Home Audience 12 Lichen planus: causes and most effective treatment. Information treatment of lichen planus, doctor's advice Lichen planus is treated

Lichen planus: causes and most effective treatment. Information treatment of lichen planus, doctor's advice Lichen planus is treated

Red lichen planus- This fungal disease, which affects not only the human skin, but also the mucous membranes of the mouth. Women aged 40–60 years are at risk. Men and adolescents are much less susceptible to this pathological process.

Etiology

The main cause of the disease is a dysfunction of the immune system. In addition, an acute pathological process may begin to develop due to the following reasons:

endogenous factors (impaired immunity);
genetic predisposition;
viral infections.

Also development inflammatory process may contribute severe stress, neurological diseases.

Localization

Lichen planus differs significantly from other forms of this disease. As a rule, the inflammatory process manifests itself in the following places:

joints and forearms in the flexion area;
neck area;
shin;
external genitalia in men.

As for the mucous membrane, the infection manifests itself in the following places:

mucous membrane of the genital organs;
oral mucosa.

Pathology most often manifests itself in the mouth. On initial stage development, lichen planus resembles ordinary lichen planus in symptoms. However, medications to treat stomatitis do not provide any relief.

General symptoms

Lichen planus has several forms of development, each of which has its own characteristics. There are several common symptoms:

rashes in the hands, on the oral mucosa;
severe itching;
peeling;
formation of ulcers.

Because pathological formations cause severe itching on the skin, a person can scratch them, resulting in the formation of wounds. The most annoying problem is lichen planus in the oral cavity.

Forms of development of pathology

IN official medicine There are seven forms of development of the disease:

Typical shape appears as small papules gray. As the disease develops, plaques with a shiny surface form. Such formations in the mucous membrane have a matte color. Over time, plaques in the mouth can turn into ulcers due to increased acidity.

Ring shape, as a rule, manifests itself in the area of the external genitalia. It got its name because of its characteristic placement on the affected area in the form of a ring. It is this placement of tumors on the skin that serves as the first symptom of lichen planus.

Erythematous form characterized by more pronounced pathological skin lesions. Papules may form, soft to the touch, and colored crimson or bright pink. The skin in these places begins to peel and itch.

Warty form manifests itself not only in the form of damage skin and oral mucosa, but also severe itching. Flat “warts” with a depressed center form on the skin. The edges of such a wart are covered with scales, that is, dead cells of the epidermis.

Pemphigoid form has the same symptoms as the preceding types of pathology. The only difference is that at the site of the so-called warts, bubbles with liquid form, which burst as the pathology progresses. In their place, a trace may subsequently remain - pigmentation.

Atrophic form accompanied by additional formations on the skin in the form of white spots with pearlescent spots.

At the stage of development ulcerative form, ulcers form on the skin, sometimes with a white coating. As a rule, such skin lesions leave traces in the form of small, round scars.

Symptoms of each stage of development of lichen planus are accompanied by characteristic rashes and pain. After four weeks, the symptoms almost completely disappear. But this does not mean that the disease has also left the body. Since the main reason for the beginning of the development of such pathological process serves as a disturbance in the functioning of the immune system, it is necessary to treat lichen of this type.

Diagnostics

The symptoms of lichen planus are quite well expressed, but to put accurate diagnosis possible only after diagnostics. For example, skin rashes in the initial stage are similar to allergic reaction. The symptoms of formations in the mouth resemble stomatitis. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis can only be made after instrumental method research. Also with the help of additional instrumental studies, it is possible to identify the cause of the development of the inflammatory process. To do this, a biopsy of the affected area of skin is performed. In some cases it is required to submit general analysis blood.

Treatment

Treatment of lichen planus does not require hospitalization if the patient's condition is satisfactory and no other underlying diseases are diagnosed.

The question “is lichen planus contagious” cannot be answered categorically no. With close and prolonged contact with a sick person, there is a small risk of becoming infected, but only to a person with a genetic predisposition or weak immunity. Therefore, lichen of this subspecies itself is not contagious.

When prescribing a course of treatment, the cause of the development of the pathological process is first taken into account. As for medications, drugs with the following range of actions are prescribed:

sedatives;
antidepressants;
hormonal drugs;
antiallergic drugs.

The ointment is prescribed to reduce pain. It reduces itching painful sensations and prevents the development of the inflammatory process on the skin. To treat pathologies in the mouth, sprays and special ointments with an external spectrum of action are prescribed, which do not cause poisoning when ingested.

Ointments for this disease are required, as for other forms of fungal diseases. The ointment is prescribed not only to reduce symptoms, but also to exfoliate dead cells.

Since when it's red lichen planus immunity suffers significantly, within drug therapy They may prescribe a course of intravenous vitamins. This makes it possible not only to strengthen immune system, but also to stop the development of the pathological process in the future.

If a chronic course of the disease is observed, then the mandatory treatment program includes drugs that improve oxygen supply to body tissues. Treatment of red lichen with these methods gives its own positive results. It is extremely unsafe to use folk remedies on your own, without an accurate diagnosis and a doctor’s recommendation, with this form of deprivation.

Diet

In addition to drug therapy, a diet must be prescribed for the treatment of lichen ruber. If there is damage to the oral mucosa, preliminary sanitation and prosthetics are performed. The food you eat should not irritate the oral mucosa.

During treatment, the following foods should be excluded from the diet:

alcohol and products containing it;
smoked and fatty meats;
coffee;
eggs;
concentrated juices;
carbonated drinks with coloring;
seasonings, especially hot ones;
sweets with dyes (cakes with creams, marshmallows and candies with “fruit” filling).

It is advisable to quit smoking during this period. In addition to the fact that this diet will eliminate irritation of the oral mucosa, it will improve metabolism, which is good for the whole body.

Treatment of lichen ruber under such conditions will soon yield positive results in the form of improved well-being of the patient.

At the first symptoms, you should immediately contact a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis. Self-treatment, even folk remedies, can only do harm.

Treatment with folk remedies

Folk remedies can significantly speed up the healing process. But it’s still not worth using them at your own discretion based on someone’s advice or the Internet. The basis of any successful treatment, this is a correctly diagnosed diagnosis, but there is no way to do this at home, without tests. Therefore, folk remedies can be used, but only on the recommendation of a doctor.

Folk remedies for the treatment of lichen ruber are presented in the form of the following drugs:

herbal teas from soothing herbs - string, chamomile, St. John's wort;
compresses from a decoction of string (they should be cold);
tincture for rubbing from garlic and alcohol (only on the recommendation of a doctor and when chronic form);
a cabbage leaf greased with sour cream (it should be applied to the affected area).

Such recipes for folk remedies along with drug treatment gives excellent results.

Forecast

It is not advisable to treat an illness without consulting a specialist. Self-treatment may not bring the expected results. Moreover, the disease can become chronic.

To prevent this from happening, you should start in a timely manner conservative treatment and stick to the regime proper nutrition. If you follow all the specialist’s instructions, the disease does not pose a threat to life. As a rule, the prognosis from treatment is only favorable and the disease does not cause complications.

Lichen planus is a disease that affects the skin and its derivatives, as well as the mucous membranes of the mouth and genitals. In contrast to other dermatoses, this type of lichen often accompanies cirrhosis of the liver, peptic ulcer and gastritis, diabetes, etc.

It often occurs in a chronic form with 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.

Many people have asked how to treat lichen planus, whether it is possible to use folk remedies, and whether it is contagious.

In order to understand what ointment to apply to inflammation and whether to apply it at all, it is necessary to understand how this disease arises and what symptoms are manifested.

Causes and symptoms

Lichen planus in humans occurs due to impaired immune function.

The reasons may be:

mental trauma;
viral or bacterial infection;
intoxication and autointoxication;
allergy.

All of the above factors suppress the immune system, and, therefore, provoke the development of dermatitis.

In addition, some geneticists consider lichen planus to be a hereditary disease. It is assumed that there is a special gene responsible for this disease, which is activated at a certain moment under the influence of various factors. This theory is confirmed by research, the results of which revealed that 1% of those suffering from lichen planus in the family suffered from several generations.

Like any other disease, lichen has its own risk groups. Most often it occurs in people who have crossed the age line of 35 years, who experience constant stress, diabetics, people with a hereditary predisposition, gastrointestinal diseases, injured mucous membranes oral cavity. Research has also shown that shingles occurs more often in women than in men.

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 absolutely not contagious.

Symptoms of lichen planus on the skin appear in the form of a rash. It is quite uniform, consisting of red-violet nodules that have a depression in the center.

If the rash is large, you may notice a grid-like pattern. Depending on their shape, nodules may have different shapes And appearance, gather into rings and plaques. Sometimes the rashes are accompanied by severe itching, and after they disappear, increased skin pigmentation is observed. Most often, lichen appears on the outer surfaces of the joints, the sacral area, forearms and the front surfaces of the legs.

If the disease affects the mucous membranes, then whitish nodules appear at the same level as the skin, which are very difficult to remove. The appearance of these nodules is noted in the oral cavity and on the genitals.

Ringworm rarely appears on the nails. In this case, one can observe the formation of pits and longitudinal grooves, spots and depressions. The nail plate delaminates and may even be torn off.

Forms of the disease

There are several various forms this disease, characterized by various skin rashes.

There are also three forms of lichen planus, the symptoms of which occur on the mucous membranes:

Diagnosis and treatment

In order to identify lichen planus, you need to go to the doctor.

Usually for staging correct diagnosis just look at the damage. Plaques of a characteristic polygonal shape with depressions in the center, a very specific color and size, located in a grid-like manner in standard places - all this indicates a specific disease.

However, in more rare forms, an additional analysis is performed - a skin biopsy. This is necessary in order to differentiate lichen from syphilis, leukoplakia, lupus erythematosus, allergies, Bowen's disease, candidiasis, etc.

Treatment for lichen planus depends on how the symptoms of the disease manifest themselves. The dermatologist takes into account the causes of occurrence and the form in which the disease is presented. Complex treatment Lichen planus involves not only the relief of symptoms, but also the removal of risk factors from the patient’s life, as well as the elimination of concomitant diseases.

In order to get rid of foci of infection, it is necessary to sanitize the oral cavity, as well as undergo dental prosthetics.

It is recommended to avoid foods that irritate the mucous membranes and increase inflammation (spicy, salty, sour). Might need to be excluded medicines, which were accepted before. The main treatment for lichen planus is hormone therapy. The patient is prescribed ointments containing biologically active substances.

For itching, sedatives, antihistamines and antidepressants are added to the main medications to normalize sleep.

In addition, they use vitamin therapy, medications that increase the supply of oxygen to tissues (with chronic course), ointments with menthol, citric acid, antihistamines and anesthesins (designed to eliminate symptoms associated with itching).

Large inflammations are removed using liquid nitrogen and sometimes a laser. Patients are also subjected to phototherapy (ultraviolet irradiation) and treatment with immunomodulators.

Traditional methods

Treatment of lichen planus can be carried out at home using folk remedies. Healers recommend preparing an ointment based on church incense, with the addition of crushed garlic, aloe juice and egg yolk. You need to shake it well and lubricate the rash areas.

Besides homemade ointment, you can make lotions from apple cider vinegar, as well as viburnum or cranberry juice. Cotton wool soaked in the “medicine” is applied to the areas of inflammation for 10 minutes. Similar procedures carried out 4-6 times, more is usually not required.

Another way to treat lichen at home is to apply gauze soaked to the rash. sea buckthorn oil. In addition, it is useful to consume it orally on an empty stomach. The oil is considered one of the most effective methods of getting rid of lichen planus, because it soothes itching, relieves inflammation, and also contains large number vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system.

Applying raw grated beets to the plaques, as well as hardening, is recognized even by doctors. These folk remedies are the safest. They relieve irritation and itching, and hardening also strengthens the immune system.

In addition to the above, the following folk remedies are used to treat the disease:

All of the above folk remedies do not replace, but only complement the main therapy. In addition, before using these methods, you should consult your doctor. Self-medication can be not only ineffective, but also dangerous to health.

Many people today are faced with damage to the skin, hair, nails, and fungal infections, popularly called “lichen.” This disease brings us discomfort not only internally, but also externally, manifesting itself in rashes on the face and body of a person. Doctors use the scientific terms “dermatomycosis” and “dermatophilia” in their terminology. Ringworm accounts for 1% of all skin diseases. Treatment of deprivation with folk remedies is a pressing problem and is close to everyone. How to treat such an ugly disease aesthetic defect we will look at it in our article.

What is lichen? Types of lichen

Lichen Rosea Lichen Rosea Lichen Rosea Lichen Planus Lichen Planus Lichen Planus

Pityriasis rosea(Zhiber's lichen) is a chronic dermatosis. A skin disease characterized by the appearance of red, scaly patches that is infectious or viral etiology. Also, relapse of the disease occurs against the background of stress.

Lichen planus– recurrent inflammatory disease skin is characterized by the appearance of papules, which can merge into a single whole to form plaques, accompanied by itching and peeling.

Causes:

Cool weather. Cold.
Weak immunity. AND co-infections in the body.
Often, lichen can occur against the background of a previous acute respiratory viral infection.
The occurrence of lichen planus is promoted by medicines which contain arsenic, bismuth, gold.
Predisposition of the body to pink and red lichen.
Development can be caused by mental trauma and stress.

Symptoms of pityriasis rosea

Initially, a “mother spot” appears on the human body - a small pinkish plaque up to 5 cm in size, which begins to peel off and wrinkle in the center. After 10 days, the skin begins to become covered with small oval spots pink color, which also begin to peel off. The rashes are initially localized on the chest, then spreading to the stomach, inguinal folds, legs, neck, shoulders, and rashes can also appear on the face.

The process is accompanied by fever, itching and enlarged lymph nodes.

Symptoms of lichen planus

Characterized by a symmetrical rash, papules up to 4 mm in size with a smooth, shiny surface on which a clear mesh pattern can be seen. Plaques of lichen planus are located on the flexor surfaces of the hands, legs, glans penis, vagina, torso, face and gums. Papules range in color from pink to bluish and dark. The rash of lichen planus is accompanied by moderate itching.

Red flat and pityriasis rosea by its etiology it is not contagious, but can be transmitted through personal hygiene products (towel, comb, washcloth, shoes, etc.)

Treatment of deprivation

You can accurately determine the diagnosis or type of lichen from an infectious disease specialist or dermatologist based on anamnesis. Dermatoscopy will help determine the type of lichen. There, the doctor will also prescribe medications for this unpleasant illness. Often these are anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antihistamines, immunotherapy can be carried out as prescribed by a doctor. Bubbles, rash is being processed antiseptic drugs(furacilin and brilliant green).

Treatment of lichen at home

Helps treat lichen effective method by using lemon and garlic . Lemon and garlic must be grated. Apply the mixture to the affected areas of the body for several hours. After several uses, itching decreases and the skin takes on a natural, healthy appearance.

Compresses with birch tar will help treat red and pink lichen. Birch tar and fish oil mix in equal proportions. Apply this mixture to gauze and apply it to the area affected by plaques for several hours. After removing the compress, after 2 hours it is necessary to apply zinc ointment to the skin.

Wormwood infusion will help cure lichen and get rid of plaques on the body. Pour 2 tablespoons of common wormwood into a glass of boiling water, let it brew and then strain. Use this solution for baths and lotions on affected areas of the body.

Propolis and fat ointment

Salicylic or Vaseline ointment can be used as fat, olive oil. For 80 grams of fatty ointment, take slightly cooled and finely chopped propolis, mix and apply to the affected areas on the body of a sick person, then cover with a napkin. This method will help you get rid of the hated disease forever.

Celandine juice mixed with vodka in equal proportions you can get rid of unpleasant disease forever. Lubricate the affected areas with this mixture.

An effective home remedy for wiping plaques WithOK om from calendula flowers . This method is good for young children, does not cause allergies and quickly eliminates itching.

Another method to treat lichen is to smear the affected areas of the skin. cranberry juice . Quickly and irreversibly eliminates disease and aesthetic defects.

Prevention of lichen planus

Ringworm brings great discomfort; rashes appearing on a person’s face and body provoke complexes and a feeling of detachment from the whole world. To avoid contracting fungal infections, you need to know preventive measures.

Refusal from places where there is a risk of contracting fungal infections: swimming pool, solarium, beauty and massage salons.
Wearing clothes made from natural fabrics is useful and pleasant, the skin breathes.
Exclusion from the diet of foods that provoke the appearance or worsening of fungal infections (dairy, sweet, fish, citrus products, spicy, salty, smoked foods and alcohol).

Lichen planus refers to chronic diseases skin that is difficult to treat due to the unclear cause of its development. For lichen planus the most effective treatment This is the one that helps a specific patient, since there is no universal treatment regimen; it is selected on an individual basis.

The disease occurs in people over 40 years of age; women are more susceptible to the disease than men. Why such skin lesions appear is still not known. Presumably, the following factors may be the causes of the disease:

genetic predisposition;
disruption nervous system;
chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
metabolic disorders, including diabetes mellitus;
source of infection in the body;
immunodeficiency;
severe allergic reaction.

The disease begins in the forearms or on the inner thighs. Ringworm primarily affects delicate areas of the skin, initially characteristic rashes may appear in the area of the inguinal folds or in the armpits.

How to recognize lichen

The disease manifests itself as a rash, the color of which is very different from the natural color of the skin. The rash is usually red, brown or bluish color. It consists of dense small nodules. Every knot is different smooth surface And bright color, small dents may form in its center.

The nodules itch and cause discomfort. Over time, they can merge into large islands of a dense rash that looks like plaques. The skin around the plaques is dry and flaky.

In most cases, the disease also affects the mucous membrane of the mouth, and the formation of nodules on the genitals is possible.

Ringworm can also affect nail plates, as a result of which the nails peel off, become thinner and may atrophy.

Treatment principle

There is no universal treatment regimen common to all patients. Depending on the intensity of skin damage, treatment can be adjusted and supplemented.

The following types of drugs are often used to treat the disease:

sedatives;
antibiotics in tablets and ointments;
anti-malaria drugs;
special diet;
ointments with corticosteroids;
antihistamine tablets;
general strengthening drugs to improve immunity

A number of physiotherapeutic methods are often used for treatment.

To remove acute symptoms and skin edema are used various tinctures, as well as gels and ointments for applications.

Sedatives

One of possible reasons The appearance of a skin disease such as lichen ruber is a disruption of the nervous system. This disease is often encountered by people exposed to frequent stress. The problem in this case can be solved with the help of sedatives.

What medications to take is determined by the doctor, depending on the severity of the symptoms. nervous exhaustion.

For sleep disorders, the patient is prescribed sedatives plant origin, while treating anxiety may require more strong drugs, for example, tranquilizers or antidepressants.

The safest sedatives are:

peony tincture;
tincture of valerian root;
glycine.

The tincture is easy to purchase at any pharmacy and is quite inexpensive. The dosage of the medicine is selected by the doctor individually for each patient.

The amino acid glycine is a good sedative medicine that is not addictive and does not depress the activity of the nervous system. This drug is available in tablets. A course of treatment with this medicine will relieve symptoms of nervous exhaustion, stress and insomnia.

Patients are often prescribed B vitamins to strengthen the nervous system. At mild degree depriving such treatment, together with ointments for treating the skin, quickly brings results.

Ointments for skin treatment

To treat rashes, patients are prescribed an ointment or cream for local treatment of the affected areas of the skin. Depending on the severity of symptoms, the following drugs are used:

salicylic ointment;
corticosteroid ointment;
dibunol ointment.

For extensive rashes that merge into large plaques, an ointment containing corticosteroids is used for treatment. Such treatment should be prescribed only by the attending physician, since these drugs have a number of contraindications and side effects. As a rule, treatment with this remedy is carried out in a short course.

Salicylic ointment helps exfoliate dead skin cells of the affected skin and improves regeneration. It is used for mild rashes and to soften plaques and nodules on the skin.

If the rash is localized on the mucous membranes, patients are prescribed dibunol ointment to treat them. This cream is applied pointwise to the affected areas.

Other drugs

Since the disease is chronic, treatment must be supplemented with restorative medications. Patients must be prescribed vitamins; in some cases, if the disease develops against the background of immunodeficiency, the patient may be prescribed special drugs to improve immunity.

Antihistamines can relieve itching, swelling and discomfort in the affected area. Allergy pills are selected by a doctor. Unpleasant sensations Lichen planus is cured the next day after starting antihistamines.

Also, to relieve swelling and itching, the doctor may recommend other drugs, for example, those used to treat malaria.

In case of extensive skin lesions, the patient is indicated for physiotherapy. Most often, patients are prescribed special ultraviolet irradiation of the affected areas of the skin, which helps accelerate regeneration and prevents further progression diseases. Phototherapy is carried out in conjunction with drugs that improve protective functions skin.

Nutrition principle

The basis of treatment is diet for lichen planus. Nutrition is based on avoiding the following foods:

confectionery;
any products with stabilizers, dyes, sweeteners and flavor enhancers;
spicy and smoked foods, including seasonings;
fatty foods;
game;
chicken eggs;
caffeinated drinks, alcohol and soda.

How long to follow the diet depends on the degree of skin damage. Often the duration of the diet is from one to three months, especially severe cases You will have to stick to this diet for up to six months.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine helps reduce unpleasant symptoms, but do not get rid of the problem forever. They can only be used after consulting a doctor, but such treatment should complement, but not replace, diet and drug therapy.

Mix one large spoonful of dried and crushed chamomile, calendula and sage, pour boiling water over it and let it brew until it cools. Then a gauze compress is moistened in the resulting decoction and applied to the affected area of the skin.
Grind a few aloe leaves, pour boiling water and leave for 24 hours. Then the product is used for compresses.
Mix a large spoon of incense with the same amount of juice from aloe leaves, add three cloves of garlic, crushed into a pulp, to the resulting mixture. A compress is moistened in the resulting product and applied to the affected skin area for 20 minutes.
IN folk medicine also used birch tar. This product softens the skin, softens plaques and eliminates itching and flaking. Tar is applied directly to the affected areas of the skin at night under a bandage.
It is also recommended to lubricate nodules and plaques with lukewarm sea buckthorn oil. This allows you to speed up skin regeneration and eliminate discomfort.

To treat lichen on the mucous membranes, it is often recommended to use aloe juice. To do this, just cut off one large leaf and wash it thoroughly. Then the cut site is applied to the nodular rash for a few seconds. This treatment of the mucous membrane is repeated twice a day.

It should be remembered that self-treatment problems may not bring the expected result, but only aggravate the patient’s condition. Having noticed the first symptoms of the disease, you should consult a doctor. After a detailed diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe an effective treatment that will help quickly get rid of the problem.

liver, diabetes mellitus, etc.).

Reasons

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.

It is known that immune disorders controlled genetic mechanisms. Currently, data has been accumulated on hereditary predisposition to lichen planus. Cases of familial disease with this dermatosis have been described; relatives in the second and third generations are most often affected.

Of the many causes of lichen planus, three main groups can be distinguished:

infection
chemical, medicinal substances domestic and professional nature;
own biologically active substances arising from stressful situations, diseases of internal organs.

Forms

The typical form of lichen planus is polygonal plaques of a characteristic pink color with a purple tint;
Hypertrophic form - large nodules and plaques with a warty surface;
Atrophic form - with or without hyperpigmentation;
The bullous form of lichen planus is presented in the form of subcutaneous blisters;
The erythematous form is a common form with redness of the skin.

In its course, lichen planus can be acute (lasts up to 1 month) or subacute (lasts up to 6 months) and long-term (more than 6 months).

Symptoms of lichen planus

Damage to the mucous membranes (usually the oral cavity) occurs in most patients with skin rashes or exists in isolation; external manifestation there may be plaques, redness, blisters or sores.

Changes in the nails are observed in 12–20% of patients; they occur in all forms of lichen planus, but most severe lesions occur in common forms (bullous and erosive-ulcerative). In this case, the nail plates are deformed in the form of longitudinal ridges, grooves, grooves, the surface of the nail becomes lumpy, a median crack appears, the plate becomes thinner, until it completely disappears.

Often skin rashes accompanied by intense itching.