possible destruction of the nail fold, splitting of the nail plates or their loss.

Manifestations on mucous membranes

Lichen planus in the oral cavity is localized against the background of unchanged mucous membranes of the cheeks, hard palate, gums, and tonsils. Pinpoint papular rashes that do not rise above the surrounding surface have a grayish-waxy color, merge and group into a network, a lacy “pattern” in the form of a fern, rings, subsequently forming plaques. On the tongue, they look like flat whitish-opal nodules, plaques with jagged, clear contours, located on its posterior and lateral surfaces.

Rashes on the mucous membranes may be accompanied by a slight burning sensation, a feeling of “tightness,” roughness and dryness. But often no subjective sensations arise, and pathological elements can be an accidental finding during a dental examination or examination of the oral cavity by a therapist during a respiratory viral infection.

Stages of the disease

Lichen planus as a chronic disease occurs with periods of remission and relapses, which can be repeated from 1 to 5 times during the year, despite the treatment. The clinical course of the disease is divided into stages , lasting for months:

1. Acute or subacute.
2. Progressive, when against the background of already existing and increasing in size elements, more and more new papular rashes or erosions and ulcers, swelling and redness, etc. appear (depending on the form of the disease), accompanied by intense itching and the Koebner phenomenon.
3. Stationary - cessation of progression.
4. Resolution, sometimes with the formation of spots of excess pigmentation.
5. Remissions.

Atypical forms of lichen planus

Existing classifications are based on the nature, location and shape of the primary lesions. In accordance with these signs, more than 15 atypical forms of the disease are distinguished. The main ones are:

1. Atrophic.
2. Verrucous.
3. Bullous or cystic.
4. Follicular
5. Erosive-ulcerative.
6. Pigmented.

Atrophic lichen

This species accounts for 2 to 10% and occurs predominantly among adults. The rashes look like spots that are located at the level of the surrounding surface (exanthema). They have a round or oval shape with a purple color typical of lichen planus.

Against this background, both in the central and peripheral parts of the elements there may be inclusions of a darker color, and on their surface there may be pearlescent or waxy lines. In the zone of pathological elements, due to superficial atrophic processes, the epidermal layer is thinned and has the appearance of parchment. The most typical localization of the rash for this form is the neck, shoulder joints, mammary glands, external genitalia, as well as the oral mucosa.

Varieties of the atrophic form are:

• ring-shaped atrophic, represented by papular elements, in the center of which the skin atrophies; the rashes merge with each other, forming continuous lesions in the form of plaques with scalloped edges, surrounded along the periphery by a slightly raised ridge of infiltration (edema); most of these plaques are located in isolation;
• keloid-like lichen, which is quite rare; its manifestations are sclerosis of tissue in the affected area; The rash lasts for many months or years before other symptoms of the disease may appear.

Verrucous form of lichen planus

The verrucous, or warty, hypertrophic form occurs on average in 15% of patients with lichen planus. The elements are papules and plaques of a pinkish-red color, less often bluish in color. Their surface has a spongy, cellular appearance, it appears to be pricked with a pin and is slightly covered with small scales.

The lesions are characterized by an oval, round or uneven shape, clear boundaries and moderate hyperkeratosis, due to which they resemble warts. Distinctive features of the warty form are the high resistance of the rash to treatment and its long existence, intense painful itching. In exceptional cases, elements of the hypertrophic form appear on the trunk and limbs, taking on a disseminated (widespread) character.

A rare variant is hyperkeratotic, or horny lichen, in which excessive formation of the horny epithelium is expressed. With this type, plaques appear that have irregular outlines and are covered with asbestos-like scales. Their occurrence is often accompanied by intense itching.

Bullous form

The cystic variety occurs in 2-4%; even more often it affects the mucous membranes. It is manifested by the appearance of small blisters and large blisters under the epidermal layer of the skin in areas of redness (erythema), on plaques and papules, and less often in unchanged areas of the skin. Bubbles up to 2-3 mm in size have a “flaccid” tire and contain clear serous or serous-hemorrhagic fluid.

After their rupture, an erosive or erosive-ulcerative surface is exposed, which is limited by the contours of a plaque or papule. After opening, a hemorrhagic (bloody) crust forms.

Follicular lichen ruber

Lichen planus of this variety is much less common compared to its other forms, and can be combined with the latter. Distinctive features of follicular-shaped elements are small pointed papules located in the area of ​​the mouths of the hair follicles. Often they have a bluish or deep red color, characteristic of the elements of this pathology in general. They are often combined with typical erosive and ulcerative elements of lichen, both on the skin and on the oral mucosa. After resolution of the rash, superficial atrophic scars may form.

The usual localization of rashes is the skin of the extremities, less often - the torso and scalp. When the elements of the rash are located on the head, alopecia of a limited nature develops (in half of the cases).

Erosive-ulcerative form

It is characterized, in contrast to the bullous form, by an indefinitely long course, special resistance to therapeutic effects and a frequent combination with diabetes mellitus and hypertension (Grinshpan-Potekaev syndrome), as well as with diseases of the digestive tract. In 5% of cases, erosive-ulcerative forms are precancerous, and with long-term observation, almost all atrophic and erosive forms degenerate into cancer.

Erosions and small ulcers are very painful, usually with irregular outlines and a “velvety” pink-red bottom. Ulcerative and erosive lesions are combined, as a rule, with the usual characteristic elements located nearby or at a distance on the skin or mucous membranes. The infiltrate around the plaques has pronounced boundaries and bizarre outlines.

They appear mainly on the legs, sacrum, red border of the lips and oral mucosa. In the peripheral zone of the lesions and at their base, pronounced swelling with sharp boundaries of bizarre outlines may persist for a long time.

Lichen pigmentosa

The main symptom of this form is the predominance of a pronounced dark brown background of the lesions, in which slightly shimmering islands of bluish-colored rash elements are barely visible. They are localized mainly on the skin of the abdomen, limbs and buttocks. These lesions are combined with rashes in the oral cavity characteristic of the disease, which can sometimes be overly pigmented.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of lichen planus with typical manifestations is not difficult for dermatologists and is based on characteristic symptoms. Difficulties in differential diagnosis with other skin diseases arise in atypical and rare forms of the disease. In these cases, a tissue biopsy is performed from the lesion, followed by histological examination of the biopsy.

Treatment of lichen planus

The choice of complex therapeutic effects is always individual. The most effective treatment can only be obtained through a detailed study of the patient, since it depends on the form of the disease and the location of the rash, its duration, the degree of connection with the patient’s neuropsychic state and acute viral infections, the presence of diseases of the oral cavity, digestive organs, liver and diabetes mellitus , with the presence of chronic foci of infection in the body, the state of the immune system, and the effectiveness of previous treatment.

Do you need a diet?

Nutrition for lichen planus should be regular, taking into account food tolerance and allergic reactions to them. It is necessary to exclude from the diet, especially during an exacerbation, hot seasonings, spices, smoked and pickled foods, strongly brewed tea or coffee, chocolate, and citrus fruits. In addition, it is recommended to limit foods with a significant content of carbohydrates, fats, hard-to-digest meats, and salty seafood.

It is recommended to consume mainly boiled or stewed fish, lean poultry, young beef, vegetables, fruits, except citrus fruits, and avoid drinking alcohol and carbonated drinks. In addition, it is advisable (if possible) to limit physical and psycho-emotional stress and quit smoking.

Drug therapy for lichen planus

For erosions or ulcers, additional treatment is carried out with hydrogen peroxide (1% solution), which has cleansing and bactericidal properties. It can also be used to treat ulcerative and erosive surfaces in the oral cavity. At home, during the stationary stage and the resolution stage, in agreement with a dermatologist, it is possible to use baths at room temperature with infusions of calendula, chamomile, celandine, eucalyptus, and St. John's wort. To normalize the neuropsychic state and reduce itching, it is possible to take tinctures of valerian, motherwort, and hawthorn orally.

Clinical treatment includes local exposure to lesions and systemic exposure to the body. As a local therapy in the form of applications, the most effective ointment for lichen planus contains corticosteroids (Advantan, Celestoderm, Elokom, Flucinar, etc.), which influence local immune processes, reduce swelling and inflammation, and normalize the cellular ratio. For persistent verrucous form, corticosteroids (Dexamethasone, Hydrocortisone, Diprospan) are administered by injection into the area of ​​the lesions. They have immunosuppressive, anti-edematous, anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Talkers and solutions with antihistamines, menthol, and citric acid are also used to help reduce the intensity of itching. In order to accelerate epithelization and healing of ulcerative lesions, Solcoseryl, rosehip oil, sea buckthorn are used, and to facilitate the separation of crusts and accelerate healing, salicylic ointment, which has antiseptic and keratolytic properties, is used.

If there are ulcerative and erosive elements on the mucous membranes, they are treated with gels or pastes with glucocorticoids (Triamcinolone, Fluocinolone) in combination with Chlorhexidine, and rinses with Betamethasone are used.

Systemic therapy for lichen planus is necessary in cases of generalized spread of the rash, persistent and prolonged course of the disease. For these purposes, tablets are used orally, the main components of which are glucocorticosteroids - Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, Presotsil, etc., as well as Diprospan intramuscularly, which has a prolonged glucocorticosteroid effect.

Another method of treating a common process, especially with a persistent course or the presence of erosions and ulcers, is the combined use of Metronidazole, quinolines (Delagil, Plaquenil), which have anti-inflammatory, moderate immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory properties, with glucocorticoids, as a result of which the effectiveness of both is significantly increased .

In cases where an allergic background predominates, antihistamines and histoglobulin courses are prescribed according to a specific scheme.

In addition, for the treatment of lichen planus, means and methods are necessarily used to help normalize sleep and correct the psychosomatic state - mild antidepressants, sleeping pills and sedatives, massage of the collar area and head, electrosleep, iontophoresis with sedative electrolytes, Darsonval procedures. Vitamins “A”, “E”, “D”, group “B”, immunomodulators Neovir, Dekaris have a certain effect as part of complex therapy.

In a severe generalized process, in some cases, the use of photochemotherapy is highly effective ().

Despite the fact that the prognosis of the disease for the life of the patient is favorable, in most cases it lasts a long time, with relapses and is largely capable of disrupting a person’s psychological and social adaptation.

Ringworm in humans is a generalized name for a dermatological disease that requires immediate treatment. The causes of its occurrence are very different, so treatment is prescribed on an individual basis. Often the disease appears due to fungi.

Dermatological diseases are the result of a malfunction of the body and are often infectious in nature. Therefore, immediate treatment is imperative. In addition, lichen does not look aesthetically pleasing, especially if it appears on the face. What are the features of this problem?

What is lichen, causes and symptoms?

Ringworm is an infectious skin disease in which some areas of the body are affected by spores of fungal etiology.

Most often, lichen appears on the body and face of a person after contact with animals. People with weakened immune systems and children are most susceptible to this pathology.

The causative agents of the disease include:

• zooanthropophilic (found in both animals and humans);
• anthropophilic (affect only humans);
• geophilic.

The causative agents can be viruses and bacteria; more complex cases, for example, eczema, are also classified as lichen.

Many people are interested in the question: what does lichen look like in a person, its symptoms, treatment, photos. It can look different, it all depends on the etiology of the disease, but still, there are several common symptoms:

• appears in a certain area of ​​the skin;
• itching appears and;
• The temperature may rise and general health may deteriorate.

Ringworm can affect both a specific area of ​​the epidermis and cover the entire human body. It all depends on the type of pathology and the general health of the person, his immunity.

You can see in the photo what lichen looks like in a person above. But the appearance of the skin with this pathology directly depends on the type of disease.

That is why if a rash, strange spots, itching and peeling appear on the skin, you should consult a doctor. Remember that many types of lichen are transmitted from person to person, so you become a possible threat to your family and friends.

7 main types of lichen

There are a huge number of types of lichen, but several main varieties can be distinguished:

• encircling;
• (aka solar, pityriasis or multicolor)
• shingles;
• scaly.

Many species are contagious. Non-contagious include eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, multicolored.

In any case, if symptoms appear, go home and do not expose other people to danger. Consult a doctor to find out the causes of lichen and its type. Only in this case will the most adequate treatment be prescribed, which will lead to certain results.

Treatment is prescribed individually and if you follow all the doctors’ recommendations, you can get rid of such a dermatological disease in the shortest possible time. The principles of therapy will be discussed below.

Pink lichen of Zhiber

One of the most common types of lichen is pink. It is also called Gibert's disease. The cause is unknown, but scientists believe that the causative agent is the herpes virus (type 7).

The disease develops gradually. First, one or several pink spots appear on the skin, which peel off in the middle.

Then the scales fall off, and a spot is formed that looks like a medallion. After a few days, others appear around the primary spot and spread throughout the body.

If left untreated, pityriasis rosea very quickly takes over the entire human body. When the first signs of the disease appear, it is important to immediately consult a doctor, since treatment is much easier in the initial stages of the disease.

Pityriasis rosea appears only on the body. The appearance of spots on the patient’s neck and face is excluded.

Atypical forms of lichen

In rare cases, the patient is diagnosed with an atypical form of lichen. It is characterized by an unusual form of the disease, although the symptoms largely coincide.

First of all, the primary stain does not appear. It is possible that such lichen may occur on the neck and face, but in very rare cases. It is very difficult to tolerate the appearance of lichen in places where the skin rubs: on the bends of the limbs, in the armpits, in places of contact with clothing.

In rare cases, the disease is not caused by a virus or fungus, but by improper medication use. The person experiences severe discomfort: itching, irritation, the skin becomes inflamed, and body temperature rises.

Features of lichen in children (for different types)

Most often, lichen in children appears due to fungal and viral infections. Infection occurs in groups, through close contact with animals, and failure to comply with personal hygiene rules.

If you follow simple precautions, constantly strengthen your immune system, and take the necessary vitamins and minerals, then the risks of this disease can be minimized.

The appearance of lichen on the skin is very often accompanied by a large number of unpleasant symptoms that interfere with a person’s normal life. Many people are interested in the question of how lichen is transmitted from person to person and methods of preventing infection with this type of disease.

It is also very common to become infected with lichen, possibly through contact with animals that are carriers of certain types of skin disease. It is almost impossible to determine the type of viral infection at an early stage and it is necessary to undergo appropriate diagnostics.

The disease manifests itself in a person with a large number of unpleasant sensations and has an external unaesthetic appearance that repels others. Very often, lichen appears in childhood, since the child’s immunity is most severely affected by viruses.

A person can become infected with such a skin disease anywhere, so many are interested in the question of how to reduce the likelihood of this type of disease and how to properly treat skin lesions.

What kind of disease is lichen?

The appearance of such lichen is formed as a result of a viral infection, which manifests itself in the form of plaques on the skin with the presence of blisters. This type of infection mainly occurs in the area of ​​the ribs and waist. People who have suffered a lesion are most often affected.

This type of lichen is transmitted from person to person in the following ways:

This type of infection is often compared to chickenpox, but unlike chickenpox, shingles in humans is not transmitted by airborne droplets and can affect a person a large number of times.

Pityriasis versicolor or versicolor in humans it occurs when the skin is damaged by pathogenic fungi, which, when they get on the skin, tend to multiply quickly and infect healthy skin cells.

This type of lichen manifests itself as plaques of various shapes from burgundy to brown. Most often appear in the abdomen and arms. If not treated correctly, this type of infection can last a long time, periodically exacerbating its symptoms.

The most common causes of the disease are:

You can become infected with this type of lichen only through close contact with a person or through the use of personal hygiene items.

The appearance of this type of lichen is very often accompanied by a large number of unpleasant symptoms. This type of disease can be chronic and manifest only in cases of reduced immunity.

Most often this disease appears in the following areas of the body:

The disease manifests itself in the form of red spots of various shapes. The causes of lichen may be related to nervous disorders and improper hygiene of the human body.

When studying this type of disease, many experts cannot give an exact answer to the question of whether this type of lichen is contagious. However, it is advised to limit contact with a person who has this infection.

The occurrence of this type of lichen occurs due to a viral infection of the skin. This disease manifests itself in humans in the form of pink spots of various shapes, containing a kind of blisters that secrete a specific liquid.

This type of lichen tends to spread very quickly to healthy areas of human skin.

The reasons for the appearance of such deprivation are as follows:

Ringworm tends to cause severe itching and burning in humans. Most often, this type of lichen appears on the hands, especially in the palm area.

The disease is contagious.

A person can become infected in the following ways:

• In close contact with an infected person;
• When using personal hygiene products of an infected person;
• By contact with objects touched by an infected person, for example, when using public transport;
• Upon contact with animals that are carriers of the disease.

With this type of lichen, it is forbidden to scratch the skin lesions, otherwise this will contribute to the further spread of the disease in healthy areas of the skin.

Ringworm scaly is a skin disease also called psoriasis. This disease appears on the skin in the form of red and pink plaques.

It can appear almost anywhere and progress depending on the degree of decrease in the protective functions of the immune system.

Most often, the disease manifests itself in the form of a small one, which gradually increases in size; upon visual examination, peeling and cracking of the skin may be observed at the sites of infection.

Lichen squamosus cannot be treated and is not contagious.

When the disease worsens, special medications are prescribed that block further development and eliminate unpleasant symptoms.

This type of lichen occurs for the following reasons:

Experts say that this type of disease appears most often in childhood and young adulthood.

Lichen squamosus can be transmitted from mother to child.

This type of skin infection occurs in humans as a result of infection with fungi that destroy the skin surface and cause discomfort. Most often, such lichen appears in humans in the autumn and spring.

It is during this period that an infected person may experience the appearance of cinnamon and yellow spots without any inflammatory formations.

When infected, spots can grow on the body at a high rate. Most often they appear on the back, stomach, and legs. With this type of disease, tanning does not appear while in the sun.

The causes of the disease are the following factors:

The disease is contagious, however, in order to become infected, a person must be in close contact with a carrier of the virus or use their personal hygiene products.

This type of lichen is manifested by the appearance of rashes on the skin, which contribute to the occurrence of itching and burning, especially after contact with water.

Most often, this type of lichen appears in a person’s face, shoulders and hips.

The disease very often appears between the ages of 3 and 30, after which it tends to disappear on its own.

The causes of such lichen are still unknown to medicine; there are a large number of different theories.

However, it has been noticed that this type of skin infection appears to a greater extent in males and after suffering from various viral diseases.

Ringworm is not contagious and is not a threat to others, however, the type of disease has an unaesthetic appearance and often causes discomfort in humans.

This type of lichen refers to infectious skin lesions. Most often appears at a young age.

The causes of occurrence include the following factors:

This type of lichen in humans is not contagious, however, it requires timely treatment, as it tends to spread throughout the body in the form of light pink and beige formations of various sizes.

Lichen asbestos most often appears in areas where hair grows. Light spots appear on the scalp, which flake and cause discomfort.

In places where plaques form, you may notice inflammatory swelling and swelling of the skin.

The reasons for this deprivation are as follows:

• Decreased immunity;
• Disruption of the sebaceous glands of the head area.

In addition, the main symptoms are:

• Peeling has a slight grayish or silvery tint;
• The scales cover not only the inflamed skin of the lichen, but also the hair itself;
• The hairs do not break off, but they look lifeless and dull.

This type of disease is not considered a contagious type, however, medical experts advise not to use the personal belongings of an infected person and avoid close contact with such a person.

Lichen nodosum is also called Piedra's lichen and appears as a result of skin infection with a viral infection.

It appears in the form of nodules of various shapes on the hair shaft.

The most common reasons are the following:

• Incorrectly selected hats;
• Hot climate;
• Stressful situations.

This type of lichen most often appears in hot climates and tends to be transmitted to other people as follows:

• When using someone else's combs;
• Using hats of infected people;
• Skin contact.

Feline ringworm is a fungal type of skin disease that can be transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person. This type of infection is transmitted to humans from pets, such as cats, and quickly spreads throughout the body.

Most often, homeless animals are exposed to this type of disease, and they infect pets through contact.

In humans, lichen manifests itself with the following symptoms:

A person can become infected in the following ways:

• In contact with stray animals;
• In the absence of control over the place where pets are walked;
• From a sick person to a healthy person upon contact;
• When using personal hygiene items of an infected person;
• In public places.

In the absence of timely treatment, this type of disease can become more complicated and turn into ulcerative lesions that will secrete a specific fluid and bring a lot of discomfort.

Incubation period of lichen in humans

Regardless of the length of the incubation period, when the first signs of the disease appear, you must consult a doctor.

Is lichen contagious during treatment?

When the skin becomes infected, lichen develops, so the person is a carrier of the infection and can infect other people.

Treatment of this type of skin lesion takes quite a long time, so a person can suffer the infection even while using special medications.

Is it possible to become infected again?

Every person can become infected with lichen; when the skin is affected by such viruses, a person does not develop immunity for protection.

Therefore, re-infection of a person may occur, especially if the cause of the infection is an animal that is a carrier.

Prevention of occurrence

In order to reduce the risk of contracting this type of skin disease such as lichen, you must first adhere to the following rules of prevention:

• Properly carry out all necessary hygiene measures;
• Use only personal hygiene items;
• After visiting public places, it is necessary to use antibacterial drugs;
• Avoid contact with people who are carriers of this type of skin disease;
• Avoid contact with stray animals;
• Keep your pet clean;
• Lead a healthy lifestyle;
• Avoid hypothermia.

A prerequisite for preventing the occurrence of lichen is the consumption of food to strengthen the immune system; if necessary, you can use special vitamin complexes.

Conclusion

The appearance of lichen on the skin is not only an unpleasant type of disease, but also contributes to a decrease in normal human living conditions.

If any symptoms of lichen appear, you must immediately contact a medical facility to prescribe the correct treatment.