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Is lichen planus contagious? What kind of disease is lichen planus and what are its causes?

Lichen planus verrucous is a chronic inflammatory process that affects the skin and mucous membranes. Among dermatological diseases, its frequency is up to 2.5%. Among the diseases of the mucous membrane oral cavity share of red lichen planus about 10% falls out. From time to time, lichen affects the nails, and skin rashes cause itching. The number of patients increases every year.

The problem itself is long-term in nature, where bright symptoms alternate with periods of subsidence of the rash. So, let's find out whether lichen planus is contagious, what is its localization and pathogenesis.

Features of the disease

Red dermatitis is a chronic skin disease with the appearance of characteristic rashes.

  • Ringworm affects 0.1-4% of people.
  • Women get sick slightly more often than men in a ratio of 3:2.
  • Main age group Those affected are 30-60 years old, but in general, lichen planus occurs in all age groups.

If we talk about diseases of the oral mucosa, then this type lichen is one of the most common diseases. Oral lichen lesions occur in 1.27-2% of people. This form is practically not detected in children. According to some data, about half of women with oral lichen planus have hidden defeat mucous membrane of the genital organs.

ICD 10 code - Lichen planus (L43).

Skin rashes often involve the mucous membrane, and in some patients the nails are also affected. Men often acquire the disease in at a young age, and in women the peak occurs after age 50. About 10% of lichen planus can develop into.

Children rarely get this type of dermatosis, especially in early age. But their course of lichen is aggressive. The structure of the skin of children is characterized by an increased ability of the tissue to retain water and many blood vessels. The skin becomes, and the rash has a bright red-purple hue, the surface of the rash becomes covered.

A specialist will tell you what lichen planus is and what forms it has in this video:

Classification

Stages

Lichen planus verrucous has 2 stages:

  • Progressive.
  • Regressive.

This means:

  • In the first option, new elements of the rash appear on the skin, and nodules and plaques appear over a short period of time. Doctors call this process an isomorphic reaction.
  • During the regressive stage, the skin begins to develop nodules and plaques on the surface, the elements themselves gradually disappear, leaving behind. New rashes may also appear here.

Forms

The forms of lichen planus can be:

  • typical;
  • hypertrophic;
  • bubbly;
  • moniliform;
  • erosive;
  • ring-shaped;
  • pointed;
  • zosteriform.

Depending on the form of lichen, warty growths similar to plaques may appear on the skin, and next to them there are elements characteristic of the typical form.

Formations are most often observed on the front surface of the legs.

  • In the atrophic form, nodules and plaques are destroyed and leave atrophy or sclerotic changes on the skin. Fine focal baldness appears.
  • Bubbles with liquid appear in the bullous form, their size reaches a cherry or a pea.
  • Rashes round shape arranged in a chain in lichen moniliformis. They affect any part of the body, only the palms and soles can remain clean.

The causes of warty lichen planus are discussed below.

Warty form of lichen planus (photo)

Causes

The exact causes of lichen planus cannot be identified. But there are several possible versions:

  • nervous breakdowns;
  • viral diseases;
  • hereditary predisposition;
  • immunoallergic reactions.

People with diagnosed diabetes mellitus or those who have injuries to the oral mucosa are susceptible to deprivation. The rash occurs more often in those who are susceptible gastrointestinal diseases, or is in .

Now let's find out what verrucous lichen planus looks like and what its symptoms are.

Symptoms

Main characteristic feature The diseases are shiny, red-pink, small nodules with a circumference of up to 1 cm or more. In the center they have a recess, the shape is multifaceted. There are scales on the surface. Over time, the rash turns dark red or purple. The strongest worries patients.

Diagnostics

Dermatologists have no problems diagnosing the disease. The clinical picture of the rash allows a diagnosis to be made. To differentiate in difficult cases held .

Read below about the most effective treatment for lichen planus.

Treatment of lichen planus is discussed in this video:

Treatment

First of all, patients are diagnosed with common viral and infectious diseases. Checking the condition gastrointestinal tract, measure arterial pressure and blood sugar levels, monitor the condition nervous system. If pathologies are detected, patients are referred for treatment to narrow specialists by profile.

We will talk about ointments and other medications for lichen planus in adults and children below.

Medication

To effectively treat lichen planus, an integrated approach is required:

  • sanitation of foci of chronic infections;
  • antibiotics (tetracyclines and macrolides) in a progressive stage.

The amount of the drug and the frequency of administration are regulated by the attending physician.

  • Antiallergic drugs are prescribed. The course of treatment lasts 1 or 2 weeks.
  • At nervous disorders mild sedatives or tranquilizers are prescribed.
  • For improvement general condition B vitamins and nicotinic acid are indicated.
  • Used for skin non-hormonal agents with glucocorticoids (phytin and, potassium orotate and dexazone).
  • Vitamins A and E help restore the skin.
  • To relieve itching, rub with 70% alcohol diluted with anesthesin or 1% menthol.
  • For the mucous membrane, rinse your mouth with a decoction of chamomile and sage, a solution of furatsilin and chloramine.

We'll talk about how to get rid of lichen planus below.

Therapeutic

  • Phonophoresis and hydrocortisone suspension are used to reduce pathological condition skin.
  • UHF and puncturing the lesions with a 5% solution of hingamine can stop the development of the process.
  • They use pastes and ointments with resorcinol, laser therapy and electrosleep.
  • Resorts with hydrogen sulfide and radon baths are recommended for children.

It is important to remember that before starting treatment for lichen planus at home, it is important to consult with your doctor.

Disease prevention

There are no obvious causes for the occurrence of lichen ruber, so special prevention does not exist.

  • General strengthening and hardening procedures are carried out, as well as correction of immune and metabolic disorders, if any.
  • They take vitamins and minerals, do hardening, and fight stress.

Lichen planus is a disease common among the adult population. In children this disease is extremely rare. The main difference between red lichen and many others skin diseases is that the disease has a recurrent-chronic course. The most effective remedies for lichen planus are discussed in the article.

Effective treatments for lichen planus

Since the causes of the disease are not precisely known, therapy is aimed at reducing the intensity of symptoms. The most effective treatment for lichen planus is achieved through the integrated use of:

To relieve itching and restore the epidermis, corticosteroid ointments are intended, which should be prescribed by the attending physician. Hormonal products should be applied to problem areas of the skin twice a day. At hypertrophic form depriving, when local therapy does not have the desired effect, injection of corticosteroid hormones may be required. Most often, injections of the following drugs are prescribed directly into the affected areas:

  • Triamcinolone;
  • Acetonide;
  • Prednisolone, etc.

The most severe cases diseases are treated with corticosteroid hormones in tablet form. In this case, the therapeutic course ranges from 3 to 6 weeks. It should be noted that hormonal pills provide Negative influence on the adrenal glands, and therefore therapy should be carried out under strict medical supervision.

Except hormonal drugs, a specialist can recommend for use modern drugs for external application. Among the popular ointments:

Antihistamines are used to reduce itching. A specialist will help you choose the drug that is suitable for a particular case. These can be traditional Suprastin, Tavegil or new generation antiallergic drugs.

To reduce psychological stress they use sedatives of plant origin:

  • Valerian tincture;
  • motherwort tincture;
  • peony tincture.

For the erosive and ulcerative form of lichen red, injections are prescribed nicotinic acid. Course treatment with nicotine for 20 days.

Physiotherapy complements the therapy:

  • helium-neon laser;
  • infrared irradiation;
  • intal electrophoresis.

Leveling red spots and accelerating the healing process is provided by ultraviolet irradiation - phototherapy.

Treatment of lichen planus using traditional medicine

Traditional medicine, in order to effectively treat lichen ruber, involves the use of compresses and ointments based on natural ingredients. Good result gives use in the treatment of undiluted apple cider vinegar or freshly squeezed cranberry and viburnum juices. Cotton napkins soaked in healing liquid are applied to problem areas of the skin for 10 minutes 6 times a day. Here is a recipe for an equally effective folk remedy.

Herbal decoction for red lichen

Ingredients:

Preparation and use

Pour 0.5 liters of boiling water over the herbal mixture and boil for 2-3 minutes. Filter the solution and mix with Vaseline. Lubricate the affected areas at least 3 times a day.

Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity with lichen ruber can be eliminated by rinsing with infusions of sage or chamomile.

Lichen planus - pathology of the epidermis chronic accompanied by inflammation. With this disease, rashes appear on the skin, which cause discomfort.

Formations also occur on the mucous membranes, less often on the nails. Lichen ruber is characterized by a long course with periods of exacerbation and extinction. If symptoms are detected, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Pathology of the epidermis that occurs against the background of diseases internal organs, - that’s what lichen planus is. The disease affects young and middle-aged men and women. The pathology is rare in children and the elderly.

Forms of lichen planus:

  1. Typical. This form is characterized by polygonal formations of a pink tone with a lilac tint;
  2. Erosive-ulcerative. One of the most severe forms a disease that is difficult to treat. Characterized by rashes on the mucous membranes. Most often, formations occur in the oral cavity, less often on the head in men or in the vagina in women. First, lesions appear, which quickly become ulcers, accompanied by pain;
  3. Hypertrophic. Another name is warty. They are plaques on which warts are located. The shade of the rash is brown, purple, pink. The rashes appear in groups and tend to grow together. Location: shins. Less commonly, formations are found in other parts of the body. This form of pathology is the most difficult to treat;
  4. Sclerotic. Another name is atrophic. This form of LP pathology occurs due to atrophic and sclerotic changes in the epidermis at the site of formation. Characterized by the appearance on the skin flat spots gray shade, which are surrounded by a pink rim. If the rash occurs on the head, pubic area or armpits ah, then alopecia will occur in this place;
  5. Erythematous. The disease is characterized by rapid development. The epidermis quickly turns red, soft tissues swell, and itching appears at the sites of injury. Later, nodules form on the skin;
  6. Bullous or cystic. This form of lichen occurs rarely in humans and is severe. Lichen ruber in this form is characterized by the appearance of vesicles on the epidermis and their rapid spread throughout the entire skin. The rash is surrounded by papules and plaques. The risk group for the disease includes women over 50 years of age. Inside the formation there is a bloody-serous fluid. The blisters do not open for a long time, and after the abscess ruptures, ulcers remain in its place. Rashes with this form appear not only on the epidermis, but also in the oral cavity;
  7. Ring-shaped. Occurs due to expansion of the lesion with fading of the center. As a result, the formations become ring-like. Hence the name of this form of the disease. Men are susceptible to pathology. The rash usually occurs on the penis, on the epidermis lower limbs and mucous membranes;
  8. Pointed. Together with characteristic rashes pointed plaques appear;
  9. Atypical. With this form on inside lower lip ulcers with a whitish coating appear. Soft fabrics The gums swell and begin to bleed. Painful sensations occur while eating food.

Lichen planus can develop into a malignant oncological pathology. For this reason, the problem cannot be ignored and at the first symptoms you should contact a specialist.

Causes

Ringworm occurs due to disruption of activity immune system. As a result, the cells become defenseless against any negative influence.

Lichen planus has following reasons occurrence:

  • pathologies caused by infections and viruses;
  • autoimmune diseases;
  • neurogenic disorders;
  • metabolic problems;
  • genetic predisposition;
  • intoxication of the body;
  • allergy;
  • pathologies of the endocrine system;
  • vascular and heart diseases.

Symptoms and photos of lichen planus

Red dermatitis is characterized by rashes on the epidermis and mucous membranes of the oral cavity, genitals and digestive tract. They appear in groups and tend to grow together.

Signs of the disease include ulcers, plaques and spots. The rashes appear in groups and are localized in one place. Typically, formations occur in the following areas of the body:

  • elbow and knee bends;
  • wrists;
  • the inner side of the legs and thighs;
  • armpits;
  • back;
  • sides;
  • lower abdomen and groin.

Rarely, rashes appear on the feet, palms, face and scalp. Formations also appear on the mucous membranes:

  • head of the penis;
  • entrance to the vagina;
  • oral cavity.

Rashes in the oral cavity are a consequence of manifestations of diseases digestive system. Lichen ruber can also occur in conjunction with diabetes and hypertension.

The pathology is characterized by itchy skin and a general deterioration in health. Only a doctor can diagnose the disease after conducting appropriate research.

You can see what lichen ruber looks like in the photo below. Here are the different rashes characteristic of the disease. Photos of lichen planus will give a clear idea of ​​the pathology.

Diagnostics

Lichen planus in humans is diagnosed by a dermatologist. The doctor determines the disease through a visual examination. Lichen ruber is diagnosed by characteristic polygonal plaques that appear on the legs, arms and other parts of the body. Blood tests are also prescribed to rule out autoimmune and sexually transmitted diseases.

Is lichen ruber contagious or not? This is a question that arises among people faced with pathology. Doctors have different opinions on this matter. Some experts say that lichen ruber is not transmitted from person to person.

For this reason, they believe that the patient does not need isolation. Other doctors do not rule out that lichen can be transmitted between people. For this reason, they do not recommend physical contact with the patient and not using the same utensils for eating.

If a child develops lichen, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible, since at this age the pathology is acute and difficult to treat.

Treatment of lichen planus in humans

Only a doctor knows how to treat lichen planus. If you try to get rid of the pathology on your own, this can lead to complications and even the development of malignant form oncology.

The most effective treatment is complex. The treatment regimen is based on eliminating provoking factors and using topical agents.

The following methods are used to speed up recovery:

  • treatment of oral diseases;
  • normalization of unstable emotional background;
  • normalization of diet;
  • eliminating harmful hazards at home and at work;
  • adjustment drug therapy with the exclusion from the treatment system of drugs that provoke the development of the disease, which include delagil and antibiotics;
  • study of the nervous, endocrine and digestive systems;
  • transition to the principles of proper nutrition.

It is also necessary to cure pathologies in chronic form.

Traditional treatment

Treatment of lichen ruber is based on internal administration medications. They are prescribed if the disease is severe:

  1. drugs to suppress the immune system;
  2. sedatives;
  3. antihistamine products;
  4. corticosteroid medications;
  5. antibiotics;
  6. drugs to improve vascular condition;
  7. multivitamin complexes;
  8. interferons;
  9. systemic retinoids.

Together with these drugs, the patient is prescribed drugs that help cope with concomitant diseases.

Traditional methods of treatment are based on the use of drugs to local processing rashes:

  • hormone-based drugs;
  • agents that relieve inflammation;
  • products that accelerate the process of soft tissue restoration;
  • exfoliating preparations.

Therapy is carried out until recovery, which is characterized by healing of the rash.

Doctors often include physical procedures in the treatment regimen:

  • Laser therapy. The essence of the method is to treat the affected epidermis laser beams. Thanks to this, swelling of the soft tissues decreases, itching disappears and stops inflammatory process;
  • PUVA - therapy. The essence of the procedure is treatment of the epidermis or internal administration of Methoxalan, after which the lesions are treated with long-wave ultraviolet light. This manipulation stops the spread of rashes and promotes their convergence;
  • Magnetotherapy. Magnetic fields relieve swelling of soft tissues and itching, eliminate inflammation, improve metabolic processes, occurring in tissues, and also have a positive effect on the state of the nervous system.

Folk remedies

Treatment with folk remedies is also prescribed by a doctor. Typically, experts advise using such drugs in conjunction with traditional medications.

Treatment at home can be carried out using the following means:

  • Compress from sea ​​buckthorn oil. Gauze or bandage is soaked in the product and applied to the affected areas of the epidermis. The procedure is carried out daily;
  • Product based on tar. To prepare the product, take 150 grams of birch tar, 2 chicken eggs, 100 ml cream. All products are combined and mixed thoroughly. The product is used for rubbing several times a day. The product is suitable for daily use. The drug is used before complete cleansing skin;
  • Calendula based ointment. 10 grams of flowers are crushed and combined with 50 grams of Vaseline. The product is thoroughly mixed. The drug is used to treat the affected epidermis several times a day. The product is stored in the refrigerator. Therapy is carried out until final recovery;
  • Compress based medicinal plants. To prepare the drug, take one part each of willow bark and celandine, as well as three parts of mullein flowers. All products are crushed and poured with boiling water in the amount of one liter. The product is left to infuse for 60 minutes. The product is filtered and used in the form of compresses. The procedures are carried out daily until recovery.
  • Phyto - ointment. To prepare the product, take two large spoons of chopped burdock root and the same amount of chopped hop cones. You will also need a large spoon of calendula flowers and a glass of boiling water. The plants are combined, placed in a metal container and poured with boiling water. The mixture is simmered over low heat for several minutes. The broth is filtered, cooled and mixed with Vaseline. Proportions – 1:2. The drug is used to treat problem areas several times a day. Therapy is carried out until the epidermis is cleansed.
  • smoked meats;
  • alcoholic drinks;
  • fatty foods;
  • spicy foods;
  • spices and seasonings;
  • poultry meat and eggs;
  • coffee and drinks with added dyes and flavors;
  • sweets.

Diet for red lichen planus is also based on the consumption of products containing useful material. Must be present in the area fresh vegetables, fruits and berries. It is important that the patient maintains a drinking regime during therapy.

Prevention

The following preventive measures will help avoid the occurrence of lichen planus:

  • increasing the body's defenses;
  • normalization of unstable emotional background;
  • taking multivitamin complexes twice a year;
  • moderate sunbathing during the hours when ultraviolet radiation does not cause harm to the skin;
  • protection of the epidermis from injury;
  • hardening;
  • regular medical checkup for the purpose of timely detection and treatment of diseases.

Since, according to some experts, the pathology is transmitted from person to person, direct contact with the patient should be avoided. It is too preventive measure the occurrence of pathology.

In the video, the doctor explains in detail what lichen planus is and how to deal with this pathology.

Lichen planus is a pathology of the epidermis that can provoke the development of more serious illnesses. The disease is difficult to treat and has a long course.

The sooner treatment begins, the faster it will be achieved positive result. For this reason, it is recommended to consult a doctor immediately after noticing the first symptoms.

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. Characteristic feature diseases are many various 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) different shapes and size. 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, they are more often affected skin scrotum, legs, hands, sacrum.

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.

For staging 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 occurs in mild form, then it helps to cope with it hypoallergenic diet, sedatives and antidepressants (eg, azaphene). Sometimes effective means are antibiotics penicillin series or tetracycline. Since the pathogenesis has an immunological component, histamine blockers (loratadine, diazolin, Zyrtec, suprastin) are prescribed.

The moderate form can be treated with a course of prednisolone in small doses, vitamin therapy is carried out (vitamins A, E, the drug Aevit). Fast recovery actovegin and solcoseryl are drugs that affect metabolism. 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. From instrumental treatment They are increasingly resorting to laser exposure and diathermocoagulation.

Forecast

By following the recommendations of specialists, patients successfully control the course of the disease and live 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 chronic disease that recurs periodically. In this article we will look at why this disease occurs and how to distinguish it from similar dermatological diseases. Let's determine where lichen is localized and how it is diagnosed. Let's study the methods of conservative drug treatment, aggressive therapy, folk remedies. By applying our recommendations, you will be able to recognize the disease, understand which doctor can help you and learn the principles self-treatment diseases.

What it is

Lichen planus dermatological disease- local inflammatory process on the skin or mucous membranes.

Despite the name, this disease is not a fungal infection. It is not contagious and is not even transmitted sexually.

Causes

There is no specific pathogen for lichen planus. It is believed that lichen occurs due to a violation of immune processes. The body recognizes its own skin cells as something foreign and secretes antibodies that provoke inflammation. TO poor immunity are added negative factors, which provoke the sensitivity of skin cells to external influences.

Immunity directly depends on genetics, so it is believed that the tendency to lichen planus is transmitted genetically. Precedents of family diseases have been noted, and signs of the disease are repeated in the second and third generations. People between the ages of 40 and 60 are most prone to lichen.

Factors that provoke the disease include the following:

  • genetic predisposition;
  • neurological diseases, stress;
  • chronic or untreated viral infections;
  • allergic reactions;
  • diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

All the factors described above undermine the functioning of the immune system, as a result of which the disease worsens.

Dermatovenerologist A. A. Tikhonov will tell you about lichen planus.

Symptoms and location

Lichen planus is visible to the naked eye. These are multiple red nodules (papules), sometimes with a purple tint. Also characteristic is a pearlescent sheen and a depression in the center.

They are located on the body in groups and merge into plaques. If you wipe such a plaque sunflower oil, a mesh pattern will be noticeable over the entire surface of the lesion (Wickham mesh). In most patients, along with rashes on the skin, there are lesions on the mucous membranes.

The disease is most often located on the folds, in groin areas, armpits, inner surface hips There are ring-shaped rashes on the ankles. The mucous disease affects the mouth, the glans penis or the vestibule of the vagina. The nails are rarely affected and develop grooves and depressions.

Lesions on the skin are characterized by itching. With extensive rashes, itching provokes insomnia.

Important! Lichen planus is a chronic disease. Papules often go away spontaneously, but return after a while.


Forms

There are several forms of the disease, depending on the location and manifestation:

  1. Typical form. Expressed by red pearlescent plaques on the skin and mucous membranes. Lesions can be single or multiple.
  2. Pemphigoid or vesicular form. Rare subspecies. These are watery blisters with serous or bloody-serous filling. They are located on the legs and feet. May complement typical shape or appear on their own.
  3. Ring shape. This occurs when the lichen grows rapidly, healing in the center. The results are rings, half rings or arcs. Such manifestations are localized in the groin or thighs.
  4. Hypertrophic or warty form. Characterized by layers of papules and plaques. The result is thick wart-like growths with an uneven surface. This subspecies is located mainly on the legs. This form is the most difficult to treat.
  5. Atrophic form. Initially appears as typical. It is distinguished by sclerotic and atrophic traces at the site of papules after treatment. Traces remain that look like scars.
  6. Pointed shape. These are convex papules with a spike in the center, formed due to hyperkeratosis - the proliferation of epidermal tissue. Most often appears on the neck, shoulder blades and legs.
  7. Pigment form. Along with red papules, brown ones appear dark spots and nodules. New lesions then appear in place of the spots.
  8. Erosive-ulcerative form. It is located on the mucous membranes, mainly in the mouth. Erosion or ulcers that do not heal for years are formed there, tissues around which are typical manifestations of lichen are swollen.

In addition to the listed varieties, there are combined forms and atypical manifestations.


Diagnostics

The primary diagnosis of lichen planus is made based on a visual examination by a dermatologist.

At atypical forms This disease can be confused with a similar dermatological manifestation, for example, eczema. The disease has virtually no effect on the composition of the blood.

Eosinophils may increase, as in allergies. There is also an increase in leukocytes and ESR - a consequence immune reaction. Since lichen ruber is a consequence of provoking factors, examination for major chronic diseases is necessary.

A visit to a gastroenterologist, neurologist, or endocrinologist is usually recommended, depending on the patient’s medical history. To clarify the diagnosis, in doubtful cases, a biopsy of the lesion cells is performed. That is, a sample is taken from a nodule or papule - under local anesthesia, a layer of inflamed skin is cut off with a scalpel or a special instrument, then placed in a liquid and examined for its composition.

Important! About 7% erosive form Lichen ruber and about 4% of other forms of the disease degenerate into squamous cell carcinoma. Pathology cannot be ignored!


Conservative treatment

Ringworm is a concomitant disease. All treatment is aimed at eliminating the underlying neurological (depression, neurasthenia), endocrine ( diabetes, pituitary hyperplasia) or gastroenterological (gastritis, gastrointestinal ulcers, pancreatitis) disease, if identified during examination.

Medicines relieve the consequences - symptoms. Usually prescribed:

  • antihistamines that relieve itching - Zyrtec, Suprastin;
  • sedatives and sleeping pills- “Novopassit”, “Persen”;
  • local corticosteroids, that is hormonal ointments— “Celestoderm”, “Sinalar”;
  • secondary bacterial infection requires appointment antibacterial therapy, antibiotics wide range— “Doxycycline”, “Sumamed”;
  • in case of extensive damage, immunosuppressants are prescribed - Delagil, Plaquenil.
  • In acute cases, the doctor prescribes corticosteroids in tablets or injections - “Dexamethasone”, “Prednisolone”;

Vitamin therapy has a beneficial effect on metabolism.

Vitamin A promotes the division of skin cells, its derivatives (tigazone) help relieve inflammation. This is especially effective when localizing lichen on the mucous membranes. Treatment continues for 2 weeks.

Vitamin E increases the effectiveness of hormone therapy. In the chronic form of lichen, drugs are prescribed that increase the access of oxygen to tissues - these are “Actovegin”, “Cyto-mac”.

Removal

Large lesions can be excised by cryodestruction (freezing) or electrocoagulation (cauterization). This is how warts and papillomas are usually excised in dermatology.

Phototherapy is also used - exposure of lesions to ultraviolet light.

A combination of corticosteroids (“Prednisolone”, “Dexamethasone”) in injections or tablets with antimalarial drugs (“Chingamin”, “Quinine”) is practiced.


Prevention

Lichen planus is a chronic disease that can appear again and again after treatment. Therefore, prevention is very important.

  • Treat viral infections promptly.
  • Do not take medications without a doctor's prescription.
  • Avoid stressful situations.
  • Pay attention to the treatment of psychological and nervous disorders.
  • Practice healthy eating, exclude alcohol, nicotine, fatty, spicy, salty foods.

Traditional methods of treatment

Pasta Lassara
Ingredients:

  1. Salicylic acid.
  2. Zinc oxide.
  3. Rice starch.
  4. Petrolatum.

How to cook: mix 2 parts salicylic acid, 48 parts of petroleum jelly and 25 parts each of zinc oxide and rice starch.

How to use: Apply the composition to the affected areas daily.

Result: The paste relieves inflammation, disinfects, dries and softens the skin.

Church incense
Ingredients:

  1. Incense 50 gr.
  2. Aloe juice 50 gr.
  3. Grated garlic 50 gr.
  4. Egg yolk 1 pc.

How to cook: mix all ingredients thoroughly.

How to use : Apply daily to affected areas. The substance is stored in the refrigerator.

Result: incense will relieve inflammation and prevent the growth of bacteria.

Alcohol tincture of calendula
Ingredients:

  1. Calendula flowers.
  2. Alcohol 70%.

How to cook: Mix alcohol with crushed calendula flowers. Leave for 5 hours.

How to use : lubricate the ringworm or make a lotion with the solution.

Result: alcohol will disinfect lesions, calendula will soften the skin and promote its restoration.

Beetroot compress
Ingredients:

  1. Raw beets.

How to cook: grate the beets.

How to use: make an applique from the resulting mass. Secure with a bandage and walk until dry. Next, replace with a fresh compress. The procedure is continuous until the lichen disappears completely.

Result: anti-inflammatory and wound healing effect.

Parsley seed infusion
Ingredients:

  1. Parsley seeds.
  2. Peppermint.
  3. Oregano.

How to cook: Pour boiling water over parsley seeds and mint and boil.

How to use: Cool the broth and rinse your mouth several times a day.

Result: the decoction envelops the mucous membrane and promotes healing.

Question answer

Is lichen planus transmitted in any way?

This disease is not contagious. It is not transmitted in a household way, nor sexually.

If the lichen goes away on its own, does that mean I’m cured?

Often, lichen planus lesions disappear spontaneously. But after a while they recur. Please note the available chronic diseases. Strengthen your immune system.

I discovered lichen planus on my leg. Can I start treatment with hormonal ointments and dexamethasone on my own?

Self-prescribing treatment with corticosteroids, which includes dexamethasone, is strictly contraindicated. At long-term use The dosage of the drug must be gradually reduced to avoid withdrawal syndrome.

I turned to a dermatologist with the problem of red lichen. As a result, I was referred to a dentist and a gastroenterologist. Why should I additional examination? Or is this a scam for money in a private clinic?

A referral to a dentist is mandatory if there are manifestations of lichen on the oral mucosa. An appointment with a gastroenterologist is necessary to treat the underlying disease if there is a history of gastrointestinal problems.

What to remember:

  1. Lichen planus is not a contagious disease; it does not have specific pathogen. You can't even get infected through sexual contact.
  2. This disease is a consequence of immune disorders, a reaction to one’s own cells as if they were something foreign. Important role genetic predisposition, chronic viral infections (mycoplasmosis, chlamydia) or functional diseases(gastritis, colitis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis).
  3. Lichen has many forms and can be localized in various parts of the body, mucous membranes of the mouth, penis and vagina. Rarely affected hairy part heads and nails.
  4. Lichen is diagnosed by a dermatologist based on an examination, difficult cases A section of the affected skin is taken for examination (biopsy for histology).
  5. Drug treatment must be consistent. It is prescribed individually, depending on the shape and location of the lesions.
  6. For local treatment use hormonal ointments (for example, “Celestoderm”).
  7. It is almost impossible to cure lichen planus completely; the disease will appear again and again. Therefore, pay attention to prevention and timely treatment major diseases (allergies, viral infections, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract).