Skin lichen

The one caused by pathogenic fungi Skin lichen particularly affects skin and mucous membranes in humans. If the immune system is intact, the prognosis is usually positive.

What are skin lichen?

Lichen planus is an infectious disease. In medicine, skin lichen is one of the so-called mycoses. Lichen planus is caused by various parasitic fungi. Both the skin of a person and their mucous membranes can be affected by skin lichen.

If the parasitic fungi grow or multiply in a person's body, this is often associated with typical symptoms of skin lichen. These symptoms of lichen planus include growth rings that can be seen on a person's skin. Such growth rings as a symptom of lichen planus are often surrounded by reddish papules.

However, a lichen planus can proceed without any external symptoms; In medicine, such symptom-free skin lichen is also known as inapparent skin lichen. Depending on the patient and the causative agent of a lichen planus, the infectious disease can take a chronic course in some cases.

root cause

A superficial lichen planus is usually caused by an infection with dermatophytes (thread fungi). Such infection can occur from person to person; The fungal spores, which can lead to skin lichen, are transmitted through skin flakes.

Lichen planus on the mucous membranes, on the other hand, is usually caused by fungi, which belong to the genus called Candida. Often the appearance of a lichen planus of the mucous membranes is favored by a weakened immune system of the person concerned. Such a weakened immune system can be caused, for example, by immunodeficiency diseases, recent transplants or medical measures such as chemotherapy.

If a skin lichen appears as a result of a weakened immune system, this is also known as an opportunistic infection - the weakening of the immune system allows the fungus to grow.

Symptoms, ailments & signs

A typical symptom of skin lichen are growth rings that appear on the skin after the onset of the disease and are surrounded by nodules or vesicles. The affected areas are tender to the touch and slightly reddened. The papules are often itchy or painful and cause severe discomfort in the patient.

Some lichen planus flake or peel off completely as the disease progresses. Certain forms can cause wet spots or even bleeding. In the event of incorrect or missing treatment, these areas can become inflamed and lead to the development of ulcers. The skin lichen itself is usually unproblematic.

They appear within a few hours and usually persist for a few days to weeks before they subside on their own. In particular, allergic rashes cause only mild discomfort and are generally harmless. If the skin lichen is based on an initial disease, further complications may arise.

Particularly aggressive pathogens can lead to chronic skin lichen. Those affected then often suffer from the typical symptoms for months or even several years. In the long term, the disease also puts a great strain on the psyche. Many people affected develop social fears, inferiority complexes or depression.

Diagnosis & course

A typical papule formation on the skin or mucous membranes of an affected person can already lead to the suspected diagnosis of skin lichen by a dermatologist (specialist in skin diseases). A removed skin flake, which is examined microscopically, can be used to confirm the suspected diagnosis of skin lichen.

In order to determine in a further step the exact type of fungus that has led to a skin lichen, a so-called laboratory culture (rearing) of the pathogen can be created. Once the culture that has been created has developed completely, it can, among other things, provide information on effective drug treatment of the skin lichen.

As a rule, skin lichen takes a positive course with early medical treatment. In some cases it is also possible that the skin lichen shows a chronic course.

Complications

Depending on the severity and location, skin lichen can have a strong influence on the everyday life of the person affected. This is the case, for example, when the lichen spreads on the hands and fingers or the skin flakes particularly badly, is reddened and no longer regenerates. Above all, it is the psychological burden that is underestimated, but can be very high.

Constant itching and shame in front of the scaly patches of skin make life difficult for those affected and can lead to psychological complications. This mainly happens when the disease takes a chronic course and keeps returning or does not go away. Most of the time, all that can be done is to try to alleviate the symptoms. #

A complete cure is not possible with chronic lichen planus. In five to twenty percent of skin lichen cases, diseases of the joints occur with severe pain. Since it is often triggered by a weakened immune system, complications can also arise here.

Further infections and secondary diseases can occur and adversely affect the healing process of the skin lichen. The lichen can also spread all over the body and even cause blood poisoning and heart problems. Then treatment in the hospital becomes inevitable.

When should you go to the doctor?

If dandruff is suspected, various anti-dandruff products can be used first. If these show no effect or if there are other complaints, a visit to the doctor makes sense. Reddening of the skin, itching or papules require medical clarification, especially if there is an accompanying inflammation or bleeding. If you notice pus pustules, you should see your doctor on the same day.

Immediate examination and treatment is indicated for serious complications such as infection or circulatory problems. If left untreated, the lichen can spread to the entire body and even lead to heart problems and chronic diseases of the internal organs. Chronic skin lichen requires close monitoring by a specialist.

In addition to the general practitioner, a dermatologist or a specialist in internal diseases can be consulted. Patients suffering from a disease of the internal organs, the immune system or the thyroid gland should speak to the responsible doctor. If the dandruff occurs during chemotherapy, it is best to also inform the doctor in charge.

Doctors & therapists in your area

Treatment & Therapy

As a rule, doctors recommend local therapy for skin lichen first. Local lichen therapy is carried out by applying locally effective active ingredients to the part of the body that is affected by skin lichen.

In contrast to so-called systemic therapy, in which absorbed active ingredients (for example in the form of injections) also get into the bloodstream, local therapy for skin lichen is usually associated with comparatively fewer side effects. Suitable medicinal forms for applying local active ingredients to the skin are, for example, ointments or creams.

If mucous membranes are affected by lichen planus, local therapy (depending on the location of the affected mucous membrane) can also be carried out using, for example, juices or suppositories. Which drugs are suitable for the local treatment of lichen planus in each individual case mainly depends on the type of fungus that is the basis of the lichen planus.

A systemic treatment of the skin lichen with fungus-fighting drugs (antimycotics) is usually only carried out after unsuccessful local therapy. In severe cases of lichen planus, therapy that combines locally and systemically applied active ingredients may also be necessary.

Outlook & forecast

The prognosis of lichen planus is favorable for most people. With a stable and healthy immune system, patients usually experience rapid healing. Often no medical care is required for an otherwise healthy person, as the body's own defense system kills the pathogens and removes them from the body. Treatment should be given to people who have other illnesses or the immune system is not fully resilient due to natural conditions.

The healing process is improved if those affected consult a doctor at the first changes in the skin or mucous membranes. This enables a quick diagnosis and start of treatment. In addition to sick people, the risk groups of a weakened immune system include, in particular, infants, children and the elderly.

The sooner they start treatment, the faster they will recover. The triggering fungus and other pathogens that promote the spread of the skin lichen must be prevented from multiplying further. This is the only way to stop the lichen progress.

The wound healing process must also be followed for recovery. Inflammation or open wounds can cause complications that should be avoided. In severe cases, the patient is at risk of sepsis. The blood poisoning can lead to premature death.

prevention

Lichen planus can be prevented primarily through a strengthened body's own immune system. If the immune system is intact, the human body is usually able to successfully fight the fungi that cause skin lichen. In order to avoid a worsening of symptoms in the case of lichen planus, an early visit to the doctor and the associated early treatment of the lichen planus can be useful.

Aftercare

In the majority of cases, skin lichen can be treated successfully. Usually even the body's own defense system is sufficient. Experience has shown that there is no presentation to a doctor at all. In many cases, follow-up examinations are also not used at all.

It is different for patients with a weakened immune system. Therapy can drag on under certain circumstances. This is particularly the case if the disease develops chronically. The skin lichen is first determined microscopically by a dermatologist. This is followed by drug treatment.

The doctor accompanies the patient as part of the aftercare. This is intended to avoid complications and provide the person concerned with support in their everyday life. After a successfully treated lichen planus, the body does not build immunity. Re-infection is possible. However, patients can take their own steps to prevent infection.

These are not directly accompanied by a doctor because they affect the individual's everyday life. However, those affected receive information on how to protect themselves. The best preventive measure is a strengthened immune system. Sufficient exercise and a healthy diet strengthen the body. Those who also opt for early treatment will benefit. Because the skin lichen can be combated most effectively in the early stages.

You can do that yourself

In any case, skin lichen requires medical treatment. Depending on the cause, medical therapy can be supported by self-help measures and various home and natural remedies.

In many cases, daily washing of the affected skin areas with lemon balm or chamomile tea helps. Lukewarm compresses with tar bran or healing earth soothe the skin and relieve itching, as do cooling compresses and moist pads.

A paste made from honey and chopped garlic, which is applied to the affected area, has also proven itself. Buttermilk compresses help with classic psoriasis. In addition, poultices with medicinal plants and herbs such as hay flowers, sage, thyme and juniper can be used.

Lichen planus as a result of an acute or chronic disease of the skin can also be counteracted with a medicinal plant: the wild pansy. Applied in the form of an infusion, the flavonoids and saponins they contain promote the metabolism and relieve itching.

A change in lifestyle is advisable for the causal treatment of lichen planus. A healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals as well as regular exercise can effectively reduce the pathological skin changes. Stress, as one of the main triggers, can be combated through various methods, such as progressive muscle relaxation or autogenic training. In the long term and in the event of recurring symptoms, psychotherapy can also be useful.