Children are susceptible to pink lichen, a common skin condition that causes oval or round patches to appear on the skin. Parents may find it uncomfortable and unsettling, even though it is not dangerous. Fortunately, pink lichen is not communicative and usually goes away on its own.
Parents can detect pink lichen early and take the appropriate action to manage it by being aware of the symptoms. Large pinkish patches on the skin are typically the first symptom, followed by smaller ones. Although these patches may itch, they frequently don’t cause any severe discomfort.
Children’s pink lichen is typically treated simply by reducing any irritation or itching. Most cases clear up in a few weeks without the need for medical attention, but if you’re worried, it’s always a good idea to see a pediatrician.
- What is it?
- Causes of occurrence
- Symptoms
- Diagnostics
- Treatment
- Video on the topic
- Pink lichen. Treatment of pink lichen. Clinic and diagnostics of pink lichen.
- Pink lichen of Gibert or simply – pink lichen
- Pink lichen
- Pink lichen of Gibert: treatment, ointment and drugs. How and how to treat pink lichen in a child and children
What is it?
Lichen Gibert is the reason for the appearance of red spots on the body. It is also known as pink rash due to its color. This disease has nonspecific symptoms. Additionally, they can coexist with other skin pathologies, which makes the disease’s differential diagnosis much more difficult to make. Pink lichen cases in babies and infants are extremely rare. Unfavorable symptoms typically manifest later in life. Statistics show that the age of ten is when the incidence peaks. A slightly higher proportion of adults than children fall ill.
Pink lichen symptoms in children do not spread. There are no contact-household or airborne droplet methods of spreading this illness.
As of right now, researchers are unable to agree upon the disease’s cause. Numerous scientific investigations are underway. Their objective is to identify the actual underlying causes for various age groups. Girls are just as likely as boys to get sick, according to statistics. The incidence increases slightly during the colder months. In structured and densely populated groups, disease outbreaks are typically rare. Pandemics or widespread epidemics do not exist. Kids who go to school also get sick just as frequently. There are no quarantine procedures for lichen Gibert.
Causes of occurrence
Physicians are unable to pinpoint the precise cause of pathology. There have long been theories that suggest different viruses may be responsible for the illness’s onset. According to experts, they might be a factor in the development of red rashes on the skin. There were theories that the disease could develop as a result of different herpes viruses. But as of right now, no solid confirmation exists. Youngsters who have herpes may never develop lichen Gibert disease in their lifetime. Further undermining the viral theory of disease development is the impossibility of infection from such children.
These days, scientists are more likely to think that the illness is brought on by compromised immune system performance. According to statistics, the majority of cases of this pathology are discovered following a bacterial or viral infection that was previously transmitted.
Pink lichen is more common in children who are often sick and weak.
Some reviews from parents of children who have suffered from Gibert"s lichen indicate a connection between this disease and previously suffered psychoemotional stress. As a result of such exposure, the protective functions of the immune system are greatly weakened, and the functioning of the nervous system is disrupted. As a result, stress can cause the baby to develop unfavorable symptoms of this skin dermatosis. European studies have revealed a connection between previous insect bites or skin parasites and the development of Gibert"s pink lichen. They noted isolated cases of this disease after long-term treatment with various drugs that have a depressing effect on the functioning of the immune system. Usually, the disease develops over several months. In this case, the severity of adverse symptoms can be of different. Usually, the maximum number of rashes is in the first weeks of the disease. Then the number of red spots on the skin gradually decreases. Usually, by the end of the second week, the acute period of the disease begins to pass. In the cold season, the immune system noticeably worsens. The abundance of viruses entering the child"s body burdens the immune system. This leads to the fact that it cannot cope with the elimination of all pathogenic microorganisms.
Clinical signs of lichen Gibert may appear after a long course of the virus, especially if it is a severe form.
Symptoms
After recovery from a viral infection, the baby develops skin manifestations. These signs indicate an acute period of pink lichen. The onset of the disease is the appearance of a maternal plaque on the skin. As a rule, it appears on the back. However, the plaque can also appear on other parts of the body. This is a rounded formation, the diameter of which is about two centimeters. The color of the mother plaque is pink or slightly red. Over time, the center of the formation acquires a yellow tint. The plaque begins to decrease somewhat in all sizes, to wrinkle. This leads to the fact that its outline changes noticeably, it becomes uneven. The mother plaque may differ in density from the surrounding skin. It rises slightly above them. A few weeks after the onset of the disease, the surface of the plaque is covered with numerous scales. This develops as a result of excessive peeling. Usually, this sign indicates that soon all the unfavorable symptoms of the disease will disappear completely. Plaques look like round or oval formations. They can be red or pink. Color intensity – from the center to the periphery. They are located along the skin folds – Langer"s lines. Such a specific localization is due to the physiological characteristics of the body.
In the event that a typical mother plaque develops on the skin, numerous other rashes will follow a few days later. They may be the same size or somewhat smaller.
The body’s surface is nearly entirely covered in these rashes. The skin on the back has the greatest concentration of plaques.
In the center of the plaques you can see a large number of scales, which indicate the presence of peeling. The peripheral zone of formation is smooth. It is subject to peeling only at the very end of the development of the disease. It is important to note that the number of spots on the skin can be different. They become more numerous after a bath or shower. The development of the disease is also characterized by the appearance of systemic clinical signs. These include moderate headache, increasing general weakness, decreased appetite, increased drowsiness, worsening mood, rapid fatigue, pain when moving joints, muscle weakness, enlarged cervical peripheral lymph nodes. The severity of adverse symptoms depends on the initial state of the child. If the baby suffered a viral infection in a rather severe form before the lichen of the Giber, or complications appeared during the development of the disease, then there may be more rashes on the skin. The child’s well -being in this case will also be significantly worsened. Red spots on the skin can persist for a long time.
The ailing child is not communicable, even in the early stages of skin rashes. There is no need to keep it in a completely isolated environment. Applying disinfectants to a children’s room is sufficient.
Usually, a full recovery takes place and all skin rashes totally go away after a few weeks.
Different hyperpigmented areas of the skin remain after red spot cleansing. Their vivid color sets them apart from the surrounding healthy skin. But there’s no reason to be concerned. They too will vanish entirely in a few days. The skin will start to look normal and healthy.
Diagnostics
Pink lichen can be found without the need for additional testing. All the doctor needs to do is perform a thorough clinical examination on the child in order to arrive at the correct diagnosis. Amnesia collection is also a major diagnostic aid.
The presence of a prior viral infection, extreme stress, or hypothermia could be signs that the child has lichen Gibert.
Sometimes, other skin conditions can conceal the disease’s symptoms. Diagnostic testing is already necessary in this case. Typically, a dermatologist compiles the required diagnostic complex.
The doctor can order any tests required to accurately diagnose the skin rashes and create a treatment plan after performing a clinical examination.
Children frequently develop pink lichen, a skin condition that usually manifests as round, pink patches on the skin and frequently causes mild itching. For children, it can be uncomfortable, despite not being serious. Fortunately, it usually goes away on its own in a few weeks, but in the interim, calming remedies like antihistamines or moisturizing lotions can help ease discomfort. Healing can also be accelerated by washing your child’s skin well and avoiding harsh soaps.
Treatment
- Limitation of any water procedures during the acute period of the disease. Baths or showers can contribute to the appearance of new skin rashes. Usually doctors limit any water procedures for several days – in order to quickly disappear all red spots on the skin.
- In the future, you should use only moisturizing shower products. Try to choose the most hypoallergenic products. They should not contain strong perfume fragrances and various dyes. Such chemicals will only contribute to the long-term course of pink lichen.
- Avoid any overdrying of the skin. It has been noted that in children who have a tendency to excessive dryness of the skin, pink lichen develops several times more often. Special emollients will help improve the water balance of the skin. These products even out the skin pH and improve the moisture of the skin. The skin becomes softer and smoother to the touch.
- Avoid direct sunlight. Any overdrying of the skin also contributes to the possible appearance of skin rashes. During the acute period of the disease, it is better to completely avoid active sun exposure for some time.
- Limit wearing clothes made of synthetic materials. Exposure to coloring components in such materials contributes to the development of specific skin rashes. Wearing woolen clothes can provoke the appearance of new plaques.
- Use ointments. For better drying of the skin, you can use medicines containing zinc. They help to dry out red spots a little and prevent bacterial infection from penetrating into them. If the skin is too dry, you can use ointments with a fairly oily base. These products are prescribed only by the attending physician.
- Eat right. Any industrial sweets, marinades, as well as spicy and smoked foods are excluded from the baby"s daily diet. For children with hypersensitivity to allergens, various bee products, cocoa beans, oranges and other citrus fruits should also be excluded.
- Daily routine. During the acute period of the disease, any heavy physical activity is completely excluded. You should spend more time with your baby. The child must certainly feel parental attention, love and care. This can help the baby recover much faster.
Signs of Pink Lichen | Treatment |
Pinkish patches on the skin | Keep the area clean and dry |
Scaly or flaky skin on the patches | Apply over-the-counter anti-fungal creams |
Itching or mild discomfort | Use mild moisturizers to soothe the skin |
Skin may appear slightly raised | Avoid tight clothing to reduce irritation |
Patches may spread to other areas | Consult a doctor if the condition worsens or doesn"t improve |
Parents may worry when their child develops pink lichen, but with the correct attention, it usually goes away on its own in a matter of weeks. Early detection of the symptoms, such as mild itching and circular pink patches on the skin, facilitates the appropriate course of treatment.
Pink lichen has no known cure, but you can help manage symptoms by making sure your child wears loose clothing and using soothing creams to keep them comfortable. It may be necessary to seek medication advice from a pediatrician if the itching becomes too bothersome.
In the end, pink lichen is a benign ailment that rarely causes problems. Your child’s daily life won’t be significantly disrupted by this transient skin condition if you are patient and give them gentle care.