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How does lichen heal in a child. Types of lichen in children and methods for its effective treatment

It is easy to miss the onset of this disease. At first, lichen in a baby looks like an inconspicuous pink circle on the skin. But, if you do not notice the disease in time and do not start treatment, the child's body can become covered with large weeping spots.

Symptoms of lichen in infants

Lichen is a common name for a whole group of diseases. Fortunately, all of them are not typical for infants. Babies in the first year of life most often get ringworm. But Zhibera pink lichen may also appear. Although it covers the risk zone from 4 to 12 years old, a baby can also get sick with it.

Ringworm symptoms:

  1. Spots are round or oval
  2. Swelling in the center of each spot - the skin is lifted
  3. Slight peeling on spots and itching
  4. Head lesions. Ringworm feeds on hair follicles
  5. Occasionally swollen lymph nodes and fever

Symptoms of pink deprivation

  1. General malaise: sore throat, headache, mild fever
  2. Spots with a clear edge
  3. Peeling and swelling in the center of the spot
  4. Jagged edges and different sizes of other spots

Common to both cases is the presence of a maternal plaque. This is the first, largest lesion. As the disease progresses, spots appear on the skin of the arms, shoulders, legs, and abdomen. They can be of different sizes, but have clear boundaries and do not merge with each other.

What should parents do when they suspect lichen?

At the slightest suspicion of ringworm or pink lichen, you should consult a dermatologist. The process of diagnosing skin diseases is complex and it is not worth delaying a trip to the doctor. The doctor will shine a special lamp on the spots. Lichen spots under its rays have a pronounced greenish tint.

The final diagnosis is made only after scraping. Many skin diseases can give the same external picture. For example, dermatitis or eczema are visually similar, but the course of these diseases and the cause are different.

Causes

Despite the apparent similarity of both diseases, their causes are different. Ringworm has been proven to be caused by anthropophilic fungi. Microscopic pathogens-fungi can travel not only through the skin, but also spread with the lymph throughout the body.

The disease is highly contagious. You can get it from three sources:

  1. From another person
  2. From an animal
  3. Through household supplies

Infection from animals is the most severe and most difficult to treat. And if not noticed in time and not treated, it can turn into a chronic form.

Zhiber's lichen or simply pink appears in children of the first year of life very rarely and always against the background of immune shocks. Its causative agent is not exactly known, but scientists are inclined to believe that it is a virus similar to herpes. The viral nature is also confirmed by similar symptoms with respiratory diseases, and the fact that after a person has lifelong immunity to the disease. And the fact that pink lichen disappears by itself after a month or two indicates the same.

The causes of depriving Zhiber necessarily include the immune weakness of children at the time of the disease. The trigger may be the transition from breast milk to formula or the introduction of complementary foods. There is also an allergic component here. Therefore, when this type of lichen appears in a baby, the start of complementary foods is postponed to a later time and any load on the immune system is reduced.

Treatment of ringworm in infants

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If a characteristic spot is found on the child’s body, it is important not to aggravate the situation. It is forbidden:

  1. Smear ringworm with brilliant green or iodine, as this will make diagnosis difficult
  2. bathe children
  3. Start treatment, guided by advice from the Internet
  4. It is necessary to carefully seal the ringworm with adhesive tape and, without delay, go to the doctor

The main treatment is to treat plaques with antifungal drugs and increase the child's own immunity. Local preparations can be based on sulfur, tar or iodine. Medicines for internal use, even for adults, are rarely prescribed. The oral antifungal drugs used to treat ringworm are very bad for the liver. Therefore, they are undesirable for infants.

Ringworm cannot be cured with folk remedies. But you can help speed up the treatment and alleviate discomfort, itching.

For this purpose, apply:

  1. Ordinary dry mustard is moistened with apple cider vinegar, and the mixture is smeared on the lesions.
  2. Cabbage leaves, chopped in a meat grinder or in a blender, mixed with fresh homemade sour cream.
  3. A decoction of beets with honey. Before cooking, the root crop must be cleaned or washed very well.
  4. A decoction of buckwheat. Cook porridge without salt (1:2), squeeze the grits through gauze, and the resulting liquid is the medicine we need.

Most likely, you will have to try all these methods and choose the one that will better dry the affected skin of the child and relieve itching. You need to spread from the edge of the stain to its middle. It is impossible to stop treatment even after the disappearance of the maternal plaque. It is necessary to lubricate the affected areas for at least another week.

Popular rumor scares that ringworm can leave bald spots on the head of children. It is not true. Hair is cut off by a lichen fungus only at the edge of the skin, and the hair follicle itself is not affected. So there will be no bald spots.

Treatment of pink lichen in infants

The second type, pink lichen has a completely different treatment. Actually, no serious medical intervention is expected. It is believed that in children, pink lichen goes away on its own within two months. The child is not admitted to the hospital. In babies of the first year of life, this disease can be treated at home.

Antihistamine drugs and drugs that strengthen the immune system are prescribed. Ointments are used for local treatment of plaques, which relieve itching, swelling and other unpleasant phenomena.

Usually treatment includes:

  1. Complex of strengthening vitamins (askuratin)
  2. Antiallergic drugs in the form of ointments and tablets or drops (fenistil)
  3. Ointment that facilitates the course of the disease (zinc ointment)

Why do a blood test after the end of treatment

Unfortunately, ringworm can have recurrences. This is especially unpleasant when there is a danger of transition to a chronic degree of the disease. Therefore, a blood test is prescribed to make sure that the disease has gone completely.

Rules for caring for a child when he has lichen

The contagious nature of the disease largely determines the strict rules for caring for a sick child:

  1. children should never be bathed, as the infection can spread throughout the body
  2. wet cleaning is done three times a day
  3. combs and other toiletries are carefully processed
  4. hypoallergenic diet
  5. children are dressed in clothes made from natural fabrics
  6. bed linen is changed as often as possible
  7. no exposure to direct sunlight

Prevention of lichen in infants

Preventive measures are possible. First of all, it is the strengthening of the immunity of infants, the exclusion of allergens. It has been noticed that babies with good immunity will not have pink lichen, even if their brothers or sisters are sick.

To prevent ringworm, you need to monitor the contact of the child with animals. From them, the baby can easily become infected. If you are not sure about the health of a pet, it is better for a child to admire it from afar.

Infectious dermatoses, united by the general concept of lichen, very often affect children of different ages - from infants to graduates of educational institutions. The appearance of the disease is indicated by pink oval spots on the skin of the child.

Despite the similarity of symptoms in various types of lichen, each of them requires treatment corresponding to a specific type of dermatosis. To diagnose, determine the method of therapy and prescribe medications, you must contact a dermatologist.

Lichen is caused by fungi and viruses. The incubation period of the disease can be quite long, during this period there are no visible signs of the disease, and parents may not even suspect that the child is sick. With timely treatment, recovery occurs faster and without complications.

Treatment of advanced stages takes a longer period of time. Some types of lichen can go away on their own, but there is a risk of recurrence of the disease. Others, if left untreated, can become chronic.

The risk group includes children with weakened immunity, with ringworm - who are in close contact with sick people or animals.

The probability of damage to the child's body increases in the presence of an endocrine disease, especially diabetes mellitus, a lack of vitamins in the diet, frequent colds, non-compliance with hygiene rules (when using tableware and bedding shared with other family members, towels, combs, clothes, hats).

The incidence of lichen, caused by fungi, increases in the warm seasons of the year - summer and autumn. This is facilitated by the creation of optimal conditions for the reproduction of the infection - the heat and moisture of the environment, as well as increased sweating, which increases the permeability of the skin. The etiology of some types of lichen has not yet been elucidated.

Scientists suggest that factors such as stressful situations, genetic predisposition, and an allergic reaction to foreign substances can influence their development.

Features and signs of various types of lichen and their incubation period

All types of dermatoses have their own differences and characteristic symptoms. But they may also have common signs, for example, the appearance of pale pink spots on the skin at the beginning of the disease, on which peeling of the epidermis is noted.

They are localized most often in the region of the limbs, abdomen, much less often - on the nails and the part of the head covered with hair. Also, sometimes the lymph nodes increase and the body temperature rises.

Pink lichen: causes and symptoms of the disease

Pityriasis rosea, also called Zheber's lichen, most often affects children aged 4–12 years. As scientists suggest, the disease is caused by a combination of infection with allergic manifestations to certain external factors, for example, to certain types of products.

The appearance of pink lichen contributes to significant overheating or hypothermia, the weakness of the body's defenses. After the transfer of the disease, the child develops strong immunity.

Pink deprive can affect infants during the introduction of the first complementary foods. Also, the development of the disease can provoke an allergic reaction to the mixture used for artificial feeding. The first symptom of the disease is a spot that has a pink or reddish tint and an oval shape. It is called maternal plaque.

Sometimes before the appearance of the spot, there is a slight deterioration in the child's well-being. After two days, the skin in the area of ​​the plaque begins to peel off, after some time, many smaller rashes appear on other parts of the body, especially on the abdomen and shoulders.

Often they are located in the skin folds, gradually, as the top layer is exfoliated, the middle of the spot takes on a yellowish color, and the edge has a pink border of skin scales. Because of this, the appearance of the rashes is similar to medallions.

Sometimes, instead of spots, the skin becomes blistered. As a rule, full recovery occurs in 1.5–2 months from the onset of the disease. Since pink lichen can be transmitted by contact, isolation of the child is necessary until complete recovery. The entire period of treatment of the patient should be under the supervision of a dermatologist.

Pityriasis versicolor

The causative agents of pityriasis (colorful) lichen are yeast-like fungi. Sometimes it is preceded by seborrheic dermatitis. There are 3 forms of pathology - black, achromic and yellow - depending on the structure of the rash.

The following factors predispose to the development of the disease:

  • weakened immunity;
  • prolonged use of corticosteroids;
  • increased sweating and features of the composition of sweat;
  • solar insolation;
  • increased blood sugar;
  • the predominance of clothes made of synthetic fabrics in the wardrobe.

At the beginning of the disease, small spots appear on the skin of the trunk, which do not have a clear shape and are painted in pink, yellow or light brown. On a tanned torso, they look faded. Over time, the rashes increase in size, their shade darkens and becomes brown-coffee.

If left untreated, spots can appear on the neck and head, including areas covered with hair. Treatment of pityriasis versicolor is long (up to several years), relapses of the disease are not excluded.

Shingles

The disease is also called herpes zoster, it is caused by the Herpes zoster virus, the causative agent of chickenpox. After the child has been ill with chickenpox, the pathogen is in the body in an inactive state.

Usually it does not infect the body again, but with reduced immunity, stress and infection with other types of infectious diseases, active reproduction of the virus can begin with damage to the intercostal nerves.

Signs of shingles include:

  • the appearance of fluid-filled bubbles in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe ribs;
  • increase in body temperature;
  • symptoms of intoxication - headache, deterioration of health, chills;
  • in places of rashes, itching bothers;
  • severe pain is noted, since the disease damages the nerve endings;
  • the formation of purulent crusts at the site of burst bubbles.

With shingles in children, catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, an increase in regional lymph nodes can also be noted. A thorough examination of a sick child is necessary to diagnose the disease and identify hidden pathologies.

The patient's clothing should be spacious to ensure minimal tissue contact with the affected areas of the skin and prevent irritation.

Lichen planus

This disease is very rare in children. Usually red lichen has a chronic course.

The main causes of the disease are the genetic predisposition of the body and the weakness of the immune system, caused by the influence of various diseases of an infectious and non-infectious nature or stress. Symptomatically, the disease is manifested by the formation of pink or red papules.

They can merge, occupying fairly large areas of the skin. The patient is disturbed by intense itching. Rashes can spread to the mucous membrane of the mouth, lips. As the disease progresses, the rash darkens and acquires a brown or purple hue. After the papules disappear, pigmented areas remain on the skin, and areas with traces of irritation remain on the mucosa.

There are the following varieties of lichen planus:

  • Annular.

There is a significant expansion of the area of ​​the papule with healing of the skin located in the middle, as a result of which the rash looks like a ring.

  • Warty.

As a rule, rashes focus on the legs and are red warty growths.

  • atrophic.

Outwardly, the papules have a normal appearance, but seals appear at their location after a while.

  • Pointed.

It affects areas of the body that have hairline. There is a defeat and in many cases the death of the hair follicle, after which a small depression may remain in its place.

  • Bubbly.

Fluid-filled blisters form, sometimes containing blood. A typical localization site is the lower parts of the legs, the surface of the feet.

  • Sclerosing.

A rare variety of red lichen. Represents the greatest danger, as it can lead to atrophy or sclerosis of the skin.

There are two types of ringworm - trichophytosis, the causative agent of which is the fungus Trichophyton, and microsporia, caused by the fungus Microsporum and found not only in humans, but also in animals. Most often, this disease affects children aged 4 to 13 years.

Infection occurs when a child comes into contact with a sick person or animal, as well as when using common household items.

You can also become infected with ringworm when using undisinfected tools for cutting and shaving. The likelihood of developing the disease is increased by the presence of wounds on the skin, looseness of the skin, and a decrease in immunity.

According to the features of the clinical picture and the depth of the lesion, there are 3 forms of ringworm:

  1. Surface.

It affects the skin - smooth and covered with hair. On the affected areas, the hairs break off at a level of 1–3 mm from the base, peeling appears, small blisters appear along the edges of the focus, on which yellow crusts form after a while. A person may be disturbed by not very pronounced itching.

  1. Chronic.

It occurs in women who have been ill in childhood with a superficial form. In addition to smooth and hairy skin, it affects the nails on the hands. Foci with a diameter of up to 0.5 cm are formed, which are a smooth scar. Spots in the form of a black dot form at the site of hair breakage. Affected nails acquire a dull, gray tint, increase or decrease in thickness, begin to paint around the edges.

  1. Deep or infiltrative suppurative.

The skin is covered with red bumpy plaques 6-8 cm in diameter. They are raised above the surface of the head, consist of pus-producing inflamed hair follicles and swollen dermis. After some time, the center of the plaques becomes covered with brown crusts.

Diagnosis of the disease

Diagnosis of pink lichen is based on an examination of rashes with illumination by a Wood's lamp (with a fungal origin of dermatosis, a spot under the influence of ultraviolet rays 366 nanometers long acquires a greenish tint), a laboratory study of a scraping taken from the affected area of ​​the skin.

To distinguish Zheber's lichen from red, the features of the appearance of the rash allow - peeling in the foci goes in the direction from the center to the edges. For the diagnosis of pityriasis versicolor, the illumination of the affected areas with a Wood's lamp, the Balzer test are used - when smearing the spots with iodine, they change color to dark brown. Additionally, under a microscope, a scraping taken from a rash-covered area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin is examined.

With herpes zoster, the diagnosis is made on the basis of the clinical picture, microscopic examination of the contents of the vesicles and scrapings from their bottom (Tzank's test).

Diagnosis of lichen planus allows a typical clinical picture, if necessary, a biopsy of papules is performed with a microscopic examination of the selected material. To determine ringworm, skin scales from the affected areas and the remains of hairs at the break point are examined for the presence of fungi.

How to treat lichen in infants

In infancy, pink lichen in babies is often treated using the Demyanovich method: 60% solution of sodium hyposulfite is applied to the skin, and then 6% solution of hydrochloric acid.

Lubrication of the foci of the disease with Fukortsin, an alcohol solution of iodine is also used. Traditional medicine suggests gently rubbing the ash obtained by burning paper into the lesions.

It is useful to apply compresses from decoctions of plantain leaves, hop cones, burdock flowers to stains, treat with sea buckthorn oil. Foods and nutritional mixtures that can cause an allergic reaction are excluded from the child's diet.

With ringworm, plaques are treated with antimycotic agents, which include sulfur, birch tar and iodine. As folk remedies for lubricating stains, a slurry of dry mustard and apple cider vinegar, chopped cabbage and homemade sour cream, a mixture of honey and beetroot broth, and unsalted buckwheat broth are used. Treatment of diseases can be long, interrupt it only after laboratory confirmation of the fact that the child has recovered.

Treatment of various types of lichen aged one year and older with ointment and tablets

With pink lichen, Ascorutin is prescribed to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, Fenistil to reduce itching. Foods that irritate the walls of the digestive organs and create a risk of allergic manifestations are excluded from the diet.

The lesions are lubricated with sea buckthorn or peach oil, in severe cases of the disease, ointments containing corticosteroids are prescribed. Recovery occurs in 1.5–2 months.

Pityriasis (varicolored) lichen is treated with topical antimycotic drugs: Ketoconazole, Psoril, Clotrimazole, Mycozolon, Lamisil. To eliminate keratinized scales, the skin is treated with salicylic alcohol. In case of damage to the face and head areas with hairline, Nizoral, Keto Plus, Foltane Pharma therapeutic shampoos are used. Systemic antifungal drugs Ketoconazole, Intraconazole, Fluconazole are also used.

For the treatment of herpes zoster, Acyclovir, Curantil, Immunoglobulin, Levamisole tablets, painkillers and sedatives are used. Vesicles are treated with brilliant green, crusts - 5% Dermatol ointment. In the presence of concomitant bacterial infections, antibiotics are used.

To eliminate lichen planus, a complex of therapeutic methods is used: diseases of internal organs are cured, nutrition is normalized, stressful situations are minimized, and contact with substances that can cause allergic manifestations is excluded.

In case of lesions of the oral mucosa, attention should be paid to sanitizing the oral cavity, avoiding food that can irritate the nerve endings and increase discomfort, such as cold, spicy, sour foods. In the treatment of the acute stage of lichen red, antibiotics are prescribed, and non-hormonal anabolic agents are used to eliminate severe erythroderma.

Immunomodulatory drugs are taken to increase immunity, sedatives, for example, based on valerian, will help relieve the condition with severe itching. Papules are treated with alcohol solutions, followed by lubrication with an ointment containing glucocorticoids. On the mucous membranes, the rash is treated with a solution of soda.

Ringworm treatment consists in treating the affected surface with ointments (sulphuric, sulfur-tar, sulfur-salicylic), Lamizin. If the deep layers of the skin are affected, the antifungal agent Triderm, hormonal ointments Advantan, Beloderm are used.

Recipes and traditional medicine at home

There are many effective folk ways to deal with lichen. Before using them, be sure to consult with your doctor. Without an accurate diagnosis and the permission of a pediatrician, it is dangerous to self-medicate!

Means used to lubricate spots with lichen caused by a fungal infection:

  • Propolis tincture for the treatment of affected skin areas.

Pour 25 g of propolis with 100 ml of ethyl alcohol, put in a dark place to infuse for 7 days.

  • A mixture of olive oil and citric acid.

For 3 parts of oil, take 1 part of crystalline acid.

  • A mixture of baking soda and salt.

To prepare, you need to take the components in equal proportions, dilute with water until a thick slurry is obtained.

  • A mixture of vaseline or vegetable oil with crushed calendula flowers in a ratio of 5:1.
  • With pityriasis versicolor, it is recommended to use an infusion of seeds and crushed sorrel root.

A tablespoon of the ingredients is poured into 200 ml of boiling water. An effective remedy can also be prepared from the crushed leaves of this plant by mixing them with sour cream.

  • Pharmacy tinctures of celandine or salicylic acid.

Measures to prevent complications and infection of other children

To avoid unpleasant consequences and complications of the disease will allow timely treatment from the moment the first symptoms of lichen appear. The child should not be exposed to direct sunlight.

For good absorption of sweat and ensuring optimal heat transfer, it is necessary to use clothes made from natural fabrics - chintz, linen, wool in the baby's wardrobe. It should be free, this will minimize its friction with the skin.

Bathing a sick child in the bathroom is not allowed, as this can further spread the infection to other parts of the body.

For hygiene procedures, it is better to use running shower water, without using washcloths and without rubbing the skin. You should also explain to the child that itchy foci of the disease should not be combed so that the fungus does not get on healthy skin areas.

To exclude the circulation of infection, it is advisable to wash and remove soft toys, objects with a long nap from the room in which the small child is located.

Washing and ironing of the patient's belongings should be done separately. To prevent infection of other children, it is necessary to ensure that hygiene items, cutlery, hats, etc. are not shared.

Pink and ringworm are contagious, so the child is removed from visiting the children's team.

Possible Complications

If measures to eliminate the influence of adverse factors and improper treatment of the baby are not followed, there is a high probability of damage to new areas of the body, and eczematous foci may form at the site of the spots. When other types of infection are attached, purulent lesions form on the skin in the form of impetigo, folliculitis, hidradenitis and other inflammatory processes.

If ringworm treatment is stopped before complete recovery, a relapse of the disease is possible, antifungal drugs should be taken for another 7 days after the symptoms of the disease disappear and the structure of the skin and hair returns to normal.

Recovery after treatment and prevention of lichen

Measures to prevent re-infection - boiling and ironing clothes, disinfecting or replacing personal hygiene items - can speed up the recovery of the body after the transfer of the disease.

Rational nutrition, rich in vitamins and minerals, exercise, sports exercises, walks in the fresh air help to strengthen the immune system. You should remove from the diet foods that contribute to the appearance of allergic reactions.

To prevent the disease with infectious types of lichen, it is necessary to exclude the contact of the child with sick peers and adults. If there is a sick person in the house, you should increase the frequency of wet cleaning, use disinfectants when washing floors, and regularly ventilate the rooms. It is necessary to ensure that children wash their hands thoroughly after communicating with pets, and are not under the scorching sun in the summer.

- a group of infectious dermatoses of a fungal or viral nature, occurring with rashes, itching, peeling, skin pigmentation disorders, hair loss. In children, there are various types of lichen (ringworm, multi-colored, red flat, pityriasis, herpes zoster), which have specific manifestations. To identify lichen in children, dermatological diagnostics is carried out: examination of the skin under a Wood's lamp, microscopy of scrapings, virological and cultural examination. Treatment of lichen in children includes quarantine measures, treatment of affected areas of the skin with antifungal, antiviral, corticosteroid drugs, and physiotherapy.

General information

Lichen in children is a collective term for viral and fungal skin diseases in children, different in etiology, external manifestations and course. According to statistics, up to 90% of children attending various children's institutions are affected by one or another type of lichen. In pediatric dermatology, lichen is more often diagnosed in children under the age of 14 years. Due to the fact that some types of lichen are highly contagious and pose a danger to surrounding children and adults, with any skin changes, it is necessary to show the child to a pediatrician, pediatric dermatologist or infectious disease specialist.

Lichen planus in children

This type of lichen in children is extremely rare. When the disease affects the skin, mucous membranes, rarely nails. Dermatosis is characterized by a monomorphic rash in the form of flat nodules of bright red or cyanotic color with a shiny surface, 2–3 mm in diameter. Lichen planus is accompanied by intense itching that deprives children of sleep. Merging, the nodules form small plaques with small scales on their surface.

The characteristic localization of rashes in lichen planus in children is the flexor surfaces of the forearms, wrist joints, inner thighs, inguinal and axillary regions, and mucous membranes of the mouth.

Shingles in children

Shingles (herpes) develops in children older than 10 years and adults who have had chickenpox in the past. The appearance of skin rashes with shingles in children is preceded by a flu-like condition - malaise, chilling, fever, burning sensation, numbness or tingling along the sensory nerves, in the area of ​​​​future rashes.

After 1-2 days, on an erythematous-edematous background, groups of vesicles 0.3-0.5 cm in size appear, filled with transparent contents. The rash is located linearly, along the large nerve trunks and nerve branches. During the period of active rashes, there is a high fever, radiating pain along the intercostal and trigeminal nerve, lymphadenitis. After a few days, the contents of the bubbles become cloudy and dry; crusts form in their place, which then fall off, leaving behind light pigmentation. Recovery usually occurs within 15 days to 1 month.

With shingles, children can develop stomatitis, conjunctivitis, keratitis, iridocyclitis, neuritis of the optic and oculomotor nerves, and neuralgia. In debilitated children, shingles can be complicated by serous meningitis, encephalitis, and myelitis.

Diagnosis of lichen in children

Diagnosis of lichen in children, as well as the determination of its form, is carried out by a pediatric dermatologist, mycologist or infectious disease specialist. To confirm the alleged diagnosis, the doctor conducts a visual examination of the skin, special tests, and luminescent diagnostics. Each form of lichen in children has its own characteristics of the morphology of the elements, as well as the characteristic fluorescence of the affected areas with), vitiligo, alopecia areata in children (with ringworm).

Treatment for lichen in children

The treatment regimen for lichen in children depends on the type of infection and the severity of the manifestations. In all cases, treatment should be carried out under the supervision of a dermatologist. Infectious forms of lichen require the isolation of a sick child and the temporary cessation of contact with him by other children.

Treatment of lichen in children caused by fungal pathogens involves shaving off hair in the affected area, taking systemic antimycotics (griseofulvin), treating the skin with antifungal ointments, conducting general strengthening vitamin therapy, and immunomodulating therapy. With severe itching of the skin, antihistamines, corticosteroid ointments are prescribed. In case of damage to the flexible scalp, medicated fungicidal shampoos are used. The criterion for cure for fungal lichen in children is a three-time negative analysis for fungi.

Therapy for shingles in children is carried out with antiviral drugs of local and general action (interferon, acyclovir), analgesics, NSAIDs. The foci of rashes are lubricated with brilliant green and other disinfectant solutions to prevent suppurative complications. Physiotherapeutic procedures are very effective for shingles in children - sollux, UVI, ultrasound therapy, electrophoresis, diathermy, magnetic field. With severe pain syndrome, novocaine blockades, reflexotherapy are carried out.

An important point is strict adherence to hygiene rules (regular change of linen and clothes of the child, their washing and ironing; prevention of combing elements; disinfection of personal hygiene items), temporary exclusion of general water procedures, hypoallergenic nutrition.

Prevention of lichen in children

The factors that make it possible to prevent infection with lichen are: complete isolation of a sick child from healthy children; limiting contact of children with homeless animals; regular check-ups of pets by a veterinarian. It is extremely important to pay attention to strengthening the immunity of children, to instill hygiene skills in children.

Treating lichen in children is a long and patient process. Often, the disappearance of visible manifestations does not at all mean a complete recovery, therefore, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the terms of therapy and quarantine indicated by the doctor.

For a group of diseases of a fungal, viral, allergic and autoimmune nature, the appearance of inflammatory spots or small itchy nodules is characteristic. Treatment of lichen in a child is difficult due to age restrictions that exist in relation to potent antifungal and hormonal drugs. The name of the disease goes back to the era of the ancient Slavs, who called "dashing" everything evil, superfluous. Lichen brings suffering to a child and an adult, but there are many remedies that reduce inflammation, relieve itching.

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What you need to know about lichen in children?

Skin lesions of various etiologies require specific treatment. In case of infection of a child, we deprive parents pay attention to the appearance of elements of a rash on the face, limbs and torso, foci of hair loss on the head. Nodular and spotted rashes are usually accompanied by itching, the skin area changes color to red, pink or white, blistering, peeling begins. Treatment of lichen in adults and children is carried out only after determining the causative agent of the disease.

Parents of a sick child should pay attention to areas of baldness in pets. The average duration of the incubation period in the case of a fungal nature of lichen on human skin is about 4–10 days. Trichophytosis of the head is manifested by round bald spots two weeks after infection.

Signs of lichen on the skin of the body and ringworm of the nails:

  • cracks and peeling between the toes or hands, on the palms or soles;
  • pink-red concentric spots on the face;
  • redness and irritation in the groin area;
  • round flat plaques on the skin;
  • yellowing, stratification of nails.

Pityriasis, multi-colored or solar lichen is the result of the activity of the fungi pityrosporum and malassezia. Small non-inflammatory spots appear, reddish-brown in color. When a person tans, the affected areas of the body do not darken, so they look like discolored skin. The spots remain isolated or merge and form large, irregular lesions on the shoulders, back, arms, and legs.

How to treat lichen in a child at home?

The affected areas are treated with salicylic alcohol 2-3%, iodine tincture. With great care, sulfur-salicylic or sulfur-tar ointment is applied (allowed from 2 years). Used for the treatment of lichen and more expensive external means - "Lamisil" or "Ketoconazole". Most of these drugs should not be used if the child is under 2 years old.

Antifungal ointments for the treatment of lichen in children:

  1. Cream "Clotrimazole". The active ingredient of the same name is active against dermatophytes and causative agents of multi-colored lichen. The agent is applied two or three times a day, gently rubbed into the affected area.
  2. Ointment "Mikoseptin". The active ingredients are undecylenic acid and its zinc salt. The remedy is used for lichen caused by trichophytes and dermatophytes. The ointment is applied to clean, dry skin twice a day for 10-14 days.
  3. Cream or ointment "Terbinafine". The active substance of the same name affects different groups of fungi, which are the causative agents of lichen on the skin, mycoses of nails and hair. The product is suitable for children over 2 years old. Apply once or twice a day to cleanly washed and well-dried skin of the body or head.
  4. Ridoxol ointment. Treatment of lichen in a child can be carried out with an ointment based on the active substance triiodresorcinol.

In Russia, during clinical trials of 1% ridoxol ointment, researchers and doctors observed a pronounced therapeutic effect in 14 children who suffered from lichen (skin microsporia). The agent was applied to the affected areas twice a day for 14 days. In the control groups, griseofulvin was prescribed orally, external treatments were performed with iodine preparations, sulfur-tar ointment. When treated with ridoxol ointment, itching disappeared faster, the skin acquired a healthy appearance.

The child is prescribed medications for topical use and for oral administration, taking into account the severity of the disease. The doctor determines the dosage and duration of treatment, taking into account the type of lichen and the patient's health status. Children under 12 years of age are one of the most common contraindications for the use of potent antimycotic and anti-inflammatory drugs. Therefore, a dermatologist should discuss with parents the question of how to treat lichen in children, inform about the contraindications of prescribed drugs.

Auxiliary and folk remedies for the treatment of lichen in children

It is necessary to regularly disinfect and soften the affected skin. Calendula tincture, chamomile infusion, oils - olive, dogrose, St. John's wort, sea buckthorn are used. Solutions and oils "Chlorophyllipt", "Romazulan" are suitable for antiseptic treatment.

Vitamin therapy and drugs to strengthen the body's own defenses are especially important in chronic ringworm. If a child's lichen has acquired a chronic form, then it is necessary to take care of improving the diet, diversify the menu with vegetables, fruits, and give honey in accordance with age norms.

Useful fresh juices from fruits of red, orange and yellow color, green leafy vegetables. They are rich in carotene, a precursor of vitamin A (retinol). According to researchers, deficiency of vitamins A, E, C and zinc is the root of many skin problems. Sea buckthorn and sea buckthorn oil, carrots, spinach are rich in carotene.

How to treat lichen in children - 7 folk remedies:

  1. Make lotions with propolis tincture.
  2. Rinse the body and hair with infusion of celandine or string.
  3. Prepare a tincture from celandine - squeeze the juice from a fresh plant through gauze, mix with vodka (1: 1). Means
    suitable for the treatment of various types of lichen.
  4. Rub a mixture of birch tar with butter (1:1).
  5. Or mix tar for cosmetic use with beaten egg yolk and heavy cream. Tar products should be applied to tinea at night due to its pungent odor. You can put a bandage on top.
  6. Wipe lichen with juice from fresh calendula flowers (suitable for children under 2 years old).
  7. Moisten a cotton ball with apple cider vinegar and apply to lichen spots on the skin several times a day.

With insufficient care, secondary infection occurs. The child combs spots, nodules and plaques, introduces a bacterial infection. Then there is a need to apply antibacterial ointments, in severe cases, the doctor prescribes antibiotics for oral administration.

If you start treatment for depriving a child in a timely manner, do not skip the next application of medicines and folk remedies, then the disease passes faster and does not cause pain to the baby.

It is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle, observe the requirements of hygiene, strengthen the immune system. Infectious forms of lichen are transmitted from sick people and animals. You can not use other people's combs, shared towels, clothes, slippers. It should be forbidden for the child to play with yard animals, to treat fungal and other infections in pets.

Children are prone to skin disease due to insufficient adaptation of the body to external and internal factors. Signs of depriving a child can be recognized by the photo. This is a skin rash with pronounced borders.

Every child can become infected with lichen, the degree of risk is associated with the type of lichen, but the main ways of infection can be distinguished:

  • contact with a sick person or animal;
  • using things of a sick animal or contact with things that were related to a sick animal;
  • viral types are manifested due to a general weakening of the body or a decrease in immunity against the background of various diseases.

Lichen in a child (photo, signs of the disease will help to recognize it in the initial stage of development), which is manifested by skin rashes, there are different types. It is necessary to diagnose the variety before starting treatment.

Lichen planus

This is a disease that occurs due to a violation of the immune and metabolic processes.

The specific causes of occurrence are still not fully understood, but among the factors that contribute to the occurrence, they call:

Signs of lichen red in a child are easy to distinguish if you see them in the photo:

  • It manifests itself in the form of flat red or raspberry bubbles, they have a slightly retracted middle, reach up to 5 mm in diameter.
  • Rashes are located in whole groups, creating bizarre clusters of circles, garlands, ovals on the skin.
  • Red lichen does not spill out on the scalp, it can appear on the entire surface of the body.
  • After the papule exfoliates, a characteristic mark remains in its place, or a new irritation occurs. The rash itches, the child loses sleep and falls into a nervous state.

In addition to rashes, children feel a general malaise, they lose their appetite, they become lethargic and inhibited. Lichen planus cannot be contracted, unlike other types of lichen. The peculiarity of this species is that it also manifests itself on the mucous membranes in the mouth, this occurs due to long-term drug treatment with drugs such as:

  • Diclofenac;
  • Aspirin;
  • antimalarials.

It is difficult for dermatologists to diagnose lichen ruber only by appearance due to the fact that it can take many forms and have rare symptoms, so clinical tests and necessary examinations are necessary to determine it.

pink lichen

This disease is infectious-allergic in nature. The second name is Gibert's lichen, named after the dermatologist from France who described this disease.

Causes of a rash:

  • excessive hypothermia of the body or its overheating;
  • allergic reaction to the vaccine, to the replacement of the mixture;
  • lowering of the body's defense reactions during the autumn-winter beriberi.

The infection is transmitted by household means, you can become infected through the use of common things, clothing, toys.

Pink lichen (photo) can appear in a child and an adult. The first signs of infection appear after 2-7 days

Lichen in a child, the photo and signs of which differ by type, is characterized by the appearance of oval plaques that spread to the chest, abdomen or thighs. Their edges are clearly defined, they are located in groups. The child becomes lethargic, drowsy, his body temperature slightly rises.

The plaques begin to peel off a few days after the appearance of the first oval maternal spot., spread over the entire surface of the body and become dry. Territories of localization are areas of thinner skin, over time, cracks appear on them, which cause particular discomfort to the child. This type of lichen is located on the scalp, unlike red.

Ringworm

Trichophytosis is a disease of an infectious fungal species. This type of disease is called ringworm because it develops on the scalp, and after the appearance of spots, the hair in this place breaks off at the roots, forming a noticeable hairless island.

Lichen in a child (photos and signs will help not to confuse this type of disease with other types) is contagious. There may be several hairless areas on the head.

Causes of occurrence:


Children are at risk if they have:

  • low level of immunity;
  • low content of vitamin A;
  • chronic diseases;
  • damage to the skin during communication or contact with contaminated material.

The complexity of diagnosis is a hidden incubation period. It takes about 7 days from the moment of the first infection, but 2 weeks can pass from the moment of infection from a person, so it can be extremely difficult to track the outbreak.

The places where ringworm most often begins to spread are the neck, head, and face. The principle of appearance is similar to other dermatological manifestations. First, a maternal plaque appears, round or oval in shape, its color is initially light pink. Over time, the spots become swollen, the fungus infects the hair, and they break off.

Ringworm has several basic forms that differ from each other in some details:

  • Surface. The easiest kind. The spots have strict boundaries, affect the scalp, face, neck, shoulders, upper chest.
  • Chronic. It occurs due to the lack of treatment of the superficial form. On the scalp, the spots have black dots in the center, in addition, the rash spreads to the buttocks, often affecting the nail plates. According to dermatologists, the symptoms and signs would be similar to the manifestation of childhood eczema, if not for the hairless spots on the head.
  • Infiltrative-purulent. The rash begins to fester some time after the onset, the child has inflamed lymph nodes, frequent and severe headaches, fever. In place of purulent plaques after treatment, scars remain.

Ringworm can be easily identified in a child, its signs are pronounced.

Shingles

This species is recognized as one of the most dangerous types of lichen due to its severe course and complications. It is transmitted by airborne droplets, caused by the herpes virus 3 species.

Appears when:

  • decreased immunity after past illnesses;
  • exacerbation of chronic diseases;
  • the presence of oncology;
  • HIV infection;
  • after blood transfusions or transplants.

Signs relating to the characteristics of herpes zoster are difficult to confuse with other types.

The most characteristic of them:

  • an increase in body temperature up to 39 ° C, inflammation and enlargement of the lymph nodes during the first day of illness;
  • the child's condition resembles the state after chemical poisoning, there are signs of dehydration;
  • on the first day, a rash appears - blisters with liquid inside;
  • the rash affects the face, back, chest;
  • bubbles are grouped, forming a traceable trace, located along the affected nerves in a dense line;
  • on day 3, the liquid inside becomes cloudy, then crusts appear, and brown spots subsequently remain in their place.

The danger of this type is that improper or untimely treatment leads to serious consequences, such as: meningitis or encephalitis.

versicolor or pityriasis versicolor

This species is named so because the spots that form on the skin can be of different colors: from yellow-brown to pink. The disease is caused by a fungal infection and is not transmitted from person to person. The infection affects not only the outer integument of the child, but also weakens the internal system of the whole organism.

Multi-colored small spots appear on the chest, neck, back, while the child does not show other signs of the disease. This type of rash does not always flake off, diagnosis is difficult because the patient has almost no other complaints. Pityriasis versicolor disease is most common in adolescents, boys are susceptible to it.

If the lichen is located on the head, in its hairy part, then we can call it seborrhea, often it provokes an increased separation of dandruff. Over time, multi-colored spots turn white and merge into one large spot. The second name is pityriasis, it has because of the similarity of exfoliating particles with dry bran.

weeping lichen

So called acute or chronic skin disease - eczema.

There are many reasons for the occurrence of weeping lichen, the main ones are:


There are several forms of eczematic manifestation:

  1. Eczema is real. Red inflammation spreads to the outer surfaces of the hands, after opening the bubbles, the liquid is poured onto the skin, then crusts form. Under them, the skin changes and is characterized by increased dryness.
  2. Eczema dysgodrotic. This species extends to the feet and palms.
  3. Eczema is microbial. The skin around the initial lesions is susceptible to re-infection, may be on the shins of the legs, and acquires a purple hue.
  4. Eczema seborrheic. Many perceive this phenomenon as dandruff, but upon closer examination, you can see that these are layers of the epidermis, in places of inflammation, the skin is characterized by increased dryness.

A feature of eczema is the flow for many years, it can fade and develop again. It is difficult or impossible to get rid of this type. Children experience eczema hard, itching interferes with sleep, introduces them into neurotic states.

scaly lichen

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. It is not contagious, but can be inherited by a child if one of the parents is sick with it.

Symptoms are similar to other manifestations, similar to allergic rashes, they can be difficult to diagnose at the initial stage:


Doctors distinguish 3 stages of psoriasis:

  1. Spicy. It is characterized by active rash, combing of the rash.
  2. Stationary. It implies the beginning of treatment, when the spots decrease, discomfort decreases, peace sets in.
  3. Regressive. During this period, the skin is cleansed.

Psoriasis is not contagious.

Which doctor to go to

When a rash appears, parents do not always understand which specialist to contact. For infants, the first doctor to help decide on further treatment is a pediatrician.

But the specialists who will be involved in diagnosing and prescribing treatment are:

  • dermatologists;
  • immunologists.

Lichen in a child (photos, signs, treatment and methods of prevention will be shown and told by an experienced specialist in a children's clinic) can be dangerous for people in contact with the sick person. Therefore, before determining the exact diagnosis, it is important to be careful when dealing with him.

Diagnostic methods

To determine the type of skin disease, there are special techniques, they allow you to see the clinical picture more clearly and make the correct diagnosis.


Treatment of lichen planus

After diagnosing, doctors begin to determine a treatment regimen. It can vary depending on the reactions of the body, but basically has common features, depending on the type of disease.

Complicated types are treated with hormone-containing drugs.

  • the introduction of hormones intramuscularly;
  • the use of vitamins (Complivit, Alphabet complexes);
  • sedatives (tinctures of motherwort, valerian);
  • ointment with hormones or ointment with corticosteroids, treatment up to 3 times a day;
  • diet and rest, lack of sunlight on the affected areas;
  • antibiotics if needed.

Treatment of pink deprivation

This type differs in methods of treatment:

Ringworm treatment

For the treatment of this type, antifungal drugs are used in combination with local remedies:

  • preparations containing ketaconazole are intended for oral administration in accordance with the instructions;
  • compresses using selenium sulfate;
  • the foci are treated with a solution of iodine;
  • treatment of the affected areas with sulfur-tar ointment for 10 days;
  • taking tablets - Terminafine, dosage and administration rules depend on the patient's body weight.

Rules of personal hygiene, constant change of linen are mandatory conditions for the treatment of skin diseases.

Shingles treatment

Treatment of this type should take place only under the supervision of a specialist.

He will assign:


Treatment of multi-colored lichen

Effective means of complex therapy are considered:

  • antibiotics (Furazolin);
  • the skin is treated with sulfuric ointment;
  • as an antiseptic, Wilkenson's ointment is used, it contains tar and sulfur, which have drying, anti-inflammatory properties.

Weeping lichen treatment

This type can be cured or alleviate the symptoms only with the help of complex therapy:

  • local remedies based on zinc Tsinadol, Desitin;
  • hormone-containing ointments Trimistine, Belosalik;
  • antihistamine type tablets, antibiotics, vitamin complexes;
  • diet with the exception of fried foods, an abundance of drink.

Eczema is a disease in the course of which the principle of treatment changes, all drugs are prescribed by an experienced dermatologist.

Treatment of scaly lichen

Children take lighter drugs than adults:

This list of drugs cannot but affect the child's body, therefore, at the end of treatment, a course of therapy is required to restore the body.

Treatment with folk remedies

There are traditional medicine techniques that help relieve symptoms and help treat the type of lichen. It is necessary to prepare products from high-quality and fresh ingredients so as not to provoke the development of adverse reactions and not aggravate the course of the disease.

Type of disease Means Usage Recommendations
Shingles Apple vinegarLubricate the affected areas up to 6 times a day An obstacle can be a pungent odor, from which the child may become ill
RingwormMixture:
  • propolis - 50 g;
  • alcohol - 200 ml.
Treat the affected areas 2 times a day The ingredients are mixed in a dark glass jar, insisted in the refrigerator for about 7 days.
scaly lichen CelandineTaking baths with celandine Use with caution in weeping lichen
pink lichenSea buckthorn oil They lubricate the affected areas The oil nourishes, moisturizes and promotes skin regeneration.
red lichenBeetroot masks The beets are rubbed, the juice is squeezed out a little, applied to the skin under a bandage As the beet dries out, it is replaced with a new portion.
For all types of lichen Sulfur based ointment:
  • sulfur-35 g;
  • vaseline-70g.
Mix ingredients, use

2 times a day for a week

The ointment is stored in the refrigerator, in a dark glass jar.
For all types of lichen Ointment:
  • birch tar - 50 g;
  • salicylic acid -50 g.
Mix until smooth, apply several times a day A contraindication may be an allergy to one of the components
Pityriasis versicolor Buckwheat decoctionAfter cooking the cereal, the broth is drained and cooled Wipe the decoction of the affected areas in the morning and evening
Shingles Garlic Blend:
  • Chopped garlic - 1 tbsp;
  • Honey - 1 tbsp.
Garlic and honey are mixed, the remedy is applied to inflammation as a compress. Not all children can tolerate the smell of garlic. The tool is used in a course of 3 weeks
For all types of lichen Decoction of mint for rubdown:
  • peppermint - 50g;
  • water-200ml.
Mint is brewed, insisted for an hour, wipe the skin every half hour The tool can only help if you use it constantly, it relieves inflammation and soothes the skin.

To protect your child from diseases, you must remember the rules of personal hygiene, the rules for visiting public places, how to behave with pets. Parents can recognize the signs of depriving a child from numerous photographs and contact a specialist in the early stages of the disease in order to begin the correct and timely treatment.

Article formatting: Vladimir the Great

Video about lichen

Dr. Komarovsky will talk about fungal infections (lichen) in children: