In medicine, the term "pink rosea" refers to a dermatological disease of an acute nature. It is characterized by the appearance of pink spots that cause a person not only physical, but also psychological discomfort. According to statistics, most often pink lichen (photo below) is diagnosed in people from 10 to 40 years old. In young children and the elderly, it is found in isolated cases. Other names for the pathology are pitiriasis, pink lichen Zhibera, roseola scaly.
What is this disease?
Currently, the disease is not well understood. Experts suggest that it has an infectious-allergic nature. In humans, pink lichen appears, as a rule, against the background of a weakening of the body's defenses. In addition, the disease is characterized by seasonality - most often it occurs in the spring and summer.
The first warning sign isthe appearance of scaly pink spots. Information on how to treat pink lichen should be provided by a dermatologist, since the disease is easily confused with other skin pathologies. The need to contact a specialist is also explained by the fact that the treatment regimen for this disease is selected individually. This is due to the fact that each person has a different course of the disease.
In most cases, after suffering a pathology, a strong immunity to pink lichen is formed in the body (photo below). But it also happens that the disease appears again.
Reasons
To date, it is not known which pathogen is responsible for the development of the disease. There is an assumption that the herpes virus is involved in the pathology. This is due to the fact that at the initial stage of the development of the disease in humans, there are signs of influenza. There is also a theory whose supporters claim that pink lichen is an allergic reaction. There is also an opinion that pathology is not an independent disease, it appears only in response to the adverse effects of the external environment.
Despite the fact that the exact causes of pink lichen have not yet been clarified, experts unanimously argue that the following factors are provoking:
- general hypothermia of the body;
- prolonged exposure to stress;
- weakened immune system;
- diseases of an infectious nature;
- malfunctions of the gastrointestinal tractpath;
- vaccination;
- avitaminosis;
- lice, flea and bedbug bites;
- disorders of metabolic processes.
It is important to know that the pathology is transmitted between people, but with the normal functioning of the immune system, it develops after contact with the patient is extremely rare. Such cases are known to medicine, but they are rare. There is an opinion that bugs, lice and fleas can carry the infection. This is due to the fact that it is at the site of the bite of these insects that the formation of the maternal plaque occurs.
Symptoms
In many patients the precursors to rashes are:
- joint aches;
- headache;
- general deterioration of well-being;
- enlarged cervical lymph nodes.
Pale red spots are the main symptom of pink lichen (photo below). They are usually very small, but quickly grow to the size of a coin with a diameter of 2-3 cm. Rashes are more often localized on the trunk, less often on the limbs, face, neck, and feet. Approximately 2 weeks before the appearance of spots, half of the patients form one, which is called maternal. It is large in size (4-5 cm in diameter), peeling is observed over its entire surface. Immediately before the appearance of a small rash, patients report a state of general malaise, accompanied by an increase in body temperature.
The peculiarity of all spots is their oval or round shape with a bright border. This is also one of the characteristic signs of pink lichen in humans. In addition, they can cause itching. Approximately two days laterthe following changes occur: the edges of the spots seem to rise above the surface of the skin, the process of peeling in this area stops. The center acquires a brown hue, slightly sinks and becomes covered with horny scales. After about 1-2 months, the spots begin to disappear, leaving areas with impaired pigmentation in their place.
Many people have no signs of rosacea other than rashes. Only a few note that after suffering stress or hypothermia, they experience a burning sensation on the affected areas of the skin.
Children tolerate the disease worse. Its course is accompanied by fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, general malaise. When the first symptoms appear, it is necessary to show the child to a pediatrician and a dermatologist. Self-medication is fraught with complications.
Atypical forms of the disease
In some cases, uncharacteristic types of disease occur:
- Bubble. The rash with this form looks like a lot of dots.
- Urticarial. Blisters form at the site of the skin lesion.
- A form characterized by the appearance of spots in areas of excessive sweating of the skin or places where its integrity is violated. The rash is large, the foci can merge and itch.
- Deprive Vidal. It is characterized by the presence of several spots, but in size they can reach 8 cm in diameter. The rash is localized mainly on the abdomen and limbs, less often on the neck and face. The mother's spot is absent. This form is the longest, it can turn intochronic stage, due to which the duration of the disease is extended for several years.
It is worth noting that atypical types of pink lichen are extremely rare.
Diagnosis
When alarming symptoms appear, you should consult a dermatologist. During the initial appointment, the doctor will collect an anamnesis and prescribe laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis. The dermatologist needs to provide information on what symptoms bother the patient and for how long, whether infectious pathologies have recently been transferred, under the influence of what negative factors the person was (hypothermia, stress, etc.). After the interview, the doctor will examine the skin, assessing the location of the rash.
Diagnosis of pink lichen in humans (photo below) involves the appointment of the following laboratory tests:
- Complete blood and urine tests.
- Scraping.
- Blood for antibody detection.
Despite the fact that pink lichen in a person has a number of characteristic features, it is strictly forbidden to carry out self-diagnosis and prescribe treatment based on it. This is due to the fact that the disease is easily confused with other pathologies that have similar symptoms.
The doctor conducts a differential diagnosis regarding the following ailments:
- Seborrheic eczema. With this disease, the nature of the location of the rash is different. In addition, there is no maternal spot, and other lesions are covered with larger and greasy scales.
- Psoriasis. diseasecharacterized by the formation of not spots, but papules, and there is also no maternal plaque. As a rule, the rash is localized on the face, hands, feet and scalp.
- Teardrop parapsoriasis. With this disease, a different character of peeling and the location of the rash. She, in turn, is represented not by spots, but by papules. The color of the rash is not pink, but dark brown.
- Syphilis. Papules are paler in color. In addition, there is a dense infiltrate at their base.
- Mycosis. The causative agent of this disease is detected during a microscopic examination.
Thus, despite the presence of characteristic signs of pink lichen, treatment for both adults and children is prescribed only on the basis of diagnostic results. This is due to the fact that the treatment regimen is different for each of the above diseases.
Treatment methods
Pathology does not require a specific approach. In most cases, its manifestations disappear on their own without any intervention. The goal of treatment is to get rid of unpleasant symptoms that significantly reduce the quality of life of a person, as well as to reduce the duration of the disease.
If there is severe itching, the doctor prescribes the following antihistamines:
- "Suprastin". This remedy must be taken three times a day during a meal. The dosage is determined for each patient individually. If you follow the standard instructions, for adults it is 1-2 tablets per dose.
- "Tavegil". The drug in a short time relieves itching and signs of an allergic reaction. In addition, it has a positive effect on the condition of the walls of blood vessels. The remedy must be taken before the start of the meal. The recommended regimen is 1 tablet twice a day.
- Xizal. This antiallergic drug is taken on an empty stomach or during a meal. For adults, the daily dosage should not exceed 5 mg, equivalent to 20 drops or 1 tablet.
- Erius. The remedy is recommended to be taken during the course of treatment at the same time according to the following scheme - 1 tablet 1 time per day.
- "Loratadine". A drug that relieves allergy symptoms. The remedy must be taken once a day, 10 mg.
- "Claritin". This antihistamine drug quickly relieves itching, and the effect persists for a long time. It must be taken once a day at 10 mg, which is equivalent to 1 tablet or 2 teaspoons of syrup.
- "Dimedrol". It has not only an antihistamine, but also a local anesthetic effect. The drug is administered intramuscularly, 5 ml 1-2 times a day.
For a faster disappearance of pink spots, a dermatologist prescribes the following remedies:
- "Ethacridine lactate". It is an antiseptic that has a detrimental effect on pathogenic microorganisms. Available in the form of a paste, ointment, solution and powder. The treatment regimen is compiled on an individual basis.
- "Calcium pantothenate". A drug that significantly speeds up the regeneration process. Taken before meals, 1-2 tablets 2-4 times a day.
In addition, when treating pink lichen in humans (photo below), it is necessary to take vitamins that strengthen the body's defenses. If the spots increase in size and begin to spread to other parts of the body, it is advisable to use antibiotics. As a rule, doctors recommend "Erythromycin", which must be taken 1 hour before a meal. A single dosage of the drug is 0.25 g. The drug must be taken at intervals of 4-6 hours.
Treatment of the disease also involves the use of external agents. The most effective ointments for pink lichen:
- "Hydrocortisone". In a short time, it relieves itching and prevents the formation of exudate. The ointment is applied to the affected areas in a thin layer twice a day. To enhance the effect, it is recommended to apply a bandage over it.
- "Prednisolone". The ointment eliminates the symptoms of allergies, relieves inflammation and swelling. The remedy must be applied three times a day. It is also desirable to put a bandage over it.
- "Dimedrol". To reduce the severity of redness and get rid of itching, you need to mix the ointment with a regular baby cream and treat the affected areas with it.
- "Acyclovir". The tool prevents the formation of new spots and relieves unpleasant symptoms. Lesions need to be treated 5 times a day.
A variety of mashes can also be used on doctor's advice.
The goal of treating pink lichen in children (photo below) is to get rid of itching and burning, as well as strengthening the immune system. To do this, the pediatrician orThe dermatologist prescribes the following drugs:
- "Ethacridine lactate". This product is available in the form of gelatin capsules. The dosage is calculated depending on the age of the child.
- "Ascorutin". It is prescribed to strengthen the body's defenses. As a rule, the drug must be taken twice a day, 1 tablet.
- "Fenistil". Available in the form of drops and tablets. In a short time, it relieves the symptoms of an allergic reaction. An alternative to this drug are the following antihistamines: Zodak, Suprastin, Zirtek, Claritin, Cetrin.
When complications arise, the pediatrician prescribes broad-spectrum antibiotics.
To treat pink lichen in a child, external agents are also prescribed. The most effective and safe are the following:
- "Ftorokort", "Gyoksizon", "Flutsinar". These drugs are glucocorticosteroids, that is, hormonal agents. The prescribed medication is recommended to be mixed equally with baby cream and applied once a day to the affected areas.
- "Sulfur ointment". The remedy eliminates inflammation and prevents further reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms.
- "Riodoxol ointment". It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action. The product is applied three times a day.
- "Flucinar". The ointment is designed to get rid of peeling on spots. The product is applied twice a day.
The duration of the course of treatment for a disease in children is determined solely by the doctor. The treatment regimen is also drawn up withtaking into account the individual characteristics of the he alth of each child.
Folk treatments
It is important to understand that their use does not eliminate the need to visit a specialist. It is desirable that non-traditional methods be agreed with the doctor. This is because some natural ingredients may worsen the course of a disease or weaken the effect of medications.
Most Effective Recipes:
- Take a large sheet of golden mustache. It needs to be cut down as much as possible. The gruel can be wrapped in gauze and apply compresses to the affected areas. In addition, the resulting juice is also recommended to treat stains.
- Prepare 3 cloves of garlic and 1 teaspoon of stevia (in powder form). Thoroughly mix the ingredients and pour 200 ml of boiling water. Let it brew for about 10 hours. Use the resulting product as a lotion.
- Chop the aloe leaves and place them on the bottom of a 1 liter glass jar. Each subsequent layer of the plant must be sprinkled with sugar. Close the container and store in a dark place. After 2 days, it is necessary to filter the remedy and use it 1 tablespoon three times a day half an hour before a meal. The course of treatment is 2 weeks.
Possible Complications
The most common consequence of the disease is psychological discomfort, which can disturb a person for a long time. It also happens that when combing the affected areas, a secondary infection occurs. In these situations, the doctor prescribes an appointmentantibiotics, and the duration of treatment is increased.
Various complications are much more common when ignoring the need to seek qualified medical help. Most people who self-medicate harm their body and go to the doctor only when the negative consequences are pronounced.
Advice to patients
In order to speed up recovery and not aggravate the situation, you must regularly follow the following rules:
- Wear cotton clothes. Synthetic and wool products contribute to increased itching and discomfort.
- Use the shower. In this case, it is desirable to give preference to detergents with a hypoallergenic composition.
- Follow your diet. All dishes must be steamed, baked in the oven or boiled. Fatty, fried, s alty, spicy foods should be excluded from the diet. In addition, it should not contain potential allergens.
- Minimize sun exposure.
- Prevent excessive sweating. With excessive secretion, it is necessary to wash it off in the shower as soon as possible.
Regular adherence to the above rules will reduce the duration of the disease and reduce the severity of symptoms of pink lichen in humans (photo below).
In closing
Pyritiasis, or scaly roseola, is a pathology of a dermatological nature,characterized by the appearance of a rash on certain parts of the body. At present, the causes of pink lichen have not been clarified, but experts believe that the disease has an infectious-allergic nature. Doctors say that the disease is transmitted from a sick person to a he althy one, but the latter rarely develops it. This is due to the suppression of the vital activity of the pathogen by the body's defenses.
If there are warning signs, you should consult a dermatologist. The doctor will conduct a thorough examination and exclude the presence of other pathologies, the symptoms of which are similar to those of pink lichen.