Help on Tele2, tariffs, questions

In terms of frequency of occurrence, lichen can only be compared with acute viral respiratory infections. A child can catch the disease at any time of the year, since the process of learning about the world around him and active communication does not stop for a minute with the onset of cold weather.

Parents need to pay attention to pink, oval-shaped spots that appear on the baby’s skin in order to consult a doctor in time and, if the diagnosis is confirmed, begin treatment immediately.

Find out everything about the types of infectious disease in children - lichen: what it is, what symptoms it manifests, how to recognize it and how to treat it, the necessary treatment.

general characteristics

Diseases included in the group of infectious dermatoses are known under the general collective name “lichen.” You can become infected with one of several types of lichen at any age. However, most often children under 14 years of age are at risk. The opinion that infants are not at risk of infection is erroneous. A stroller left unattended or an older child who communicated with a sick peer become direct sources of infection.

Accompanied by childhood infectious dermatosis rashes, disturbed skin pigmentation of varying degrees, itching sensations, peeling and even hair loss at the site of the spots.

Despite such threatening manifestations, there is no need to panic. Ringworm is highly treatable if diagnosed early.

This is confirmed by statistics stating that more than 90% of children received treatment for infectious dermatosis at least once in my life. Treating any disease is more difficult than preventing it. And prevention is impossible without knowledge of the causes of infectious dermatoses in children.

Main causes of infection

Due to the fact that lichen is a fungal or viral disease, you cannot limit yourself to delegating the blame for infection to cats or dogs. For each type of dermatosis, its own causes of lichen and the specific type of pathogen are identified. Common list:

Late diagnosis and the transition of each type of lichen to a more severe form is not limited to such complications, such as enlarged lymph nodes, purulent inflammation of the skin, hair loss and various skin defects.

Infectious dermatosis can provoke optic neuritis. For frequently ill and weakened children delays in treatment are fraught with encephalitis, meningitis, pyoderma or perifolliculitis of the head.

The most severe complication is damage to the nervous system, characteristic of advanced pityriasis versicolor.

Classification

Regardless of whether parents have experience in treating childhood infectious dermatosis or not, diagnose without contacting a specialist and trying to treat it with improvised means is strictly prohibited. Each type of disease requires specific therapy; such actions can lead to the development of severe forms and cause serious harm to health.

Ringworm (clipped, trichophytosis, microsporia)

Multi-colored (pityriasis)

Versicolor (pityriasis versicolor) in children occurs when infected with yeast-like fungi and is classified by specialists as mycoses of the skin. Three types pathogens of a multi-colored or pityriasis type often live on the skin without causing any pathological changes.

However, in the case of a previous infectious disease, disorders in the endocrine system, hereditary predisposition, or the presence of rheumatoid diseases, the fungal process is activated.

The affected area includes places with a large accumulation of sweat glands: chest, shoulders, abdomen.

Lichen Zhiber, or pink

Its development is credited activation of the herpes virus after gastrointestinal tract infections, vaccinations or respiratory diseases. The age of patients is from 10 years. The time of activation of the virus is autumn, spring and winter.

Speed ​​of distribution thanks to transmission by airborne droplets or contact suggests urgent measures for diagnosis and treatment of pink zoster in children. The areas affected are the back, abdomen, sides, chest and skin folds.

You can see the signs of pink, multi-colored (pityriasis versicolor) and ringworm in a child in this photo, but it is still difficult to determine the symptoms, and therefore you need to consult a doctor for treatment:

girdling

This type often occurs after chickenpox. The causative agent, as in the case of chickenpox, and in the case of herpes zoster is one - herpes virus Varicella zoster. The peculiarity of the occurrence lies in the reason for the start of the virus’s activity. Most often it is severe stress. When interacting with a sick person, some children may get chickenpox rather than shingles.

Red flat

The causative agent is not clear. Presumably a disease occurs due to a predisposition to allergies or due to a virus, not yet identifiable. The affected area includes nails, back, abdomen, chest, and mucous membranes. Causes: intoxication of the body, neuroses, reduced immunity, viral infection.

Look at this photo to see what lichen planus and herpes zoster look like on children’s skin. Do not self-medicate - consult a doctor so that he can correctly recognize the symptoms of the disease and prescribe treatment:

Symptoms

Definition of different types of lichen, marked activation of fungal pathogens in the warm season, and viral ones - in the cold season, in combination with the main symptoms, facilitate diagnosis.

The appearance of pink, oval-shaped spots, usually a week after infection, accompanied by itching and peeling, is the main symptom of infectious dermatosis. Additionally there is an increase in temperature, enlargement of lymph nodes. However, for different types of lichen, experts have defined their own set of symptoms.

• Oval or round patches with flaky and itchy skin are characteristic of ringworm. The presence of crusts and scales and a burning sensation are noted. After lichen, a patch of baldness forms on the child’s head.
• In areas affected by seborrhea, yellowish dots appear around the hair follicles. Brown-yellow or pink-yellow spots appear. They are covered with scales and may peel off when you try to scrape them off. These symptoms are characteristic of pityriasis versicolor.
• A bright pink spot or maternal plaque up to 5 centimeters in diameter. The peculiarity is peeling in the very center of the plaque and a red border. The baby is bothered by itching. The development of purulent complications is possible. These are the main symptoms of pityriasis rosea in a child.
• Lichen planus manifests itself as a rash in the form of flat nodules that have a bright red color and a shiny surface. The patient is worried about severe itching.
• The initial symptoms of shingles are similar to those of the flu and a burning sensation in the areas where rashes later form.

How to identify the first signs of the disease

The most severe lichen is suffered by an infant, because the baby cannot yet tell what is bothering him. He reacts to an uncomfortable state by crying and decreased appetite. Therefore, when changing clothes, massage, bathing skin examination is required. The discovery of even one round or oval spot, colored pink, is already a sufficient reason to visit a dermatologist.

You should not hesitate, since the appearance of such spots can be a symptom not only of lichen, but also of other, more serious diseases.

In preschoolers and schoolchildren, the onset of symptoms is also difficult to notice. Children usually hide problematic skin rashes. Some try to cope with the defect on their own, without informing adults. Take every opportunity to examine the skin. This is facilitated by games, joint visits to the pool or the beach.

If a rash or other symptoms are detected, it is necessary to isolate the child from communication with others. Do not wet the skin in areas of rashes. Use of medications and treatment of lichen in children at home permissible only after diagnosis and treatment by a dermatologist.

Diagnostics

To make a diagnosis, the patient is carefully examined, identifying the features of the rash. Next, the scrapings are analyzed. Using a medical scalpel or laboratory glass, skin flakes are taken from the spot. In addition to scales, the baby's hair is examined to determine the pathogen. Pathogen fungi are identified by the presence of plexuses of very thin tubes with partitions.

In addition to analyzing scrapings, the doctor may prescribe a culture of material from the lesion, blood test to determine the presence of antibodies, examination under Wood's lamp. This mercury lamp with ultraviolet light causes a green glow in areas where fungi accumulate.

There is no general treatment regimen for childhood lichen. The choice of therapy depends on the pathogen causing the disease and the degree of manifestations identified during examination. The only thing that can be common during infection is isolation of the patient from contact with others. Only a dermatologist can determine the need for this measure.

Fungal infection involves cleansing the area of ​​infected skin. How to quickly cure lichen on a child’s head? The hair on the scalp will need to be shaved. Appointed leather treatment antifungal drugs, taking vitamins, antihistamines that relieve intense itching, corticosteroid ointments.

If the lichen is caused by a virus, use analgesics, local antiviral drugs. Electrophoresis, ultrasound therapy, and Sollux procedures are effective. For pain, novocaine blockades are used. Reflexology may be used.

During treatment, it is forbidden to wet the affected areas of the skin with water during hygiene procedures.

The course is considered completed when a three-time negative result for the presence of pathogens is obtained with a break of five to seven days. Further observation depends on the type of infection. For lesions of the scalp the child is under observation for at least two months from the moment of completion of treatment therapy.

Forecast and preventive measures

Any disease If you do not contact a specialist in a timely manner, it can lead to serious complications.. Children's lichen is no exception. But if the parents showed the baby to a dermatologist immediately after the first symptoms were detected, then the prognosis will be favorable. Immunity is developed for some types of infectious dermatoses, while others remain to be fought with the help of available preventive measures.

Lichen is diagnosed in almost 40% of children. This disease manifests itself in the form of peeling skin, reddened spots and even small areas of itchy skin. If such symptoms appear, you should consult a dermatologist. Only after consultation can you determine exactly how to treat lichen in children, since this disease has several varieties.

The most common are:

1. Pink.
2. Shearer.
3. Encircling.
4. Pityriasis.

Causes

Dermatologists consider this disease to be an infectious contagious disease. To become infected, manual contact with a sick animal or person is sufficient. The disease is not transmitted by droplets, but it is quite possible to get it through water in the pool, clothing and personal hygiene items.

Ringworm occurs under the influence of pathogenic fungi and viruses that have entered a beneficial environment against the background of:

• weakened immune system;
• long-term use of antibiotics;
• viral infections;
• hypothermia;

• chronic stress.

And these are not all the reasons contributing to the development of the disease.

Allergy

The infectious-allergic nature of the occurrence of pityriasis rosea, which is not diagnosed so often. It mainly affects girls aged 5 to 12 years. According to dermatologists, the disease usually progresses easily and without complications. It has also been established that after experiencing the disease, the body develops a strong immunity, so it is unlikely to become infected again.

However, there are cases where the disease was re-diagnosed in children with a weakened immune system.

Pityriasis rosea is characterized by rashes in the abdomen, back, arms and legs. The main symptom is the appearance of pale pink, oval-shaped spots. In parallel, an increase in temperature and enlargement of the lymph nodes in the neck may occur. After a few days, the rashes in the form of spots increase, only they are slightly smaller in size than the first ones, have strictly defined contours and do not merge with each other.

When you contact a specialist, you can find out how to treat pityriasis rosea in children. The following therapy is mainly prescribed:

1. Antihistamines (loratadine, tavegil, finistil, etc.).
2. Vitamin and mineral complexes.
3. Ointments (zinc, prednisolone, acyclovir, hydrocortisone).
4. Dietary food that excludes allergenic foods.

Taking a bath while sick is not recommended. Only rinsing in the shower is allowed. In parallel with drug treatment, you can use sea buckthorn, rosehip, and peach oil to lubricate the spots. Lotions are also made from mint or menthol. The spots usually go away within a week. Sometimes a slight pigmentation appears at the site of the plaques, but this also disappears over time.

The exact causes of pityriasis rosea have not yet been established. But dermatologists know some prerequisites for the development of the disease:

• deficiency of vitamins and minerals in the off-season;
• severe overheating or hypothermia of the child;
• previous colds, viral and infectious diseases;
• allergic reaction to medications, certain products, synthetic fabrics;
• excessive psycho-emotional stress, leading to stress and depression.

Several years ago, dermatologists believed that pityriasis rosea was not contagious. But several cases have been recorded in which other children became infected through personal contact or through personal hygiene items at home. Therefore, experts are now of the opinion that the sick person should be isolated until recovery.

Why is loving animals dangerous?

Almost all children treat animals with tenderness and never miss a moment without petting a cat or dog. But some animals are fraught with danger in the form of microsporum fungi, which are the causative agent of ringworm. Both street animals and unvaccinated pets can carry these fungal bacteria.

Having discovered areas of baldness in children's hair and red spots on the body, parents immediately wonder how to treat ringworm in children. After all, the child’s hair is still soft and fluffy, which attracts microsporum. Damage to the skin and scratches on it can aggravate the situation. Usually, the spots that appear do not cause concern in children; itching and fever rarely occur, only with a very weakened immune system.

To receive the necessary treatment, you should visit a specialist. For ringworm in children, dermatologists usually prescribe complex therapy, which includes:

1. External agents in the form of alcohol tincture of iodine, sulfur-salicylic ointment, antifungal drugs.
2. Physiotherapeutic procedures, or rather electrophoresis, phonophoresis, UHF, UV irradiation and microwave therapy for spots on the head.
3. A light diet that excludes allergenic foods.

When a child is diagnosed with this disease, he should be completely isolated from other children. Ringworm is a contagious disease and it is permissible to visit a children's group only after passing tests confirming complete recovery.

The most severe form

Experts consider the shingles form to be the most severe, occurring against the background of previous or chronic problems. Experts even classify it as an infectious disease, not a skin disease. To prescribe therapy, you need to visit a specialist and undergo the necessary tests. After all, it differs from the treatment of other varieties and includes:

1. Antiviral drugs in combination with immunomodulators.
2. Painkillers.
3. Ointments (acyclovir, metisazone).
4. In some cases, anticonvulsant medications.

Treatment usually lasts about a month if no complications occur. At home, you can take iodized and starch baths. Wipe rashes with garlic juice and tar. Burdock teas are also useful.

Treatment

Pathogenic saprophytic fungi, which are the causative agents of the pityriasis form, are present on the body of almost every person. Under favorable conditions, they begin to actively reproduce, and in humans, damage to the upper layer of the epidermis and the appearance of pityriasis versicolor or, as it is also called beach and multi-colored.

Modern medicine quickly copes with problems with the help of drug therapy, however, difficulties arise with the treatment of children and pregnant women.

To know for sure how to treat pityriasis versicolor in children, you need to visit a dermatologist. Sometimes people may perceive skin rashes as normal irritation, because before this there was increased sweating, or they used very fatty oils and creams. But often these factors contribute to the onset of the disease.

It should be noted that children under 10 years of age suffer from the pityriasis form extremely rarely. In older children, the occurrence is associated with natural hormonal changes in the body during irrational mental and physical stress.

1. Ointments containing antifungal components (exoderil, clotrimazole, nizoral).
2. Keratolics (tar ointment, iodine, salicylic alcohol).
3. Complexes of vitamins and minerals.
4. Physiotherapy (magnet, quartz, sunbathing).

Personal hygiene is important, since a dirty, poorly washed body can cause a long-term illness. Pityriasis versicolor is not contagious; its appearance depends only on individual factors:

• excessive sweating during exercise or when wearing synthetic clothing;
• applying very greasy creams and ointments to the skin without foundation;
• malnutrition;
• diseases that occur with a prolonged increase in temperature;
• the presence of obesity, diabetes mellitus, tumors of various etiologies;
• long-term treatment with hormones and antibiotics.

Children under one year old

The immunity acquired through breastfeeding actively resists fungal bacteria. But among one-year-old babies there are also those with weak immune systems. Having discovered the first spots on your baby that resemble lichenoid ones, you should not panic. The child should definitely be shown to a specialist, since mothers may make a mistake with the diagnosis. It is also necessary to conduct special confirmatory tests.

1. Sulfur and oxolinic ointments.
2. Wiping with vinegar, celandine and cranberry juice, provided that these products do not cause additional skin irritation.
3. Physiotherapeutic procedures according to the age of the baby. Most often, UHF and electrophoresis.
4. Iodine, tar.
5. Compliance with the diet of mother and child, rules of personal hygiene.

To avoid lichen-like spots and rashes, you need to teach your child to use only his own towels and clothes. Parents should be responsible when purchasing clothes, excluding synthetic fabrics. Proper nutritious nutrition, strengthening the immune system, maintaining good hygiene and controlling contact with animals will help to avoid toddlers from getting lichen.

Ringworm is a common name for dermatological diseases that have several stages of severity, as well as various causes of origin. Almost 90% have experienced this disease at least once. As a rule, lichen has several types, which depend on the causative agent of this disease.

Types of lichen in children

Before starting treatment for lichen in a child, it is necessary to determine the type of this disease.

The main types of lichen:

• shearer;
• pink;
• red flat;
• encircling.

The last type of lichen is the most dangerous of all. Lichen planus is least common in children. Each type of lichen is caused by certain reasons. Before treatment of lichen, fluorescent diagnostics should be carried out. In addition, it is also necessary to take a scraping of the child’s skin for certain studies. Only after these procedures is the type of lichen determined.

Ringworm

How to treat lichen in children?

When treating lichen, several important rules must be followed:

• First of all, it is worth limiting the child’s contact with healthy children.
• During illness, your baby's bedding should be changed as often as possible. This also applies to the child’s clothes and underwear. Clothes and bedding should be washed separately from the clothes of other family members. In addition, clothes should be thoroughly steamed and ironed.
• All toys and other personal items of the child must be disinfected several times a day.
• Every day the baby's room needs to be wet cleaned. During cleaning, disinfectants must also be added to the water.
• During illness, it is best for a child to wear cotton clothes and underwear.
• If the child is small, then it is necessary to constantly monitor the movement of his hands to avoid scratching the spots. This will help prevent the rash from spreading to uninfected areas of the body.
• You should avoid swimming.
• During illness, the child’s body can be wiped with a damp sponge.
• In addition to all this, it is necessary to resort to a hypoallergenic lifestyle and diet.

Ointments against lichen

Modern pharmacology can offer many medicines that can cure various types of lichen in children. However, it is worth paying attention to the fact that some types of this skin disease do not require treatment with ointments and tablets at all, as they go away on their own.

Only those varieties of lichen that are characterized by a viral or fungal origin need to be treated with ointments. To treat lichen, you can use both broad-spectrum ointments and ointments that are designed specifically for a specific type of lichen.

Basic broad spectrum ointments:

• sulfur-tar
• Olethetrin
• sulfur-salicylic

It is also worth considering several types of other ointments, which are very popular and have good reviews regarding the treatment of lichen.

Systemic drugs

It is also worth considering several systemic drugs that are aimed at combating lichen in children:

• Antiviral drugs. These medications must be prescribed by a specialist. The most popular of them are: Acyclovir, Kagocel, Viferon and others. These drugs can suppress the activity of the virus, as well as boost the body’s immune system. Typically, the treatment course with antibiotics is about one week. The dose for a child should be prescribed strictly individually.
• Interferons. Interferons are proteins that can stimulate the human body's immunity. This action helps stop the virus from reproducing. Such drugs also help produce their own interferons: Anaferon and Ribomunil.

It is worth noting once again that any drug aimed at combating lichen must be prescribed by a doctor, taking into account the age and characteristics of the child’s body. Otherwise, self-medication may harm the baby.

Care for children

In addition to therapeutic actions during skin diseases, Parents must also take proper care of their baby. First of all, this concerns the clothes and underwear that the child wears. As stated earlier, synthetics should be avoided. During the period of illness, it is necessary to avoid bathing procedures. It is also important to ensure that the child does not scratch the lichen formations on the body.

Prevention

In order to avoid possible skin diseases, it is necessary to take some preventive actions:

• Maintaining the baby's immunity.
• From an early age, a child must be taught personal hygiene and instill self-care skills.
• You should avoid contact between your child and stray animals.
• Pets should be taken to the veterinarian regularly.
• It is best to buy things for a child from natural fabrics.
• Compliance with healthy lifestyle rules.
• Gradual accustoming to hardening the body.

Conclusion

A skin disease such as “lichen” combines several varieties that have their own specific characteristics and development. You should not try to determine the type of lichen on your own, or resort to self-medication. The formation of lichen on the skin is a reason to consult a specialist or pediatrician.

Ringworm in children is a set of dermatological diseases that have a viral or infectious etiology; sometimes the occurrence of lichen is due to a genetic predisposition.

Children, like adults, are susceptible to several types of lichen, they have different signs of manifestation, and different treatment regimens are used for their treatment.

Children under 15 years of age are often affected by lichen, due to insufficiently developed immunity and skin characteristics.

There are 6 ringworms in the photo of the child with a description

Causes of deprivation in a child

Mostly, lichen infection among children occurs in groups - preschool institutions, school, extracurricular activities.

A very common method of infection is contact with an infected pet; therefore, it is very important to teach children not to touch stray kittens and puppies without visible skin abnormalities; the animal may be recently infected or carry pathogenic fungi.

In addition to contact, there are several factors that together can cause the development of lichen:

• Reduced immunity;
• Hot season - high temperatures are a favorable environment for the pathogenic activity of fungi and infections;
• Diseases of the endocrine system;
• Avitaminosis;
• Incorrect selection of children's skin care cosmetics and detergents;
• Frequent skin injuries - children lead an active lifestyle, so it is sometimes difficult to prevent frequent injuries, as a result of which the protective functions of the skin are weakened.
• Using other people's personal items - combs, hairpins, hats, etc.;
• Wearing clothes made of synthetic fabrics;
• Frequent allergic reactions.

Cases of infection through soil are very rare; if a child has a weak immune system and the soil is oversaturated with fungal spores, there is a possibility of infection.

Types of lichen in a child

Lichen is not a general disease, but a group of dermatological diseases, like any other disease, lichen has its own pathogen, and the type of lichen depends on it. Let's look at the types of lichen that can occur in children:

1. Pityriasis rosea or Zhiber's lichen - does not have a specific pathogen, is often considered a form of allergy, pityriasis rosea is not contagious, but cases of lichen affecting the entire family have been reported. Mostly children under 14 years of age are at risk; it can even occur in infants.
2. Ringworm is a fairly common type of lichen among children, very contagious, the causative agent of ringworm is a fungus. This type of lichen affects children over 2 years of age.
3. Shingles - this type of shingles is not very common among children, the causative agent of the disease is the herpes virus. At risk are children over 10 years of age, who have often had chickenpox (chickenpox).
4. Pityriasis versicolor/ versicolor/ solar lichen – can manifest itself against the background of hormonal imbalance; in connection with this disease, children over 12 years of age who have begun puberty are susceptible. And also because of the peculiarities of the skin and improper care for it. This species is caused by fungi.
5. Lichen red (flat) - does not have a specific pathogen, can manifest itself against the background of severe concomitant diseases of an autoimmune nature, due to frequent allergic reactions, as well as against the background of psychological disorders, severe nervous shock or overwork. It can occur in adolescents, but is quite rare in young children.

New growths in the form of spots on the skin do not always mean the development of lichen, but are a reason to visit a doctor. Ignoring the disease or self-treatment, especially in relation to children, is unacceptable.

Symptoms of lichen in a child

Each type of lichen has common symptoms in the form of neoplasms on the skin - a rash or spots, but each type has its own course depending on the location and etiology:

1. Zhibert's lichen (pink) - the first sign of this lichen is the formation of a focus in the form of a dense plaque - “maternal”, a few days after its detection, the remaining spots appear, they are oval or round in shape, with a clear scarlet edge, the spots themselves are pink in color, are peeling. The disease is accompanied by itching. Failure to comply with personal hygiene rules may result in infection, which will complicate the course of the disease.
2. Shingles - a characteristic feature of this type is the formation of lesions that are localized mainly on the scalp of the dermis (head); it can also affect other areas of the skin, including the nail plates. Spots of bright red color are formed, which have an oval shape and clear edges, and can merge with each other, thereby affecting large areas of the skin. The spots differ from healthy skin in a scarlet color, closer to the center there is a lighter shade, the lesion is covered with scales. The skin in these places peels off, and cloudy (sometimes purulent) contents may be released, which causes crusts to form. The hair on the affected areas breaks off, creating the feeling that it has been cut off, which is the basis for the name of this species.
3. Shingles - before the rash appears, the child may experience a deterioration in the general condition, the skin in the areas of future lesions has increased sensitivity and soreness. Often the initial symptoms are similar to the development of ARVI. After a few days, the formation of a rash is noticeable, small nodules of a red or purple hue, the pimples themselves are small in size, but tend to be located close to each other. During the course of the disease, increased body temperature and lack of appetite may occur. This type is very dangerous; with a low level of immunity and in the absence of proper treatment, a complication in the form of meningitis is possible.
4. Pityriasis versicolor - appears mainly on the upper body and scalp. It is characterized by the appearance of small spots that tend to peel. The color of the spots depends on the type of skin; fair-skinned children have brown spots, while dark-skinned (tanned) children have light shades. It does not cause any discomfort, it may feel itchy, the only discomfort is the unaesthetic appearance; as the disease progresses, the spots merge, becoming larger in size. The disease is not contagious.

1. Lichen planus is extremely rare in children, the disease is characterized by the appearance of burgundy spots with cloudy contents, the surface of the neoplasm has a glossy sheen, and is aggravated by severe itching, which can disrupt the usual way of life. Localized on the legs, forearms, back.

The symptoms of some types are similar to other skin diseases - such as vitiligo, urticaria, allergic reactions, and others.

All types of lichen have certain stages of disease development:

• Formation of spots or rashes on the skin, pronounced peeling in infants;
• If the disease is ignored, the spots “spread” throughout the body, affecting increasingly large areas of the skin, the itching intensifies, and painful sensations occur;
• The transition of the disease to a chronic form, some types differ in severity - inflammation of the lymph nodes, fever, sleep disturbance.

If the disease has become chronic, it is more difficult to treat and is dangerous for relapses. Shingles cannot be cured completely, but with timely treatment it can go into remission for a long time.

Treatment of deprivation in a child

Treatment of lichen in children can only be prescribed by a specialist; in order to establish an accurate diagnosis, the following diagnostic methods are used:

• Wood's lamp - it is used to illuminate the affected areas of the skin to identify the presence of lichen;
• Balser's test - carried out using alcohol and iodine, if the patient has lichen, after applying iodine the skin changes color;
• Symptom of “chips” - the lesions are scraped off, when lichen is affected, the skin separates freely;
• Microscopic examination - with its help a possible pathogen is detected;
• Scraping – collection of separated particles of the dermis for laboratory testing;
• General analysis of urine, feces and blood - the study is carried out to detect concomitant diseases and helminthic infestations that can become a catalyst for the development of lichen.

Based on the analyzes and research results, the dermatologist will be able to accurately diagnose the type of lichen and prescribe an individual treatment regimen taking into account the characteristics of the child’s body.

Treatment with folk remedies for deprivation in a child

Some types of lichen allow the use of folk methods, but the use of folk remedies should be done after discussion with the attending physician.

The most common means of alternative (traditional) medicine in the treatment of lichen in children:

1. Propolis – is used to increase the level of immunity, as well as as an antibacterial agent. It is considered a natural antibiotic and does not cause resistance.
2. Celandine is a popular remedy for the fight against skin diseases and is widely used in pharmacology. Has antimicrobial and healing effects.
3. Chamomile, string, calendula - used in the form of tinctures or decoctions, they are known for anti-inflammatory, drying and bactericidal properties;
4. Birch tar - it is often used in the form of an ointment or soap to combat lichen. Antiseptic with a pronounced regenerating effect.
5. Sea buckthorn oil - the composition of these berries is rich in vitamins and acids, has an analgesic and healing effect.

Some herbs can cause allergic reactions, and tinctures should be used with caution to avoid burns. Traditional medicine recipes can relieve symptoms, but are unable to affect infections or fungi, so they are used as an addition to the main treatment.

You should not use recipes for treating children using acids, vinegar, onions, ash - such components can cause burns on delicate children's skin and also contribute to infections.

Drug treatment of lichen in children

For effective treatment of lichen in children, therapy must be comprehensive - for internal and external effects on fungi and infections.

Therapy includes:

• Tablets – antiviral (for the treatment of herpes zoster); antifungal inhibition of fungi from the inside; vitamin complexes and immunomodulators - to increase the level of immunity; antihistamines, sedatives and painkillers - for symptomatic treatment.
• Ointments, creams, gels - with a pronounced antifungal effect, for local action on fungi; antihistamines - to eliminate itching and swelling of tissues.
• Shampoos, lotions - as an aid in the fight against fungal lichens, or for prevention purposes.

Prevention of deprivation in a child

To prevent the development of the disease in a child, the following tips should be followed:

1. Teach children not to come into contact with stray animals.
2. Teach the rules of personal hygiene - washing hands, not using other people’s personal belongings.
3. Do not use detergents with aggressive ingredients in the composition for bathing children, do not abuse antibacterial agents, select cosmetics (oils, creams, powders) taking into account the characteristics of the child’s skin.
4. Strengthen immunity.
5. If you have an allergy, eliminate the cause of its occurrence, use clothes made from natural fabrics.
6. The child's diet should be balanced.

If a child is infected with lichen, you should pay special attention to underwear and bed linen, wash in hot water, and iron after drying. After complete recovery, you need to be tested again to prevent a relapse.

Children's bodies are more susceptible to various diseases, including skin diseases. Parents can often find round or oval spots on the baby's body that peel off. In most cases, this signals the development of lichen, which has a wide variety of species, nature, symptoms and is treated differently.

Ringworm in children is a fairly common disease.

What is lichen and what sources of infection exist?

Ringworm is a dermatological contagious disease that includes a number of infectious and allergic pathologies of a fungal or viral nature that spread to the skin. The causative agents of lichen are fungi or viruses, which, upon entering the body, begin to multiply, resulting in skin rashes.

Ringworm can appear in children at any age - in teenagers, in a one-year-old baby, and even in a newborn, as well as at any time of the year. However, dermatologists note that outbreaks are most common in the summer and fall.

The state of the immune system plays a primary role in combating the problem. Having a strong immune system minimizes the likelihood of a child developing the disease even after contact with an infected person. If the immune system is weakened, the risk of infectious dermatosis is very high.

In addition to decreased immunity, factors contributing to lichen infection include:

• frequent viral diseases or colds;
• skin injury;
• failure to comply with basic hygiene rules;
• problems in the functioning of the thyroid gland;
• predisposition to allergies;
• constant stressful environment;
• regular nervous tension;

In most cases, a child can become infected with lichen from another child or adult who is a carrier of the infection, as well as from animals - pets such as cats and dogs. Due to their resistance to high temperatures, pathogens can exist for a long period on the surface of household items.

Types and symptoms of the disease

By the generally accepted term “lichen,” experts mean a number of varieties of dermatoses of an infectious nature. Each type has its own characteristic signs and clinical picture. For this reason, an individual approach to identifying the pathogen and specific treatment are required. You can find out what this or that type of dermatosis looks like from a photo from the Internet, but only a dermatologist can determine what kind of lichen a child has during an examination.

Pityriasis rosea

The causative agent of this type of dermatosis is considered to be the herpes virus, but this assumption has not been fully proven. It often appears as a result of hypothermia, a previous gastrointestinal infection or respiratory illness, or vaccination. It is transmitted through tactile contact or airborne droplets, as a result of which it spreads very quickly.

With pityriasis rosea, or Gibert's disease, at the initial stage a pink spot appears, the size of which does not exceed 3-5 cm. There is slight peeling in its center. Gradually darkening, it becomes yellow or brown, with pink edging around the edges. There can be several such spots on different parts of the body at the same time. This is usually the torso or arms and legs, but sometimes they can be found in the face or neck area.

After 1-2 weeks from the moment the first spot or several spots appear, smaller spots with a brown or yellow center appear. Their number varies. In addition to specific spots, infected people experience itching or pain, as well as symptoms characteristic of a cold. In rare cases, these symptoms are absent. The disease can go away on its own without any therapy within two months.

Pityriasis type

The pityriasis type, known as the colored (or solar) type, gets its name due to the fact that it most often appears in the summer season in the form of a multi-colored rash, the color of which varies from colorless or pale pink to dark brown. Despite the fact that such small spots have clear outlines, they do not have a specific shape. Without timely treatment, they increase in size, unite, and cover large areas of the skin.

Additional symptoms accompanying tinea versicolor are itching and flaking. Most often it can be found in the chest, shoulders, back and abdomen. These are places where sweat glands accumulate. For this reason, people who sweat excessively, are overweight, and who like to visit a solarium are more susceptible to this type.

The causative agent of pityriasis dermatosis is three forms of yeast-like fungi. The incubation period in children lasts 2 weeks from the moment of contact with a fungal infection.

girdling

The shingles type of the disease appears as a result of the chickenpox virus (Varicella Zoster) entering the body and is more common in adults - in children it manifests itself as chickenpox. The location is the whole body, but in most cases it is the ribs. Characteristic symptoms of this type of lichen:

• the formation of small bubbles with a colorless liquid inside, which burst within 3-4 days, and a crust remains in their place;
• constant itching;
• acute pain;
• temperature increase.

Red (flat)

Unlike other types, lichen planus is not characterized by a viral or infectious nature, it is of autoimmune origin. Factors that may trigger the development of the disease include:

• nervous disorders;
• regular stress;
• strong emotional experiences;
• disruptions in the functioning of the central and autonomic nervous system;
• liver and intestinal diseases;
• obesity;
• diabetes.

Lichen planus begins with the appearance on the skin, mucous membrane or nails of a small rash of red-brown color with a purple tint, which over time turns into an erosive form with spots similar to drawings. The disease takes a long time to develop – from a month to six months. In addition to the presence of a rash, lichen planus is accompanied by itching and burning.

There are three subtypes of this type of dermatosis, which can be recognized by external signs:

• ring-shaped;
• erosive-ulcerative;
• warty.

Ringworm (trichophyte)

Most often, this type of lichen occurs in children. The causative agent is a fungus of the genus Trichophyton, the carriers are animals. You can become infected after direct contact with an infected person or animal or from touching objects that the sick person has touched. The incubation period can last from 6 days to 3 months.

A distinctive feature of the disease is the localization of round pink spots that flake and itch very much. They mainly appear on the scalp under the hair. As a result, the hair thins, and its length does not exceed half a centimeter. Unfortunately, hair growth does not resume in the future.

Ringworm dermatosis can also spread to the body, affecting the face, neck, back, and arms. In this case, it has very similar symptoms to pityriasis rosea.

How dangerous is lichen for children?

According to statistics, about 80% of children suffer from deprivation. Most of its varieties do not pose a serious danger to the child’s body, but only if competent and timely treatment has been carried out. Otherwise, lichen can cause many unpleasant consequences.

For example, an inflammatory process on the skin can spread to the eyes or become chronic. Shingles is dangerous because if left untreated, the risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia increases, and in 5% of cases facial motor paralysis, blindness and even hearing loss are possible. The danger also lies in the spread of a bacterial or purulent skin infection throughout the body.

Features of treatment depending on the pathogen

Only a doctor can prescribe adequate treatment for lichen in children and adults, having made an accurate diagnosis. The main direction of therapy directly depends on the type of pathogen.

In addition to the main medications, the doctor can supplement the therapy with additional agents - special ointments and gels that need to be applied directly to the affected areas of the skin, and antihistamines, antipyretics, anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications to relieve associated symptoms. During this period, it will not be superfluous to take medications that strengthen the immune system.

Drug therapy

Not all types of lichen require drug treatment - the use of ointments and gels - and usually go away on their own. However, if the causative agent of dermatosis is a virus or fungus, you cannot do without medications:

1. Antiviral. These include Acyclovir, Kagocel, rectal suppositories Viferon.
2. Interferons. Among them are Anaferon and Ribomunil.
3. Antifungal. For example, Lamisil or Sinaflan ointment.
4. Antihistamines. These are Suprastin, Tavegil, Erius and Zodak.
5. Antipyretic and anti-inflammatory. Nurofen, Paracetamol, Nise.

Among the ointments and creams that are used to treat lichen, the following can be noted:

1. Acyclovir 5% (we recommend reading:);
2. Fukortsin solution;
3. sulfur-tar ointment;
4. Clotrimazole 1%;
5. Mycoseptin;
6. Mycozoral;
7. Tebrofen ointment;
8. Nitrofungin solution 1%;
9. Exoderil.

Folk remedies

In folk medicine there are a number of remedies to combat lichen. However, their use should be an addition to the main therapy, and not be an independent method of treatment. It is advisable to consult your doctor first.

The most popular folk remedies are:

• dried celandine;
• Apple vinegar;
• eggshell;
• a mixture of castor oil and garlic juice;
• raisin;
• burdock root;
• propolis;
• sea ​​buckthorn oil;
• Rye flour;
• tincture on birch leaves or buds.

How long does the treatment last?

How long the course of treatment for lichen will take depends on the type of disease, its stage of development and the medications prescribed. At the initial stage, when parents turned to a specialist for help when the first symptoms appeared, lichen can be cured in a few days.

For example, the average course of treatment with antiviral drugs is 7 days. If the disease has been advanced, then therapy can last for several months.

At the initial stage, lichen is treated very quickly

Features of therapy in infants up to one year old

Unfortunately, no one is immune from deprivation. Parents can detect it even in an infant. The need for drug treatment is determined by the doctor in accordance with the age of the baby. Also, if you have lichen in a small child, you need to follow some rules:

• change bed linen and underwear frequently;
• Wash children’s clothes separately, be sure to steam and iron them;
• wear cotton clothes;
• do daily wet cleaning in the patient’s room with a disinfectant;
• disinfect toys and personal belongings several times a day;
• do not allow spots on the butt, nose, cheek and other parts of the baby’s body to be scratched;
• adhere to a hypoallergenic diet;
• do not wash so as not to wet the affected areas - in this case, wiping will suffice;
• remove carpets and other dust accumulations to prevent spores from multiplying.

Possible complications

It is impossible to ignore a problem such as infectious dermatosis, since an advanced form of the disease without proper therapy and compliance with all the recommendations of the attending physician is fraught with many complications, especially when there is lichen on the face of a child.

The consequences may be:

• stomatitis;
• pyoderma;
• keratitis;
• encephalitis;
• optic neuritis;
• conjunctivitis;
• meningitis;
• myelitis;
• facial paralysis;
• neuralgia;
• perifolliculitis of the head;
• purulent inflammation of the skin;
• hidradenitis;
• impetigo;
• gangrene;
• atopic dermatitis;
• disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system;
• purulent infection spreading throughout the body;
• spread of bacterial infection.

Preventive actions

Any preventive measures are aimed at preventing the onset of the disease; they include a number of simple rules that should be followed regularly.

The best prevention of lichen in a child is:

1. Avoiding contact with yard animals, stray animals and foreign objects. It is necessary to explain to the baby that it is forbidden to play with cats, dogs and other people’s toys on the street.
2. Clean palms. From childhood, it is important to teach your child to wash his hands after walking outside and before eating.
3. Treatment of wounds, abrasions and scratches with antiseptics.
4. Wet cleaning and ventilation. In a house where children grow up, it is necessary to regularly wash the floor, wipe off dust and ventilate the premises. This ensures optimal conditions for the health and normal development of children.
5. Regular washing and ironing of bed and underwear.
6. Strengthening the immune system. To do this, you should provide adequate nutrition, rich in minerals and vitamins, maintain normal physical activity of the baby, spend more time with him in the fresh air, and engage in hardening.
7. Quarantine. If there is a person with lichen in the house, it is necessary to exclude direct contact with him.
8. Minimum stress and worries.