Pink lichen - causes and signs of pink lichen

Pityriasis rosea development stages

There are three stages of lichen rosea development:

• the first stage is characterized by the appearance of the so-called "mother" spot. This spot is quite large in size compared to the other spots. This spot is localized on rather delicate areas of the skin (elbow folds, sides). The "mother" spot looks like peeling skin. At the first stage, the spots are localized only on the hands. At this stage, the first symptoms of the disease appear. The duration of the stage is up to a week;

• the second stage is characterized by the spread of the secondary rash to large areas of the body. The main way the rash spreads is with water. The rash is smaller in shape and consists of small convex plaques. The secondary rash covers large areas of skin on the trunk, neck, thighs and arms. Most often, the face is not affected (although sometimes the rash can spread to it);
• the third stage - in the last stage, pink lichen, in its clinical picture, is very similar to plaque psoriasis. Characterized by acanthosis, which is combined with elongated epidermal growths, the presence of vesicles in the epidermis and intercellular edema.

Causes

Causes that contribute to the development of pink lichen:

• seasonality (the disease is most often diagnosed in autumn or spring);
• hypothermia;
• past infectious diseases;
• colds;
• intestinal disorders;
• vaccinations;
• age (more often diagnosed in adults, and extremely rare in children under two years of age);
• reduced immunity;
• frequent stress;
• impaired metabolism;
• insect bites (there is an opinion that they are carried by lice, fleas and bedbugs).

Pityriasis rosea is an erythematous-squamous dermatosis. Viral or infectious-allergic origin is assumed.

Symptoms

Symptoms of pink lichen depend on the stage of development of the disease.

Symptoms of the first stage of the disease:

• the appearance of a "mother" spot;
• the size of the "mother" spot is larger than the rest of the rash;
• the "mother" spot can reach 10 cm in diameter;
• the "mother" spot has a round or oval shape;
• the skin at the site of the rash begins to peel;
• the color of the spot is red or pink;
• the rash forms at the bend of the elbow, sides torso, thighs;
• rash appears periodically;
• after some time the center of the spot sinks;
• spot in the center becomes brown;
• edges of the spot rise and become keratinized;
• rarely the "mother" spot can form on the head, face and in the genital area;
• spread of the rash is facilitated by contact with water (washing the affected areas of the skin);
• duration of this stage up to a week;
• body temperature rises (can reach 38 C and above);
• lack of appetite;
• disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
• joint pain;
• headache pain;
• enlarged cervical lymph nodes;
• general weakness and malaise.

Symptoms of the second stage of development of pink lichen:

• the appearance of a small rash;
• the diameter of the secondary rash does not exceed 1.5 cm;
• the secondary rash has larger areas, compared to the primary rash;
• the secondary rash forms a week or two weeks after the formation of the "mother" plaque;
• the rash consists of small plaques that rise above the skin level;
• plaques have a flaky surface;
• the rash from the sides of the body and the bends of the elbows spreads to the neck, arms, abdomen, back and thighs;
• most often the face is not affected by the rash (although there were exceptions).

Symptoms of the third stage of the disease:

• symptoms of the disease resemble plaque psoriasis;
• acanthosis (hyperpigmentation of the skin) is characteristic;
• the rash is characterized by elongated epidermal growths;
• extensive lesions of the skin by the rash;
• the epidermis is characterized by the presence of blisters;
• intercellular edema is possible;
• after the rash disappears, hyperpigmentation or leukoderma remains on the skin.

The first and second stages of the development of pink lichen can be asymptomatic in some patients.

The disease does not relapse, but a second disease can develop in case of reduced immunity.

Diagnostics

If a rash appears on the skin, you must immediately make an appointment with a dermatologist or infectious disease specialist. The doctor will conduct a consultation and an initial examination of the patient. Since the clinical picture of pink lichen is quite characteristic, an initial examination is enough to make a correct diagnosis. But to confirm the diagnosis, the specialist will prescribe a scraping of the rash.

Pink lichen must be distinguished from other types of lichen, toxicoderma, seborrheic or infectious eczema and other skin diseases.

Treatment

The disease usually does not require special treatment and can go away on its own. Pink lichen will pass in a month and a half. During this time, you should avoid contact of the rash with water and use ointments and creams. Prescribe antihistamines (relieve itching, if it bothers you), vitamins and prescribe a hypoallergenic diet.

Prevention

Prevention of pink lichen includes:

• strengthening the immune system;
• hardening procedures;
• good nutrition;
• walks in the fresh air.