Hearing the diagnosis of "lichen", people panic. All because of the fact that many people from childhood associate the disease with something terrible and incurable. But it is important to understand that the white lichen from the shearing - the one that horrifies people - is very different. And the similarity in names is easily explained by the fact that both ailments have a similar origin.
Is the white lichen transmitted?
Cause a fungus of the Malassezia family. Like many other microorganisms, they live on the body of almost all people. Unable to reproduce until the immune system fails, they do not cause any discomfort at all. Although it must be acknowledged that even when the first symptoms of white lichen appear, the person does not notice any significant changes in health.
The main manifestation of the problem is the formation of whitish spots on the skin. This is due to the fact that the fungi begin to multiply and spread to the skin. And the products of their vital functions block the access of ultraviolet rays to the epidermis. As a result, the skin tans partially.
But seeing the white spots, do not worry. Simple white lichen is completely harmless. The fungi that cause the disease are considered to be the least aggressive and for the surrounding hazards do not represent any. Simply put, white lichen is not contagious. But it is recommended to take a closer look at your immunity:
- people with eczema ;
- patients with hay fever;
- people who are cured of allergic dermatitis.
How to treat white lichen?
Symptoms of white lichen can easily be confused with the signs of vitiligo . Therefore, the first task is to make an accurate diagnosis. As practice shows, fungi Malassezia very often disappear by themselves and, accordingly, to take any measures to combat them is not necessary.
Serious treatment of white lichen can be needed when:
- spots becomes too much;
- dermatosis starts to disturb the patient;
- spots become inflamed (which can occur due to drying out of the skin);
- stains concentrate on the face and open areas of the body.
It is best to fight the fungus with topical products: ointments, lotions, gels, creams. The main goal of treatment in this case should be to eliminate the microorganism and restore normal skin color. The hydrocortisone ointment can cope with treatment of white lichen.