Red flat lichen is a multifactorial dermatosis. The disease often affects the inner surface of the ankle joints, forearms, wrist joints, mucous membranes, and infects the nails much less frequently.
Frequent rashes, localized on the scalp, tend to end with the development of scarring alopecia. The skin is characterized by atrophic changes such as hyperpigmentation and anethodermia. From other types of dermatoses this disease differs only in that it appears against the background of already existing problems with various internal organs.
Flat deprive sick people of all ages, but most susceptible to the disease of women 50-60 years. In this article we will look at photos, symptoms, as well as modern ways of treating red lichen at home.
Causes
Why there is a red flat lichen, and what is it? A number of scientific studies have been devoted to the study of this disease in man. Nevertheless, the exact reasons for the appearance of this disease are currently unknown. It is believed that the basis of the appearance of red flat lichen are immunity disorders.
Presumablyit is developing because of:
- nervous breakdowns,
- virus infection,
- hereditary predisposition,
- immuno-allergic reactions.
This diseaseoften develops in individuals:
- elderly (40-60 years),
- female,
- with hereditary predisposition,
- suffering from diabetes,
- with injuries of the oral mucosa (because of sharp edges of teeth, bad prosthesis, etc.)
- with gastrointestinal diseases,
- after stress.
For this species, lichen is characterized by a prolonged and persistent current. A complete cure for flat red lichen is almost impossible. With certain long-term treatment, you can achieve a long period of remission.
Classification
Depending on the manifestation, the following varieties are distinguished:
- Typical Form- polygonal plaques of characteristic pink color with a lilac shade;
- Hypertrophic- large nodules and plaques with a warty surface;
- Atrophic- with or without hyperpigmentation;
- Bullousthe form is represented as a subcutaneous blister;
- Erythematous- a common form with redness of the skin.
Depending on the course, the red lichen planus may be acute (lasting up to 1 month) or subacute (lasts up to 6 months) and long-lasting (more than 6 months).
Symptoms of red lichen planus
When a red flat lichen occurs, the main symptoms in a person are manifested in the form of rashes on the skin. The lesions slightly rise above the surface of the skin, have a shiny surface and irregular shape.
The color of the spots is crimson-red, the dimensions are small. Then the spots begin to increase and merge, forming large plaques on the skin with a peeling surface. The appearance of rashes with flat abscess is often accompanied by pain and itching. And the pain is constant and quite intense. As a result, the patient loses appetite and sleep, possibly the development of a neurosis.
As a rule, red hair follicles prefer to group into small areas andlocalized in the following places:
- elbow bends;
- forearm surfaces;
- belly;
- hips;
- genital organs;
- shins;
- the lower back;
- armpits.
Part of the patients noted the presence of papules only on the mucous membranes (oral cavity, genitalia) without skin lesions. On the surface of the mucosa, papules of lichen have a characteristic light gray color, are arranged in the form of rings with moderate ecdysis. In a small number of patients, nail changes are noted: longitudinal striae, turbidity of the nail plate, redness of the nail bed.
Atypical symptoms
Red lichen can also appear in a more unusual form:
- Warty form- plaques dark, covered with a dense keratinized outgrowth, located only on the anterior surface of the shin;
- Atrophic (sclerotic) form- Atrophic processes predominate, that is, instead of skin epithelium, connective tissue is formed, possibly focal baldness; Typically, the location of lesions on the extensor surfaces of the limbs (the Lussuer-Little symptom);
- Pemphigoid (pemphigus) form- In addition to the usual rash, there is the appearance of blisters filled with serous or hemorrhagic fluid. This form is also called para-oncologic dermatosis, which is diagnosed in patients with malignant tumors of internal organs .;
- Pointed shape- along with the classical papules there are pointed elements, possibly a combination with atrophic changes;
- Moniliform (necklace-like) version- the elements of the rash are arranged in the form of clear long strips, which outwardly resembles a necklace; can spread to the scalp and face;
- Ring-shaped- rashes are grouped in a kind of ring with a diameter of up to 20 mm. It is often observed in the scrotum or on the head of the penis;
- Linear variant- a distinctive feature of this form is a rash, localized along the course of nerve endings. Usually occurs on the lower limbs or trunk along the nerve trunks. This species is often confused with linear lichen, which has a very similar symptomatology;
- And finally, the most complicated form of the disease is erosive-ulcerative. The therapy of this form is quite complex and requires special attention. There is flat lichen in the mouth, in the form of ulcers and erosions, the surface of which is covered with fibrous plaque.
Depending on the form, as well as the severity of symptoms of red flat lichen, a treatment regimen is determined in adults.
Red flat lichen: a photo of a person
How does the rash look with red deprivation on the skin, and also the mucous membrane of the mouth in humans. We offer to view detailed photos.
Diagnostics
Presence of typical rashes on the skin allows the dermatologist to diagnose red flat lichen on a clinical picture. However, the variety of clinical manifestations and the existence of rare forms of red flat lichen cause certain difficulties in its diagnosis in individual cases. This is mainly true of red lichen mucosa.
To make an accurate diagnosisappoint examinations:
- Blood test (for the acute course of the disease is characterized by an increase in ESR and leukocytes).
- Biopsy of affected areas.
- Ultrasound of internal organs.
Also, a dermatologist can send a patient to consult with other specialists (gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, neurologist, dentist, geneticist).
Treatment of red lichen planus in humans
To each person the treatment of the red flat lichen is selected individually. In each specific case, the specialist must take into account the conditions under which the disease has appeared, the important risk factors are the living conditions and possible foci of infection.
The main methods of treating red lichen in humans include:
- Medicinal (tablets, ointments, solutions).
- Electrocoagulation.
- Cryodestruction.
- Physiotherapy methods (laser therapy, phototherapy).
- Phytotherapy (herbal decoctions, ointments based on herbs).
Local Therapyincludes the use of ointments:
- Betamethasone.
- Hydrocortisone 1%.
- Prednisolone ointment 0.5%.
- Flumethasone.
- Triamcinolone.
- Other analogues.
In addition, to effectively get rid of the disease, tools and methods are used that contribute to the normalization of sleep and correction of the psychosomatic state - light antidepressants, hypnotics and sedatives, neck and neck massage, electrosleep, iontophoresis with sedative electrolytes, darsonval procedures. A certain effect in the complex therapy is provided by vitamins A, E, D, group B, immunomodulators Neovir, and Decaris.
As a rule, the disease is resolved safely. There are no recurrences. But unfortunately, there is also chronic red flat lichen, which can manifest both systematically and several times in 1-2 years.
Food
The diet with flat deprivation requires the following products to be excluded from the diet:
- coffee;
- game;
- eggs;
- all smoked and fat;
- alcoholic beverages;
- colored drinks;
- concentrated shop juices;
- sharp snacks, spices, condiments;
- Sweets, especially with dyes and stabilizers.
To improve the flow of metabolic processes, vitamin therapy is indicated. Directly vitamin A and its derivatives have a beneficial effect on the division of skin cells and reduce the severity of inflammation. Vitamin preparation is prescribed for 2 to 3 weeks with dosages of 25-50 mg.
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