Ringworm: what it looks like and how to treat it

Ringworm in humans has a different nature; it can be either an infectious or non-infectious disease. It manifests itself as spots of different colors, swelling, itching, and painful sensations. Requires immediate treatment to avoid negative consequences. At the same time, contacting a dermatologist is mandatory, since there are 7 types of lichen, and it is almost impossible to make a diagnosis without a visit to a specialist.

Ringworm in humans: causes and types

This pathology is related to the skin. It is observed in both adults and children of any age. Most often, the disease is contagious, so people with weak immune systems are especially at risk.

Ringworm can be transmitted from cats, dogs and other infected animals. But this disease may have other causes:

weakened immunity due to previous infection;
frequent psychological stress, stress;
violation of personal hygiene rules;
poor environmental conditions;
disorders of the nervous system;
disruptions in the hormonal system.

Depending on the causes and manifestations in humans, there are 7 types of lichen:

Shingles: occurs against the background of an exacerbation of the herpes virus. It appears as spots on the intercostal area, next to the main nerve pathways. May not show any symptoms for 2 or 3 weeks. The ocular variety is especially dangerous, since in this case, if left untreated, you can lose your vision.
Ringworm (also called trichophytosis) affects the skin of the head, neck, and shoulder area. Often observed in children. The disease is caused by fungi and occurs due to infection from a sick person or animal (contact-household route).
Pink, which is also called Gibert's disease, occurs due to the herpes virus, mainly in spring and autumn. Characterized by pink spots on the limbs and groin area.
Pityriasis develops due to microscopic fungi, mainly in the summer. As a result, spots of different colors appear on the skin - pink, yellow, brown. There is no inflammation, but the skin is peeling. It very often affects the back. If nothing is done, this form can become chronic.
Lichen planus is a rare type of lichen that develops on the mucous membranes of different parts of the body, in the mouth, on the forearm and limbs. If left untreated, it can completely destroy the nails.
White (also called solar) is the weakest form of lichen, which can develop over several years. The cause of the appearance is infection with yeast fungi. Most often it affects children and young people under 30 years of age. Mainly affects the skin surfaces of the chest and scalp. This form has nothing to do with the sun, but the white spots are clearly visible against the background of a tan, which explains the name of the disease.
Scaly (second name is psoriasis) is a non-infectious lichen associated with autoimmune processes. A dangerous form that, if left untreated, can lead to arthritis.

Can I go to work or school with ringworm?

The presence of this diagnosis requires isolation of the patient from the team for at least two weeks. In schools and other children's institutions, it is mandatory to notify parents for timely detection of the disease in other children.

The disappearance of ringworm symptoms and 3 negative tests for the presence of fungus are a reason to return to school or work.

If a dermatomycosis infection has been detected in a team, then to prevent pathology, you can use antifungal shampoos for some time, carry out wet cleaning with the addition of antiseptic solutions, and strictly observe personal hygiene.

Treatment of lichen in Kharkov;
treatment of lichen in Uzhgorod;
treatment of deprivation in Sumy;
treatment of lichen in Poltava;
treatment of lichen in Odessa;
treatment of deprivation in Nikolaev;
treatment of lichen in Mariupol;
treatment of deprivation in the Dnieper.

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Author: Mangusheva Victoria Yurievna

Dermatovenerologist, cosmetologist, trichologist. Candidate of Medical Sciences, doctor of the highest category. Work experience more than 10 years.

What does lichen look like in humans?

The external manifestation of the pathology is obvious - lichen is accompanied by a number of signs:

rash in the form of spots of different colors - red, pink, brownish, yellow;
itching, burning, unpleasant (painful) sensations;
scales, bubble formations on spots;
bald spots on the head in the hairline area (clipping form);
fever (rare);
malaise, lethargy.

Symptoms of lichen

What symptoms indicate that you have contracted lichen planus? It should be noted that lichen affects not only the skin of the body, but also mucous membranes, nails and even human hair. As a rule, any type of this disease begins with the appearance of the following symptoms:

minimal increase in body temperature;
the appearance of chills, mild headache, and sometimes nausea;
later the temperature rises, and itching appears in certain places (face and body, less often - limbs);
after a few hours, bubbles will appear at the site of redness, which soon burst and only a crust remains.

Ringworm on the skin: treatment

Treatment of the disease is especially effective at an early stage. Ringworm can be cured in all patients, regardless of age. In this case, you need to consult a doctor even with minor manifestations. For diagnostic purposes, a dermatologist conducts a visual or instrumental examination (using a special lamp), prescribes a series of tests - studying urine, blood, as well as immunological studies and skin scrapings.

After establishing the exact cause and type of lichen, treatment is prescribed. Most often it is associated with the use of special ointments externally (antifungal drugs). The course of therapy lasts from 2 weeks to 3-4 months.

Main areas of treatment:

Etiotropic – the use of drugs that eliminate the cause of the disease. These can be fungicides or antiviral agents (based on Acyclovir).
Elimination of itching, spots and other unpleasant symptoms.
Carrying out procedures - UV therapy, physiotherapy, increasing resistance (strengthening the immune system), maintaining personal hygiene.
In rare cases, it is necessary to disinfect the premises, especially linen, furniture, and personal belongings.

It is not recommended to treat lichen yourself at home. This is dangerous because you can waste time and also infect other people. In addition, the patient often cannot determine which drug to treat the pathology with. For example, a person “prescribes” an antimicrobial ointment while he develops herpetic (viral) lichen. In rare cases, lost time can result in severe consequences such as blindness, arthritis, and other complications.

How does ringworm begin?

Favorable conditions contribute to the introduction and reproduction of a pathogenic fungus in the skin, triggering the infectious process. In the initial stages, this period is asymptomatic. After which the development of the pathology acquires clinical manifestations, the signs of which depend on the stage of the pathology.

The stages of the infectious process during the development of ringworm are:

incubation period;
period of mushroom growth;
refractory stage (period of insensitivity, rest);
regression.

In the skin, the fungus forms branched mycelium, which gradually invades new areas of the skin, while old lesions become the location of its spores. This period of fungal growth is determined by the rapid increase in the colony of the pathogen, active division of skin cells and the high rate of exfoliation of the affected epidermis.

Since most often the growth of the colony outstrips the rate of change of the stratum corneum, the infectious process spreads. An intense immune reaction (inflammation) in the lesion is displayed in the form of a red ring, which, in the chronic course of mycosis, becomes the permanent residence of the pathogen.

Diagnosis of lichen

Diagnosis of all types of lichen includes:

listening to patient complaints;
anamnesis analysis;
inspection of rashes to determine their color, size, shape, location, etc.

Further, the dermatologist’s actions depend on the preliminary diagnosis he made.

Diagnosis of pityriasis rosea

To diagnose pityriasis rosea in a child or adult, in addition to a medical examination, during which the final diagnosis is usually determined, the following is additionally carried out:

microscopy of scales to exclude syphilis;
serodiagnosis of syphilis.

A biochemical and general blood test is also taken, and a general urine test is given.

Diagnosis of herpes zoster

Usually, a doctor can accurately determine whether a patient has pityriasis rosea during an examination. But in some situations additional research methods are required:

detection of viral DNA by polymerase chain reaction in the contents of vesicles and in the blood;
determining the presence of antibodies to the pathogen;
identification of the pathogen virus genome in cells/tissue sections using in situ hybridization.

Diagnosis of pityriasis versicolor (lichen)

Diagnosis of versicolor versicolor pumps in:

Balzer test (iodine test). The affected areas of the skin are treated with iodine and immediately wiped with alcohol. Pityriasis versicolor always turns brown;
examination under a Wood's lamp (lichen looks like a brown or yellow glow);
microscopic examination of scales (allows one to identify hyphae (curved short filaments of mycelium), oval and round spores).

Diagnosis of ringworm

To determine ringworm, the following are carried out:

examination of lesions using a Wood's lamp (lichen becomes green);
microscopic examination;
sowing the discharge on various nutrient media (to determine the sensitivity of the pathogen to antibiotics);
biochemical and general blood tests, urine analysis.

Diagnosis of lichen planus

To diagnose lichen planus in an adult/child, a small affected area of skin is taken for histological examination. The patient is also prescribed a general urine and blood test and biochemistry.

Treatment options for lichen depending on its type

Just like the causes and symptoms, treatment regimens differ depending on the type of fungus.

If shingles fungus is diagnosed at the very beginning of the disease, the doctor may prescribe the following medications: Acyclovir, Zovirax. According to individual indicators, drugs such as “Curantil” and “Furosemide” can be prescribed. If the immune system is particularly weakened, intravenous drips with immunoglobulin may be prescribed.

The treatment regimen for advanced shingles consists of taking the following medications:

analgesics;
antipyretic drugs in the presence of high fever;
B vitamins, which help strengthen the body’s protective functions;
sedatives for insomnia;
prescribing diuresis when signs of intoxication appear;
the skin at the site of the lesion can be treated with a solution of brilliant green, metacil ointment, "Solcoseryl".

Pityriasis in most cases goes away on its own and does not require treatment. The exception is severe itching, for which you can use antihistamines and hormonal creams.

During the course of the disease it is recommended:

wear underwear made from natural fabrics;
limit bathing and interaction of the affected area with water;
exclude the use of cosmetics.

Treatment of versicolor versicolor is possible using the following medications: 5% salicylic ointment, Cycloperox, 5% sulfur ointment, Bifazol, Miconazole, Lamisil. If foci of the disease have spread throughout the body, then it is recommended to take Orungal or Itraconazole.

The flat red fungus causes significant discomfort to the patient due to severe itching and burning sensation. Suprastin, Tavegil and Zyrtec will help cope with itching. In addition, corticosteroids and antimalarial medications may be prescribed.

If lichen planus affects the mucous membrane, then treatment with Solcoseryl is necessary. If this type of disease recurs, antibiotics are prescribed.

If trichophytosis affects areas of the skin without the presence of hair, then the area can be treated with iodine and antifungal ointment (Exoderil, Microspor).

If there is hair in the area of the focus of trichophytosis, it is better to shave it off. In advanced cases, it is necessary to take antifungal drugs orally (for example, Irunin).

The course of the disease must be accompanied by taking a vitamin complex to maintain immunity.

Diet for fungal diseases

When the skin is affected by fungal diseases, it is important to maintain proper nutrition. In this case, it is useful to use the following products:

breakfast with cereal porridge;
dairy products;
greens and green vegetables;
honey;
still mineral water;
foods containing iron.

If you have pityriasis, you need to switch to dairy and plant foods. For other types of fungus, you should include in your menu:

rose hips, viburnum and sea buckthorn;
peanuts, hazelnuts and nuts;
squid and salmon;
seeds and vegetable oil;
apples, apricots, cherries, blueberries, cherries;
prunes and raisins;
green bell peppers and carrots.

Along with the list of healthy foods, there is also a prohibited food group:

dishes using spices and hot additives;
alcoholic products;
tangerines.

The following categories of drinks and food are subject to restrictions:

coffee, tea and hot chocolate;
cheeses that are too salty;
broths cooked with meat and mushrooms;
confectionery sweets with butter creams;
canned food;
fatty fish.

Medications

In addition to ointments, the use of other dosage forms of drugs can speed up recovery. The following groups of medications are usually prescribed:

Antimicrobial. These include antibiotics and antimycotics. A course of taking one of the drugs helps get rid of pathogenic microorganisms and prevent the appearance of new rashes. Tetracycline and Metacycline are often prescribed.
Antiviral . They not only kill the virus, but also have a beneficial effect on the skin: healing, soothing.
Anti-inflammatory . Just like ointments, anti-inflammatory drugs for psoriasis for internal use can be hormonal or non-hormonal. Metipred and Prednisolone tablets are often prescribed.
Vitamins . These can be entire complexes consisting of vitamins A, B1, B6, C. An excellent solution would be to use the colloidal drug Imun Support. It is designed to protect the body from infections, rapid recovery from many diseases, and neutralize the side effects of drug therapy. The drug Imun Support is an immunomodulator, maintains the immune system in harmony and balance..

Thus, lichen is not a disease that you can get rid of in a couple of days. To eliminate skin rashes as quickly as possible, complex therapy is required, which consists of products for external and internal use; many successfully use folk recipes for this.

Can pityriasis versicolor be cured with iodine?

Iodine-containing products are used in the diagnosis of lichen versicolor. Yeast colonies are sensitive to iodine, causing them to absorb it to a much greater extent than surrounding healthy skin. Therefore, if you apply an iodine solution to the epidermis, the affected areas will be much darker.

But many patients believe that iodine is suitable not only for diagnosis, but also for self-treatment of pityriasis. An alcohol solution of iodine is a popular antiseptic that is often used to disinfect the skin. Fungi from the genus Malassezia, which cause tinea versicolor, are sensitive to it and are partially killed upon contact with this substance, but it is impossible to completely destroy them with iodine.

In addition, an alcohol solution of iodine greatly dries already damaged skin, which can lead to various complications of dermatosis.

As a result of self-medication:

the disease drags on - recovery does not occur, and the rash spreads to new areas of the body;
the likelihood of relapse increases - after the rash disappears, it appears again when the immune system is weakened and is chronic;
new symptoms are added to the symptoms of the disease: tightness and dryness of the skin treated with iodine, itching may occur.

Pityriasis versicolor can be cured with antifungal medications prescribed by a dermatologist. Special creams and ointments affect only colonies of the pathogen and do not affect healthy epithelium. Also, many products contain care components that additionally moisturize the skin, accelerate its regeneration and promote the resumption of melanin synthesis.

Diet for lichen

Nutrition during treatment of lichen depends on the type of disease, but there are foods that are equally useful for skin lesions of any type of fungus:

green vegetables, herbs;
dairy products;
breakfast cereals;
mineral water;
natural honey;
foods high in iron.

Pityriasis rosea requires adherence to a dairy-vegetable diet.

For shingles, ringworm, lichen planus and multicolored lichen, it is necessary to enrich the diet:

foods rich in vitamin E (peanuts, sea buckthorn, rose hips, eel, walnuts, viburnum, sorrel, squid, hazelnuts, prunes, salmon, oatmeal/barley, seeds, vegetable oils);
products that are sources of antioxidants and bioflavonoids (apples, grapes, apricots, blueberries, cherries, prunes, blueberries, carrots, kiwi, cherries, sweet red peppers, barley, raisins, etc.).

The list of prohibited products for the treatment of any type of lichen includes:

spices (mustard, pepper, horseradish);
spicy dishes, pickles;
alcohol;
tangerines.

It is necessary to limit consumption:

offal;
smoked meats, mushroom and meat broths;
fatty fish;
canned food;
salty and spicy cheeses;
cream cakes;
legumes;
products with preservatives.

Drink coffee, strong black tea and cocoa in small quantities.

Onion and garlic

Onions contain many useful components, among which phytoncides are especially valued in the treatment of fungal diseases - substances that can kill pathogenic microorganisms. Also, the bactericidal and antiseptic properties of onions are effective for lichen. There are several ways to use it:

With burdock oil. Grate the onion on a fine grater or puree it in a blender until it becomes a paste, add half a glass of burdock oil purchased at the pharmacy. Apply to the rashes in the evening, before bed, leave for half an hour, and wash off the residue with warm water.
Juice. To squeeze juice out of an onion, simply grind it in a blender, then squeeze it out with gauze and remove the remainder. Dilute with water in a 1:1 ratio and lubricate the skin several times a day.
Compress. Cut the onion in half, fry one part over the fire, prick it with a fork, and apply it to the affected area. We fix the onion half with a bandage, a tight bandage, and leave it overnight.

Garlic also has a lot of beneficial properties that help fight, including fungal diseases. You can use it in different ways:

cut the slice in half, grease the rash;
mix with Vaseline in equal parts, apply as an ointment;
Infuse chopped garlic in apple cider vinegar and make compresses.

Important! Onions and garlic, although they have medicinal properties, can be harsh on the skin. If itching increases, painful sensations appear, or if you have hypersensitive skin, you should not use them.