What causes ringworm in cats. How is ringworm transmitted between animals and humans. What are the symptoms of ringworm in cats. How is ringworm diagnosed in felines. What are the most effective treatment options for feline ringworm. How long does ringworm treatment typically last in cats. How can you prevent ringworm infections in multi-pet households.

Understanding Ringworm: A Common Feline Fungal Infection

Ringworm, despite its misleading name, is not caused by a worm but by a fungal infection. This condition, medically known as dermatophytosis, affects the skin, hair, and nails of cats and other animals. The term “ringworm” originates from the circular, red, raised rings that often appear on human skin when infected. However, in cats, the presentation can be quite different and sometimes even invisible to the naked eye.

The primary culprit behind feline ringworm is a group of fungi called dermatophytes. In cats, one particular species is responsible for nearly all ringworm infections. This same species can also infect dogs and humans, making it a zoonotic concern.

The Causative Agent of Feline Ringworm

Why is ringworm so prevalent in cats? The fungus thrives on keratin, a protein found in the outer layers of skin, hair, and nails. This abundance of “food” makes cats ideal hosts for the ringworm fungus. Additionally, the warm, humid environment created by a cat’s fur provides perfect conditions for fungal growth.

Transmission of Ringworm: How Cats Get Infected

Ringworm is highly contagious and can spread through various means. Direct contact with an infected animal or person is the most common route of transmission. However, indirect contact with contaminated objects or surfaces can also lead to infection.

• Direct contact with infected animals or humans
• Touching contaminated objects (combs, brushes, bedding)
• Contact with contaminated surfaces (furniture, carpets)

Can ringworm spores survive in the environment? Yes, fungal spores can remain dormant on various surfaces for up to 18 months, making environmental decontamination crucial in preventing and controlling outbreaks.

Factors Influencing Ringworm Infection

Not every contact with the ringworm fungus results in infection. Several factors influence whether a cat will develop ringworm:

1. The amount of environmental contamination
2. The age of the exposed animal (kittens are more susceptible)
3. The overall health and immune status of the cat
4. The presence of skin injuries or irritations

Recognizing Ringworm Symptoms in Cats

Identifying ringworm in cats can be challenging, as symptoms can range from subtle to severe. Unlike in humans, where circular lesions are common, cats may show different signs of infection.

Common Symptoms of Feline Ringworm

• “Cigarette ash” scaling in the depths of the coat
• Round, thickened patches of skin with hair loss
• Alopecia (hair loss) on the head, chest, forelegs, and along the back
• Rough, pitted, or deformed claws
• Generalized hair loss in patches

Is it possible for cats to have ringworm without visible symptoms? Yes, some cats, especially long-haired breeds, can be asymptomatic carriers. These cats show no clinical signs but can still infect other animals or humans, making regular check-ups crucial for multi-pet households.

Diagnosing Ringworm in Felines: Veterinary Approaches

Accurate diagnosis of ringworm is essential for effective treatment. Veterinarians use several methods to confirm the presence of the fungus.

Wood’s Lamp Examination

A Wood’s lamp, which emits ultraviolet light, can cause some ringworm infections to fluoresce with a yellow-green glow. However, this method is not foolproof, as not all cases show fluorescence, and some other dermatophyte species do not fluoresce at all.

Fungal Culture: The Gold Standard

The most accurate method for diagnosing ringworm is through a fungal culture. This involves taking samples of hair and skin scrapings from the cat and cultivating them in a laboratory. While some cultures may show results within a few days, others can take up to three weeks for definitive results.

Additional Diagnostic Tests

To rule out other causes of hair loss, veterinarians may recommend additional tests such as skin scrapings, blood tests, or allergy testing.

Effective Treatment Strategies for Feline Ringworm

Treating ringworm in cats typically involves a multi-faceted approach, combining topical and systemic therapies with environmental decontamination.

Topical Treatments

• Antifungal creams and ointments
• Medicated shampoos
• Lime sulfur dips

Systemic Oral Therapy

Oral antifungal medications are often prescribed to combat the infection from within. These may include drugs such as itraconazole or terbinafine.

Environmental Decontamination

Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the cat’s environment are crucial to prevent reinfection and spread to other pets or humans. This may involve:

• Vacuuming and disposing of vacuum bags
• Washing bedding and toys in hot water
• Using antifungal sprays on surfaces
• Disposing of items that cannot be thoroughly cleaned

How long does ringworm treatment typically last? Treatment duration varies but often continues for several weeks to months. Regular fungal cultures are performed to monitor progress and determine when treatment can be safely discontinued.

Preventing Ringworm Spread in Multi-Pet Households

In households with multiple pets, preventing the spread of ringworm is crucial. Here are some strategies to minimize transmission:

• Isolate infected animals from healthy ones
• Treat all pets in the household, even if they show no symptoms
• Practice good hygiene, including regular hand washing
• Regularly clean and disinfect shared spaces and items
• Monitor all pets for signs of infection

Is it necessary to treat all pets in a household if only one shows symptoms? While it’s not always necessary, treating all pets can help prevent asymptomatic carriers from reinfecting treated animals or humans.

The Importance of Veterinary Guidance in Ringworm Management

Managing ringworm in cats requires patience, diligence, and professional guidance. Veterinary supervision is crucial throughout the treatment process for several reasons:

• Accurate diagnosis and treatment planning
• Monitoring treatment effectiveness through regular cultures
• Adjusting treatment protocols as needed
• Providing guidance on environmental decontamination
• Advising on preventing transmission to humans and other pets

Why is it important not to stop treatment prematurely? Discontinuing treatment too soon can result in a recurrence of the infection, potentially leading to a more resistant strain of the fungus.

Long-Term Management and Prevention

After successful treatment, ongoing vigilance is necessary to prevent future outbreaks. This may include:

• Regular grooming and inspection of pets
• Prompt treatment of any skin injuries or irritations
• Maintaining a clean living environment
• Periodic check-ups with a veterinarian

By understanding the nature of ringworm, recognizing its symptoms, and following proper treatment and prevention protocols, cat owners can effectively manage this common fungal infection and protect both their feline companions and human family members.

Ringworm in Cats: Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions

Despite being a well-known condition, ringworm in cats is often misunderstood. Let’s address some common questions and misconceptions about this fungal infection.

Is Ringworm Only a Problem for Outdoor Cats?

A common misconception is that only outdoor cats are at risk for ringworm. While outdoor cats may have a higher risk due to increased exposure to potentially contaminated environments and other animals, indoor cats are not immune. Ringworm spores can be brought into the home on clothing, shoes, or even by other pets that go outdoors.

Can Humans Get Ringworm from Their Cats?

Yes, ringworm is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. However, not everyone who comes into contact with an infected cat will develop ringworm. Factors such as the individual’s immune status, age, and overall health play a role in susceptibility.

Are Certain Cat Breeds More Susceptible to Ringworm?

While any cat can contract ringworm, certain breeds may be more susceptible or prone to being asymptomatic carriers. Long-haired breeds, in particular, may be more likely to harbor the fungus without showing obvious symptoms, making regular check-ups and grooming essential.

Does a Positive Ringworm Test Mean Lifelong Infection?

No, ringworm is not a lifelong condition. With proper treatment and management, most cats can be cured of ringworm. However, reinfection is possible if the cat is exposed to the fungus again, emphasizing the importance of ongoing prevention measures.

Advanced Treatment Options and Emerging Research

As veterinary medicine advances, new treatment options and research findings continue to emerge in the field of feline dermatophytosis management.

Novel Antifungal Therapies

Research into new antifungal medications is ongoing, with some promising compounds showing potential for more effective or shorter-duration treatments. These may include new topical formulations or oral medications with improved efficacy and fewer side effects.

Immunotherapy and Vaccines

Is there a vaccine for ringworm in cats? Currently, there is no commercially available vaccine for ringworm in cats. However, research into potential vaccines and immunotherapies is ongoing. These approaches aim to boost the cat’s immune response to the fungus, potentially preventing infection or reducing severity.

Environmental Control Innovations

New technologies for environmental decontamination are being developed, including UV-C light devices and advanced air filtration systems. These may offer more efficient and thorough ways to eliminate fungal spores from the environment.

The Role of Nutrition in Ringworm Prevention and Recovery

While not a direct treatment for ringworm, proper nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining a cat’s overall health and immune function, which can influence both susceptibility to infection and recovery time.

Immune-Boosting Nutrients

• Omega-3 fatty acids for skin health and inflammation reduction
• Antioxidants like vitamins E and C to support immune function
• Zinc for skin health and wound healing
• Probiotics to support overall immune health

Can dietary changes help prevent or manage ringworm in cats? While diet alone cannot prevent or cure ringworm, a balanced, nutrient-rich diet can support the immune system and skin health, potentially reducing susceptibility to infection and aiding in recovery.

Supplements and Nutraceuticals

Some veterinarians may recommend specific supplements to support skin health and immune function in cats recovering from ringworm or those at high risk of infection. However, it’s crucial to consult with a veterinarian before adding any supplements to a cat’s diet, as some may interact with medications or be inappropriate for certain health conditions.

The Psychological Impact of Ringworm on Cats and Owners

While ringworm is primarily a physical condition, it can have psychological effects on both cats and their owners.

Stress in Infected Cats

Cats with ringworm may experience stress due to the physical discomfort of the infection, the treatment process (which often involves frequent medication application or bathing), and potential isolation from other pets or family members.

Owner Anxiety and Guilt

Pet owners may experience anxiety about the potential spread of infection to humans or other pets, guilt over their cat’s condition, or stress related to the intensive treatment and cleaning regimens often required.

Addressing the Emotional Aspects

• Providing extra comfort and reassurance to infected cats
• Creating a calm, stress-free environment during treatment
• Seeking support from veterinarians or pet support groups
• Focusing on the temporary nature of the condition and the positive outcomes of treatment

How can pet owners manage the stress associated with a ringworm diagnosis? Open communication with veterinarians, educating oneself about the condition, and focusing on the treatment process rather than dwelling on fears can help manage stress and anxiety.

In conclusion, while ringworm in cats can be a challenging condition to manage, a comprehensive understanding of its causes, symptoms, and treatment options empowers pet owners to effectively care for their feline companions. By combining proper veterinary care, diligent home management, and a holistic approach to feline health, the impact of ringworm can be minimized, ensuring the well-being of both cats and their human families.

Ringworm in Cats | VCA Animal Hospital

What is ringworm?

Ringworm is the common name given to a fungal infection of the skin, hair, and nails. Ringworm infections can occur in humans and in all domesticated species of animals. The name comes from the classical appearance of the round, red, raised ‘ring’ marking the boundary of inflammation in people infected with the disease. The common name of ringworm is somewhat misleading, in that it is not an infection caused by a worm, and the infected areas are not always ring-shaped.

The organisms that cause ringworm infections belong to a specialized group of fungi known as dermatophytes, so the medical name for this disease is dermatophytosis. Some types of dermatophytes are species-specific, meaning that they will only infect one species, whereas others can be spread between different species of animals or from animals to humans. In cats, one species of dermatophyte is responsible for almost all ringworm infections. This species is also infectious to dogs and humans.

How is ringworm transmitted?

Ringworm is contagious and transmission occurs by direct contact with the fungus. It may be passed by direct contact with an infected animal or person or by touching contaminated objects and surfaces. The fungal spores may remain dormant on combs, brushes, food bowls, furniture, bedding, carpet, or other environmental surfaces for up to 18 months. Contact with ringworm fungus does not always result in an infection. The amount of environmental contamination is an important factor in the development of a ringworm infection, as is the age of the exposed animal.

“The fungal spores may remain dormant on combs, brushes, food bowls, furniture, bedding, carpet, or other environmental surfaces for up to 18 months.”

What does ringworm look like?

Ringworm can be challenging to detect in cats since the lesions of ringworm may be very mild or even undetectable. Ringworm fungi feed on the protein that makes up the outer layers of the skin, hair, and nails. A ’cigarette ash’ scaling in the depths of the coat may be the only visible indicator of ringworm infection in cats. Some cats may have round thickened patches of skin with hair loss. Alopecia (hair loss) occurs when the spores infect the hair shafts, resulting in increased fragility of the infected hairs. In cats, the main sites for these lesions are the skin on the head, chest, forelegs, and along the ridge of the back.

Occasionally, infection of the claws may occur. The claws become rough and pitted, develop a scaly base, and they may eventually become deformed.

Ringworm may sometimes cause a more generalized disease where a much larger area of the body is affected, often seen as patches of hair loss.

Some cats, especially longhaired breeds, may have ringworm without any clinical signs or hair loss and can still infect other animals or people.

“Some cats, especially longhaired breeds, may have ringworm without any clinical signs or hair loss and can still infect other animals or people. ”

How is a ringworm infection diagnosed?

Some cases of feline ringworm will glow with a yellow-green fluorescence when the skin and coat are examined in a dark room under a special ultraviolet lamp called a Wood’s lamp. However, not all cases show clear fluorescence and some other species of dermatophytes do not fluoresce under a Wood’s lamp. Therefore, additional diagnostics may be needed to confirm that there are ringworm fungi present.

The most accurate method for diagnosing ringworm in cats is by a culture of the fungus in a laboratory. To do this, samples of hair and skin scrapings are taken from the cat. A positive culture can sometimes be confirmed within a couple of days, but in some cases, the fungal spores may be slow to grow, and culture results can take up to three weeks.

There are numerous causes of hair loss in cats. Before making a diagnosis of ringworm, your veterinarian may recommend additional testing to rule out other possible causes.

How is ringworm in cats treated?

The most common way to treat ringworm in cats is to use a combination of topical therapy (application of creams, ointments, or shampoos) and systemic oral therapy (administration of anti-fungal drugs by mouth). For treatment to be successful, all environmental contamination must also be eliminated. Ringworm cultures will be done periodically after the start of treatment to determine if your pet is still infected.

“For treatment to be successful, all environmental contamination must also be eliminated.”

DO NOT stop treatment unless your veterinarian has made this recommendation. Stopping treatment too soon can result in a recurrence of the fungus.

If there is more than one pet in the household, try to separate infected from non-infected animals and just treat the infected ones. In some situations, it may be preferable to treat all pets. Your veterinarian will advise you on the best treatment given your individual circumstances.

Topical Treatment
Occasionally, topical therapy is used alone for the treatment of ringworm, but more commonly it is used in combination with oral medication. Various creams and ointments containing miconazole (Micaved®), terbinafine (Lamisil®), or clotrimazole (Otomax®, Otibiotic®) are available to apply to localized areas of the skin affected by ringworm. Often, these are aided by using a chlorhexidine + miconazole-based shampoo or a lime sulfur dip that can be used twice weekly. Topical treatment will usually be necessary for a period of several weeks to several months.

Shaving the hair in small areas may be sufficient if only one or two areas are affected. If there is a more generalized disease, or if your cat is a longhaired breed, your veterinarian may recommend clipping all of your cat’s hair. It is extremely important to only use preparations that have been specifically provided or recommended by your veterinarian.

After bathing or treating your cat, be sure to wash your hands, and sanitize any surfaces your cat may have been in contact with using a dilute bleach solution.

Oral Treatment
In most cases of ringworm, effective treatment will require the administration of an oral anti-fungal drug. The most commonly used drugs for this purpose are itraconazole (Itrafungol®, Sporanox®, Onmel®) or terbinafine. The response of individual cats to treatment varies and if therapy is stopped too soon, the disease may recur. Treatment usually lasts for a minimum of six weeks but, in some cases, much longer therapy is required.

“The response of individual cats to treatment varies and if therapy is stopped too soon, the disease may recur.”

Environmental Cleaning
Infected hairs contain numerous microscopic fungal spores that can be shed into the environment. Infection of other animals and humans can occur, either by direct contact with an infected cat or through contact with fungal spores in a contaminated environment. In addition to minimizing direct contact with an infected cat, it is also important to keep the environment as free of spores as possible.  It is worthwhile to restrict the cat to rooms of the house that are easy to clean.

Clipping the hair (with careful disposal of the hair) combined with topical antifungal treatment of affected areas of skin may help to reduce environmental contamination. Do not use scissors to remove your cat’s hair. It is important to remove pet hair from floors or furniture as it may be contaminated with fungal spores.

Environmental contamination can be minimized by thorough damp mopping or vacuuming of all rooms or areas that are accessible to your cat; this should be done daily. Fungal spores may be killed with a solution of chlorine bleach and water using the dilution of one pint of chlorine bleach (500 ml) in a gallon of water (4 liters) where it is practical to use it.

Although ringworm is a self-limiting infection in many cats with resolution typically taking three to five months, treatment of the disease is always necessary to minimize the risk of spread of infection to humans, especially children, and other pets.

How long will my cat be contagious?

Infected pets remain contagious for about three weeks if aggressive treatment is used. The ringworm will last longer and remain contagious for an extended time if only minimal measures are taken or if you are not compliant with the prescribed approach. Minimizing exposure to other dogs or cats and to your family members is recommended during this period.

Two consecutive negative fungal cultures will indicate successful treatment of your cat.

Will my cat recover from ringworm?

The majority of cats, if treated appropriately, will recover from a ringworm infection. While the appearance of the lesions may not change much during the first week or so of treatment, some improvement should be evident within two to three weeks. Symptoms may recur if the treatment is discontinued too early or is not aggressive enough (i.e., only topical treatment was used), or if your cat has an underlying disease that is compromising its immune system.

“The majority of cats, if treated appropriately, will recover from a ringworm infection.”

Occasionally, despite appropriate treatment, the infection persists. In this situation, your veterinarian may have to try alternative anti-fungal drugs.

What is the risk to humans?

Ringworm can be transmitted quite easily to humans, particularly children, and it is important to take appropriate steps to minimize exposure to the fungus while the cat is being treated. Ringworm is more likely to be transmitted to and cause clinical signs in humans who have a depressed immune system. If any people in the house develop skin lesions, especially small patches of skin thickening and reddening with raised scaly edges, medical attention should be sought. Ringworm in humans generally responds very well to treatment. However, the ringworm fungus can remain infectious for up to 18 months in the environment and re-infection may occur. It is important to wear gloves when handling infected animals and wash hands thoroughly afterward.

Ringworm: A Serious but Readily Treatable Affliction

Ringworm (feline dermatophytosis) is among the most frequently occurring skin disorders affecting the worldwide cat population. Despite its name, it is a fungal infection having nothing at all to do with worms. And the only thing it has to do with rings is the circular area of itchy rash that typically—but not necessarily—will appear on the skin of an infected animal.

The fungi responsible for the condition are called dermatophytes, microscopic organisms that originate in soil but can flourish as parasites beyond their home environment. Once entrenched in a host’s body, the fungi thrive by digesting keratin, a protein substance that is the main structural component of hair and nails. As they consume the keratin, the microscopically small fungi reproduce rapidly, creating millions of single-cell reproductive bodies (spores) that are capable of developing into new microorganisms.

When the dermatophytes come into contact with healthy feline tissue, several different phenomena may occur: they may be brushed off by a meticulously self-grooming cat; they may lose out in competition with more robust microorganisms and eventually disappear; they may establish residence on the skin without causing any adverse reactions; or, worst case, they may settle in droves on the animal’s skin and cause dermatitis—an inflammatory disease that can manifest itself in a variety of unpleasant ways.

If untreated, says William Miller Jr., a professor of dermatology at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, ringworm in an otherwise healthy cat will probably self-resolve over time. Nevertheless, he points out, “Feline ringworm is not something that you want to take lightly. If it does go away without treatment, the process will typically take anywhere from nine months to a year, during which time the animal’s hair will keep falling out and its bare skin will be exposed. This can increase the animal’s risk of skin wounds and subsequent infection.”

Moreover, he points out, ringworm is a zoonotic disease—it can be passed from an infected cat to a human who comes in contact with it. Thus, the condition can pose a significant threat to people as well as to cats.

The clearest and most common clinical signs of feline ringworm include the following: circular areas of hair loss, broken and stubbly hair, scaling or crusty skin, alterations in hair or skin color, inflamed areas of skin, excessive grooming and scratching, infected claws or nail beds, and dandruff.

If ringworm is suspected, a veterinarian will first attempt to exclude the presence of other dermatologic conditions that the infection may resemble, such as flea allergy. Toward this goal, says Dr. Miller, the veterinarian may examine the cat’s coat with a Wood’s lamp—an ultraviolet light under which a fungus-coated hair will glow with a yellowish-green color. The hairs that fluoresce in this manner are then examined microscopically for specific spores and other fungal characteristics.

If ringworm is diagnosed, treatment will typically involve the application of topical antifungal medications to all infected areas and, in most cases, a systemic medication as well. If the lesions are present in many areas of a cat’s skin, a full-body rinse or dip may be used. It will take at least six weeks or so of repeated treatments to completely cure a feline ringworm infection, he notes, “and maybe a whole lot longer in some cases.”

Microsporia



Beware of ringworm!

Microsporia (ringworm) is a contagious skin disease that can affect the scalp. The cause of infection is a pathogenic fungus – microsporum. The disease is characterized by the appearance on the skin of spots of a pale pink color, correctly rounded or oval in shape, surrounded by a brighter inflammatory rim, so sometimes the rashes resemble rings. There is slight peeling on the surface of the spots. Patients may experience slight itching. Most often, such spots appear on open areas of the body – arms, legs, chest, but can also be located anywhere else. When the scalp is affected, bald patches appear, covered with grayish-white scales, the hair in the focus is broken off at the same level, as if cut with scissors, so another name for the disease is “ringworm”. If you do not notice the disease in time and do not consult a doctor, more and more new lesions appear with persistent hair loss.

Domestic animals play a large role in the spread of this disease.

The main animals involved in the persistence and transmission of infection are cats, less often dogs. Cats of light colors and brindle color are more likely to suffer from microsporia. Other animals that suffer from microsporia and can also be a source of human infection include: domestic pigs, horses, rabbits, rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, poultry. A great danger in the spread of microsporia is “carriers of infection” – outwardly healthy animals, which, without getting sick themselves, are at the same time carriers of fungi.

Infection usually occurs through direct contact with a sick animal, when it is played with, washed, picked up, put into bed, and also through environmental objects infected from it. At home, these are bed linen, clothes, hats, towels, toys, pet care items. Outside the home, infection can occur through doormats, dust from attics and basements, container platforms, sand from children’s sandboxes, and water from shallow reservoirs.

The greatest rise in the disease is traditionally noted in the warm season. Children are more often ill, especially preschool and primary school age.

Diseases can be avoided by observing the following rules: do not leave small children unattended on the street, do not allow children to pick up and play with stray cats and dogs, do not bring animals that have not been examined by a veterinarian into the house, even if they look completely healthy, do not use other people’s combs, hats. If you have a pet in your house, follow the rules for keeping it, do not take animals to bed, visit the veterinarian regularly, and do not neglect vaccinations. If the animal is sick, do not drive it outside (it can become a source of infection for others), but contact your veterinarian. If suspicious skin rashes appear, do not self-medicate, urgently seek help from a specialized institution – the Kovrov Dermatovenerologic Dispensary, where dermatovenereologists will conduct the necessary examination and provide highly qualified assistance.

Kecheva Natalya Nikolaevna
Head of the outpatient clinic
service of the Kovrovsky KVD
dermatovenereologist
1st qualification category
Chief specialist of Kovrov

Lichen treatment in SZAO (m.

Shchukinskaya, m. Streshnevo, m. Sokol)

Lichen is a group of skin diseases that most often occur as a result of a fungal infection. Regardless of the specific type, the symptoms of the disease are similar: small nodules, spots, rashes appear on the skin, nails, and hairline, which are constantly itchy.

Other symptoms include:

• peeling of the skin;
• “crumbling” of nails, change in their color, hair loss;
• increased body temperature;
• swollen lymph nodes.

If you have one or more symptoms, see a dermatologist immediately to start treatment in time and prevent baldness, permanent pigment spots and scars on the skin.

Types of lichen and methods of infection

There are several types of pathology:

• Ringworm (trichophytosis) . Most often it affects the hairline, less often nails, and manifests itself in the form of purulent discharge, hair loss. Provocateur – a fungus of the genus Trichophyton. The disease begins with small blurry spots that quickly cover the entire area and merge into a single whole. Over time, gray scales appear on the affected area. If ringworm becomes chronic, the itching is less severe and the spots are less noticeable. When the disease affects the buttocks and trunk, the spots are pink-blue, the palms and feet are pale red, scaly. Often a chronic disease manifests itself on the nails: at the beginning, these are white-gray small spots, over time, a thick, deformed dirty-gray nail plate is formed.
• Pityriasis (multicolor) . It appears on the back, chest, neck, sharply – on the shoulders and in the hair area in the form of small light brown spots of different shades, which peel off slightly when scraped off. The causative agent is a yeast-like fungus of several types. At first, small spots appear, which eventually grow and unite. When sunburned, the spots become lighter than the darkened skin, and it is more difficult to reduce them. Without treatment, this type of lichen can progress for many years.
• Pink (Giber disease) . Here, the nature of the disease is slightly different: 5–10 days before a full-fledged rash, a “maternal” pink or brown plaque appears in the form of a spot, the size of a coin. Then “babies” quickly appear – small inflammations, the number of which increases within 6-9 weeks. Over time, the center of the spot becomes covered with small scales, and the edges remain red, which makes the rash look like medallions. The spots do not merge and persist for several months.
• Herringbone . The causative agent is the herpes virus. A small bubbling rash in this case appears in the back and abdomen, and not only itches, but also hurts. It appears most often in older people who have had chickenpox, in winter and autumn, during a period of weakened immunity. It lasts 20-30 days.
• Flat red . The most severe type of lichen that occurs for unknown reasons. It manifests itself in the form of a flat rash with small papules and, in advanced cases, causes neurogenic symptoms, disrupts metabolism.

Cost of services

The source of infection is the carrier of the disease – a person or an animal. Infection is also possible from household items of the patient (clothes, comb, bedding, etc.).

At the same time, not everyone becomes ill with lichen – reduced immunity, poor hygiene, and skin damage contribute to the onset of pathology. In the case of shingles, nervous strain, stress play a decisive role. Various disorders in the body can lead to the development of red lichen: autoimmune, metabolic, neurogenic, endocrine, as well as hereditary predisposition.

Treatment

First of all, the Emmaclinic dermatologist determines the causative agent of the disease – for this purpose, a complex of laboratory tests is carried out. It is not always possible to accurately determine the type of lichen, focusing only on a visual examination – often the spots are similar both to each other and to other skin infections. Without additional analyzes, only red lichen is well recognizable – due to characteristic external manifestations that are difficult to confuse with something else.

Treatment depends on the type of lichen. Most often, it involves the use of antifungal, antihistamines, the use of ointments. In some cases (for example, with red lichen), vitamins, immunomodulators, and sedatives are additionally prescribed. For the treatment of pink lichen, special products are not required at all – it is enough to reduce prolonged contact with water and lubricate the affected areas with a moisturizer.

For patients deprived of obligatory observance of the rules of personal hygiene: clothes, underwear, personal items must be thoroughly cleaned and subjected to heat treatment.