Red lichen

Red lichen is a skin disease that has a chronic course and is characterized by the polymorphism of the rashes. The main elements in this are nodules, which can be located on the skin and mucous membranes.

Red lichen occurs when there is a disturbance in the metabolism and immune processes in the body. The result is an inadequate response of tissues to stimuli coming from the external environment. Genetic predisposition plays an important role in the onset of the disease. The effects of various chemical compounds from the external environment acquire certain importance.

The polymorphism of the eruptions determines the signs that characterize the red lichen. Symptoms of the disease are represented by a rash that is located on various parts of the body and looks almost identical in all similar cases. It is represented by peculiar seals on the surface of the skin, which are often irregular in shape and shiny color. As the development develops, the sites acquire characteristic changes, which consist in changing the color to pinkish-violet and the emergence of centralized westernization.
Red lichen with time progresses: the foci gradually merge with each other, their surfaces begin to peel off. Scales of small sizes are characteristic only for this disease, therefore they can be considered a diagnostic sign. Rashes in this disease are accompanied by itching and pain, which is permanent, can be intense. As a result, the appetite, sleep, everyday life is disturbed. Sometimes, red lichen can affect the nail plates. As a result, they acquire longitudinal striation.

The disease has a prolonged course, which can last up to one year. When spreading lesions to all parts of the skin, it is called generalized. This pathology is dangerous, as it threatens to involve other diseases and the development of secondary erythroderma.

Reddish red has characteristic features, so its diagnosis is not very difficult. When making a diagnosis, they matter: the color of the rashes, their irregular contours, the impressions in the central region, the absence of hemorrhages. The disease is differentiated from such pathologies as syphilis and psoriasis, lupus erythematosus, leukoplakia.

Laboratory data do not play a significant role in determining the disease and setting the right diagnosis, because they do not show specific changes (increase in blood leukocytes, lymphocytes, ESR).

A detailed questioning of the patient plays an important role, since it helps to identify predisposing factors, the time of onset and the features of the course of the disease, the presence of similar pathological conditions in relatives.

Red lichen does not have specific treatment regimens. This is due to the lack of accurate data on the causes of the disease. All therapy is aimed at treating associated pathological conditions. The lesions on the skin are eliminated with the help of bromine-containing drugs. Of particular importance is vitamin therapy, the appointment of soothing drugs. It is often used antiallergic drugs and drugs that increase the immune status of a person. Locally used are various ointments, alcohols, which have an anti-inflammatory effect. When the elements are placed on the mucous membranes, a special diet is prescribed, which includes the refusal to take hot, poorly processed foods. They cause additional traumatization, and this significantly aggravates the patient's condition.