Shingles Treatment, Medication, and Prevention: Pain Relief, Antiviral

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Antiviral Medications for Shingles
• Painkillers for Shingles
• Other Medications for Shingles
• Alternative Treatments for Shingles?
• Self-Care for Shingles
• Can I Prevent Shingles?
• Who Shouldn’t Get the Shingles Vaccine?
• More

The virus that causes chickenpox also causes shingles. It’s called varicella zoster. It can lie quietly in your nerves for decades after causing chickenpox but suddenly wake up and become active.

The main symptom of shingles is a painful rash that comes up on one side of your body or face. See your doctor as soon as you can if you think you might have this condition.

1 million people in the U.S. get shingles each year, according to the CDC. There is a shingles vaccine for prevention.

Your doctor may want to put you on medications to control your infection and speed up healing, cut inflammation, and ease your pain. They include:

These medicines may slow down the progress of the shingles rash, especially if you take them within the first 72 hours of having symptoms.

They can also lower your chance of having complications. Your doctor may prescribe:

• Acyclovir (Sitavig, Zovirax)
• Famciclovir (Famvir)
• Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about side effects to watch for if you take one of these drugs.

Shingles causes inflammation and pain. Your doctor can suggest over-the-counter medicines to relieve milder discomfort. They include:

• Acetaminophen
• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen

These may also help you stave off postherpetic neuralgia, which is a burning pain that some people get after the rash and blisters of shingles go away.

If you have severe pain after the rash clears or an infection during your shingles outbreak, your doctor might prescribe:

Capsaicin cream: Be careful not to get it in your eyes.

A numbing medicine: You might get lidocaine (Lidoderm, Xylocaine) for pain. It can come in a variety of forms, such as creams, lotions, patches, powders, and sprays, among others.

Antibiotics: You might need these medicines if bacteria infect your skin and rash. But if bacteria aren’t involved, then antibiotics won’t help.

Tricyclic antidepressants: These medications might help ease the pain that lingers after your skin has healed, such as amitriptyline, desipramine (Norpramin), and nortriptyline (Pamelor). They may also help you with depression, if you have that in addition to shingles. Your doctor can tell you what the risks and benefits are.

Some studies show that various alternative treatments, from acupuncture to supplements, can offer relief. The research isn’t complete, but some show promise. Check with your doctor before you try any of these: 

TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation). This therapy uses tiny electrical pulses to relieve pain. A TENS unit is about the size of a smartphone and comes with small patches called electrodes. You put them over the painful area and turn the unit on and off as your pain comes and goes. 

Traditional Chinese medicine. These treatments aim to restore balance in your body. They include acupuncture, the ancient practice of inserting very thin needles into your skin at specific points. Also, moxibustion and cupping, two types of heat therapy, are supposed to draw out toxins. These treatments may be done in combination.

Creams and other skin treatments. A mixture of liquid dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and idoxuridine, an antiviral drug, may reduce swelling and the number of blisters you have when you put it on your rash. And chlorophyll, the chemical that gives plants their green color, is also used directly on the rash as a cream or saline solution. 

Supplements. You’ll find a long list of herbs, pills, and oils that claim to relieve shingles. Most have no research to back them up, but there are a couple of exceptions. Papain, a protein found in papayas, is sold in capsules. And manuka and clover honeys can be put directly on your skin. Very early studies on both show they might be helpful. 

There aren’t home remedies for shingles. But there are things you can do to help your skin heal.

Keep the affected area clean, dry, and exposed to air as much as possible.

The itching can be maddening at times, but try not to scratch or burst the blisters.

Soothe the rash. Your top priority is to find relief for the pain and itching that the rash causes. You might try:

1. Oatmeal baths. Dip into a cool tub of water. For extra relief, add colloidal oatmeal, which is made of oats that have been ground to a very fine powder. This soothing bath may help calm your itching.

2. Cold compresses. Run a washcloth under cool water and place it on your blisters for about 20 minutes at a time. Not only can this relieve itching, it also keeps your blisters clean. That can help you avoid a skin infection. If your blisters aren’t oozing anymore, stop using cold compresses. And if you are using any creams or patches on your rash, don’t use compresses at the same time.

3. Loose clothing. You’ll likely find that relaxed fits made from natural fibers, such as cotton or linen, give you more comfort. If you need to cover your blisters, avoid bandages that might stick to your rash.

4. Calamine lotion. Treat your skin with this smooth, cool, and soothing balm. 

Treat your body and mind. You can get worn down mentally when you’re in constant pain. Stress can make it seem even worse. Self-care starts with treating your rash, but don’t stop there. Your mind and emotional state need to be cared for as well. 

Stick with good habits: Your body is working hard to fight the varicella zoster virus that causes shingles. To give it the right support, you can:

• Eat nutritious food and have regular meals. Ask someone to make a run to the grocery store for fresh fruit and such if you’re not up for it.
• Try to get a good night’s sleep and rest anytime you need to.
• Do gentle exercises, such as walking or stretching. Light activity can help take your mind off the pain. Keep it simple though, and check with your doctor if you’re trying something new.

Distract yourself. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is to put your focus elsewhere. Here are a few things to try:

• Call a friend.
• Listen to music that relaxes you.
• Read a book.
• Watch a favorite movie.
• Work on hobbies you enjoy.

Keep calm. Relaxation can be a big help. With a calmer mind, you can better handle your discomfort. You may want to try:

• Meditation
• Tai chi
• Walking (but keep your blisters covered)
• Yoga

Experiment with these strategies as you get through your shingles outbreak. Different things can help depending on how severe your symptoms are and how you feel from day to day.

There are two shingles vaccines. Shingrix is the recommended vaccine. Zostavax is no longer avilable in the U.S.

Who should get it: The CDC recommends that you get this vaccine if you’re a healthy adult age 50 or older, whether or not you remember having had chickenpox, because most people have been exposed to the virus. If you have had the Zostavax vaccine, you can also get Shingrix.

How many shots do you need? You would need two shots for Shingrix: One at first, with a follow-up in 2 to 6 months.

What it does: Shingrix reduces your chance of getting shingles by more than 90%. Even if you still get shingles, the vaccine may help it be less painful.

I never had chickenpox. Do I still need the shingles vaccine? Yes, you do. Shingrix is recommended for everyone age 50 or older, whether or not you remember having had chickenpox.

If I’ve had shingles, can I still get the vaccine? Yes. It may help prevent another bout of shingles later on. If you have shingles right now, you should wait until the rash is gone before you get vaccinated.

What are the side effects? The most common side effects with Shingrix include pain and swelling where the needle went in you skin, muscle pain, tiredness, headache, chills, fever, and stomach troubles. With any vaccine, there is a chance of a severe allergic reaction. 

Don’t get the Shingrix vaccine if:

• You’re allergic to any of the ingredients.
• You’re pregnant or nursing.
• You have tested negative for immunity to the chickenpox virus. Ask your doctor about the chickenpox vaccine instead.
• You have shingles now.

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Shingles Treatment, Medication, and Prevention: Pain Relief, Antiviral

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Antiviral Medications for Shingles
• Painkillers for Shingles
• Other Medications for Shingles
• Alternative Treatments for Shingles?
• Self-Care for Shingles
• Can I Prevent Shingles?
• Who Shouldn’t Get the Shingles Vaccine?
• More

The virus that causes chickenpox also causes shingles. It’s called varicella zoster. It can lie quietly in your nerves for decades after causing chickenpox but suddenly wake up and become active.

The main symptom of shingles is a painful rash that comes up on one side of your body or face. See your doctor as soon as you can if you think you might have this condition.

1 million people in the U.S. get shingles each year, according to the CDC. There is a shingles vaccine for prevention.

Your doctor may want to put you on medications to control your infection and speed up healing, cut inflammation, and ease your pain. They include:

These medicines may slow down the progress of the shingles rash, especially if you take them within the first 72 hours of having symptoms.

They can also lower your chance of having complications. Your doctor may prescribe:

• Acyclovir (Sitavig, Zovirax)
• Famciclovir (Famvir)
• Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about side effects to watch for if you take one of these drugs.

Shingles causes inflammation and pain. Your doctor can suggest over-the-counter medicines to relieve milder discomfort. They include:

• Acetaminophen
• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen

These may also help you stave off postherpetic neuralgia, which is a burning pain that some people get after the rash and blisters of shingles go away.

If you have severe pain after the rash clears or an infection during your shingles outbreak, your doctor might prescribe:

Capsaicin cream: Be careful not to get it in your eyes.

A numbing medicine: You might get lidocaine (Lidoderm, Xylocaine) for pain. It can come in a variety of forms, such as creams, lotions, patches, powders, and sprays, among others.

Antibiotics: You might need these medicines if bacteria infect your skin and rash. But if bacteria aren’t involved, then antibiotics won’t help.

Tricyclic antidepressants: These medications might help ease the pain that lingers after your skin has healed, such as amitriptyline, desipramine (Norpramin), and nortriptyline (Pamelor). They may also help you with depression, if you have that in addition to shingles. Your doctor can tell you what the risks and benefits are.

Some studies show that various alternative treatments, from acupuncture to supplements, can offer relief. The research isn’t complete, but some show promise. Check with your doctor before you try any of these: 

TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation). This therapy uses tiny electrical pulses to relieve pain. A TENS unit is about the size of a smartphone and comes with small patches called electrodes. You put them over the painful area and turn the unit on and off as your pain comes and goes. 

Traditional Chinese medicine. These treatments aim to restore balance in your body. They include acupuncture, the ancient practice of inserting very thin needles into your skin at specific points. Also, moxibustion and cupping, two types of heat therapy, are supposed to draw out toxins. These treatments may be done in combination.

Creams and other skin treatments. A mixture of liquid dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and idoxuridine, an antiviral drug, may reduce swelling and the number of blisters you have when you put it on your rash. And chlorophyll, the chemical that gives plants their green color, is also used directly on the rash as a cream or saline solution. 

Supplements. You’ll find a long list of herbs, pills, and oils that claim to relieve shingles. Most have no research to back them up, but there are a couple of exceptions. Papain, a protein found in papayas, is sold in capsules. And manuka and clover honeys can be put directly on your skin. Very early studies on both show they might be helpful. 

There aren’t home remedies for shingles. But there are things you can do to help your skin heal.

Keep the affected area clean, dry, and exposed to air as much as possible.

The itching can be maddening at times, but try not to scratch or burst the blisters.

Soothe the rash. Your top priority is to find relief for the pain and itching that the rash causes. You might try:

1. Oatmeal baths. Dip into a cool tub of water. For extra relief, add colloidal oatmeal, which is made of oats that have been ground to a very fine powder. This soothing bath may help calm your itching.

2. Cold compresses. Run a washcloth under cool water and place it on your blisters for about 20 minutes at a time. Not only can this relieve itching, it also keeps your blisters clean. That can help you avoid a skin infection. If your blisters aren’t oozing anymore, stop using cold compresses. And if you are using any creams or patches on your rash, don’t use compresses at the same time.

3. Loose clothing. You’ll likely find that relaxed fits made from natural fibers, such as cotton or linen, give you more comfort. If you need to cover your blisters, avoid bandages that might stick to your rash.

4. Calamine lotion. Treat your skin with this smooth, cool, and soothing balm.  

Treat your body and mind. You can get worn down mentally when you’re in constant pain. Stress can make it seem even worse. Self-care starts with treating your rash, but don’t stop there. Your mind and emotional state need to be cared for as well. 

Stick with good habits: Your body is working hard to fight the varicella zoster virus that causes shingles. To give it the right support, you can:

• Eat nutritious food and have regular meals. Ask someone to make a run to the grocery store for fresh fruit and such if you’re not up for it.
• Try to get a good night’s sleep and rest anytime you need to.
• Do gentle exercises, such as walking or stretching. Light activity can help take your mind off the pain. Keep it simple though, and check with your doctor if you’re trying something new.

Distract yourself. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is to put your focus elsewhere. Here are a few things to try:

• Call a friend.
• Listen to music that relaxes you.
• Read a book.
• Watch a favorite movie.
• Work on hobbies you enjoy.

Keep calm. Relaxation can be a big help. With a calmer mind, you can better handle your discomfort. You may want to try:

• Meditation
• Tai chi
• Walking (but keep your blisters covered)
• Yoga

Experiment with these strategies as you get through your shingles outbreak. Different things can help depending on how severe your symptoms are and how you feel from day to day.

There are two shingles vaccines. Shingrix is the recommended vaccine. Zostavax is no longer avilable in the U.S.

Who should get it: The CDC recommends that you get this vaccine if you’re a healthy adult age 50 or older, whether or not you remember having had chickenpox, because most people have been exposed to the virus. If you have had the Zostavax vaccine, you can also get Shingrix.

How many shots do you need? You would need two shots for Shingrix: One at first, with a follow-up in 2 to 6 months.

What it does: Shingrix reduces your chance of getting shingles by more than 90%. Even if you still get shingles, the vaccine may help it be less painful.

I never had chickenpox. Do I still need the shingles vaccine? Yes, you do. Shingrix is recommended for everyone age 50 or older, whether or not you remember having had chickenpox.

If I’ve had shingles, can I still get the vaccine? Yes. It may help prevent another bout of shingles later on. If you have shingles right now, you should wait until the rash is gone before you get vaccinated.

What are the side effects? The most common side effects with Shingrix include pain and swelling where the needle went in you skin, muscle pain, tiredness, headache, chills, fever, and stomach troubles. With any vaccine, there is a chance of a severe allergic reaction. 

Don’t get the Shingrix vaccine if:

• You’re allergic to any of the ingredients.
• You’re pregnant or nursing.
• You have tested negative for immunity to the chickenpox virus. Ask your doctor about the chickenpox vaccine instead.
• You have shingles now.

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How to treat lichen? ~ Expert advice

Lichen is a term for a group of dermatological pathologies that cause similar elements of a rash in the form of small nodules and spots. Not all types of lichen in humans are contagious, since both viral and fungal agents, as well as endocrine, neurological or genetic disorders, can cause these diseases. The external manifestations of these pathologies are so similar that only a doctor after a complete examination can make a correct diagnosis, determine how to treat lichen, and how to exclude its contagiousness.

Previously, the term “lychen” was used to refer to these diseases.

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Etiology and classification of lichen

Depending on the causes of development, several types of lichen are distinguished:

• Shingles.
  It is contagious, caused by the causative agent of chickenpox (Varicella zoster, a virus of the Herpesviridae family). It often develops in older or middle-aged people, children who come into contact with such patients get chickenpox.
• Ringworm (trichophytosis, microsporia).
  Refers to contagious, provoked by fungi of the genus Trichophyton or Microsporum canis, ferrugineum or audoin, which are often carried by homeless animals: cats, dogs, rabbits, monkeys, etc. The risk of infection increases with frequent contact with the source of infection: when working in veterinary clinics, feeding stray cats and dogs, working on livestock farms, etc.
• Black (epidermal cladosporiosis, black microsporosis).
  Refers to infectious mycosis, caused by Cladosporium wemeckii and Stenella arguata, which are more common in areas with hot and humid climates: Southeast Asia, Africa, countries of the tropical zone of America.
• Pityriasis (multicolor).
  Refers to slightly contagious keratomycosis, since infection is likely only against the background of predisposing factors with prolonged and close contact with the patient. Caused by the fungus Malassezia furfur, Pityrpsporum orbiculare or ovale.
• Pink (pityriasis, Gibert’s disease).
  Not considered contagious. The exact causes of lichen are still unknown, its infectious-allergic nature is assumed.
• Flat red (skin and mouth).
  Is not contagious, the exact causes of development are not yet known. Often observed with stress, pathologies of the digestive tract, liver and pancreas, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, toxic-allergic reactions, for example, with long-term use of tetracycline and gold preparations, in people whose work consists in developing color film or is associated with contact with paraphenyldiamine.
• White (solar).
  Not infectious, causes of development are not yet known exactly. But, most likely, they are associated with the activity of Malassezia fungi, which secrete a component that stops the flow of ultraviolet radiation to the skin and slows down the delivery of melanin.
• Scaly (psoriasis).
  Not contagious, presumably caused by multifactorial causes: heredity, neurotic reactions, past infections.
• Weepy (eczema).
  Not contagious, can be provoked by many or several reasons at once: disorders of the immune system, allergies, endocrine pathologies, disorders in the gastrointestinal tract, stress, work in hazardous industries, trophic disorders in advanced varicose veins, etc.
• Scleroatrophic (white spot disease, vulvar/penis kraurosis, guttate scleroderma).
  Is non-contagious, the causes are not yet well understood, usually occurs against the background of hereditary predisposition, autoimmune disorders, hormonal imbalance, endocrine pathologies or frequent psycho-emotional stress.
• Linear (strip-shaped).
  Not contagious, the causes of development are not yet known exactly, most likely, they are associated with congenital changes in the development of nerve and skin tissues or the disease develops as neurodermatitis, often occurs at 2–3 years of age.
• Shiny lichen.
  It is not contagious, the infectious-allergic nature of the disease is assumed.

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Ways of infection we deprive

Lichen in humans can be contagious or non-contagious. In non-contagious forms, causes or predisposing factors are the impetus for the appearance of rashes. Infectious types of lichen occur through contact with sick people or animals. The likelihood of their development increases non-compliance with hygiene rules, skin injury and reduced immunity.

The causative agent of herpes zoster is transmitted by airborne, contact or transplacental routes. Before the appearance of the first manifestations, it takes from 11 to 21 days (on average 2 weeks).

Fungal causative agents of lichen are transmitted by contact. Such highly contagious mycoses as microsporia and trichophytosis often appear after contact with sick animals. They quickly spread in a team or family through household items contaminated with fungal spores or by direct contact with the affected skin. The peak incidence is in May-September. The incubation period is about a week.

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Clinical manifestations of lichen

Signs of lichen depend on its type. The main manifestation of these diseases is a rash in the form of small vesicles, which usually itch, merge into spots, have even outlines and peel off. Symptoms of lichen give the patient both physical and psychological inconvenience due to the appearance of a cosmetic defect.

Herpes zoster

Manifestations may vary from mild to severe. Approximately 3-4 days before the rash appears, the patient feels pain along the nerves. Then on the body, usually in the intercostal region, bubbles with fluid appear, which merge into pinkish itchy spots. After opening the elements of the rash, a crust appears, sometimes peeling.

In addition to external manifestations, the signs of shingles will be supplemented by a deterioration in well-being. In mild cases, only symptoms of general intoxication (fever, weakness, etc.) are observed, with a complicated course – manifestations of CNS damage.

Ringworm (trichophytosis, microsporia)

This ringworm in a person can appear on any part of the smooth skin or scalp, less often on the nails. On the affected area, pinkish spots with even outlines appear, which consist of small bubbles. At the initial stage, they do not cause itching, and it sometimes appears only with time.

The vital activity of fungi leads to hair loss in the spot area. When localized on the scalp, noticeable bald spots are formed, on which “hair hemp” is visible. The infection can spread by self-infection throughout the body. Sometimes the foci of lichen suppurate.

Black versicolor

Dark and small lesions appear on the palms, feet and fingers or on the forearms and trunk. Over time, they grow, brighten in the center, grow together and form polycyclic areas. Outwardly, they can resemble melanoma. When viewed through a magnifying glass, small scales are visible on the surface.

Pityriasis versicolor

The symptoms of this variety are multiple rounded spots up to 1 cm in diameter slightly protruding above the skin. The color of the rashes varies and can be coffee, yellow, pink-brown or brown. The edges of the lichen are uneven. Over time, the spots peel off and itch a little. Under the influence of the sun, the rash often regresses. After their elimination, the affected area does not tan and remains white.

Lichen rosea (Giber’s disease)

Approximately 50–80% of patients initially have only one (sometimes 2–3) maternal plaque, bright pink in color with signs of peeling and about 3–5 cm in size. It is most often localized on the chest.

After 7-10 days, new lesions appear in the form of smaller pink spots of a round or oval shape on the skin of the arms, legs and torso. Within 2 days, the spots increase to 2 cm or more. They don’t tend to bleed.

Over time, the center of the spots turns yellow, covered with small scales and peels off. The appearance of the spot resembles a medallion. Itching is present in half of the patients, in 25% it is severe. After 6-8 weeks, the rashes are eliminated. Pigmented or depigmented areas remain on the skin, which are eliminated over time. There are usually no relapses.

Lichen planus (skin and mouth)

On the skin, the rash looks like multiple red-violet or crimson papules (2-5 mm) with a retracted middle and a waxy sheen. Peeling is usually slight, sometimes similar to psoriasis. The rash is arranged in groups in the form of rings, garlands or lines. Manifestations of itching can be expressed in varying degrees. After the rash is eliminated, persistent hyperpigmentation remains.

When the oral cavity is affected, lichen occurs in different forms:

• typical – gray-white nodules appear on the mucosa (up to 2 mm), when merged, they resemble a lace pattern;
• exudative-hyperemic – grayish papules appear on the reddened and edematous mucosa;
• hyperkeratolytic – gray plaques appear, which eventually coarsen, rise and cause a feeling of roughness and dryness in the mouth;
• erosive-ulcerative – the mucosa is covered with bleeding ulcers and erosions with fibrinous plaque;
• bullous – there are bullous blisters (up to 1.5 cm) with bloody exudate, which open up and form erosions with fibrinous plaque;
• atypical – rash occurs on the gums and upper lip.

One patient may have features of several forms. In 1% of patients (usually elderly), the rash becomes malignant.

Lichen scaly (psoriasis)

The rash is usually located on the extensor (rarely on the flexor) surface of the extremities. Sometimes appears on the scalp, soles, palms and genitals. The elements of the rash are represented by papules in the form of a rounded spot with clear contours. They are covered with dense silvery-white scales. After regression of the spot, areas of depigmentation remain.

Lichen white (solar)

Appears as small white rounded spots that occur in spring and summer. They protrude above the surface of the skin, itch, become inflamed and flaky. Melanin does not enter them and burns occur when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. White deprive can become chronic.

Weeping lichen (eczema)

The disease is chronic. Manifested by rashes in the form of clusters of bubbles in the area of ​​reddening of the skin. After the release of exudate, erosions with a soft crust are formed. The rash is very itchy and the constant itching can cause insomnia.

Lichen sclerosus

Lesions are located near the armpits, on the chest, neck, thighs, pubis and genitals. Most often occur in women 35-50 years old. The elements look like white papules that transform into light or pink plaques rising above the skin. They flake and itch a lot. Over time, the plaques atrophy and can lead to cancer of the skin and genital organs.

Lichen linearis

The rash appears very quickly and looks like papular-squamous elements (about 2-3 mm) protruding above the skin, pink or bright red. They are arranged in straight, wavy, or whorled stripes 1–2 cm wide and 5–30 cm long. The rash usually does not itch, gradually brightens, and leaves self-resolving foci of depigmentation.

Lichen brilliant

More common in boys under 6 years of age. The rash almost never affects the face, head, palms, and soles. Usually located on the head of the penis, the skin of the lower abdomen, knees and elbows. The rash appears as shiny, firm, pearly, flat nodules that are close together but do not coalesce or peel. After a few weeks or years, the rash clears up on its own.

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Features of the course of lichen during pregnancy

The likelihood of developing or exacerbating lichen during pregnancy increases, since powerful hormonal changes occur in the body and immunity decreases. The danger to gestation and the fetus is determined by the type of lichen. Treatment should be carried out taking into account the gestational age.

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Features of lichen in children

Lichen in children is detected more often than in adults. The risk of infection with infectious species is higher because children often do not follow the rules of personal hygiene and the skin is more susceptible to infections.

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Complications of lichen

The nature and severity of the consequences of lichen are determined by its type. The unaesthetic symptoms of these diseases often cause psychological problems and neuroses. Herpes zoster can lead to severe lesions:

• CNS – meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis;
• organs of vision – neuritis of the optic or oculomotor nerves, keratitis, etc.

Psoriatic lichen provokes arthritis, scleroatrophic and red flat – malignancy.

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Diagnosis of lichen

You can learn how to treat lichen after a detailed examination, which is carried out individually for each patient.

If signs of lichen appear, consult a dermatologist. After a careful study of all complaints and examination, the doctor may prescribe a number of additional studies:

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• dermatoscopy;
• examination with Wood’s lamp;
• assayed by Balzer et al.;
• microscopy of skin scrapings;
• skin biopsy;
• general blood and urine analysis;
• immunogram, etc.

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If necessary, the patient is assigned additional studies or consultations of a trichologist, immunologist, endocrinologist and other specialized specialists. Be sure to carry out differential diagnosis with other dermatological pathologies.

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Lichen treatment

Treatment for lichen is determined by its type. In infectious forms, isolation of the patient is recommended. The need for hospitalization is determined individually. The doctor may recommend the restriction of water procedures, contact with the sun, the use of cosmetics, the treatment of clothes and linen by boiling. All patients should wear comfortable clothing made from natural fabrics.

Antiviral and antifungal drugs may be given to treat lichen caused by viruses and fungi. If necessary, symptomatic therapy is used: antipyretics, antihistamines, sedatives, tranquilizers, etc. In severe cases, the doctor may prescribe systemic glucocorticoids. To enhance the immune response, vitamin, tonic and immunomodulatory drugs are used.

Local treatment of lichen may include the use of various agents:

• antiseptic solutions;
• skin dryers;
• antifungal ointments;
• antiviral ointments;
• glucocorticoid topical preparations;
• wound healing agents.

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Drug therapy can be supplemented by physiotherapeutic procedures: electrophoresis, ultraviolet radiation, PUVA therapy, balneotherapy, mud therapy, etc. In some cases, spa treatment is recommended.

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Prevention of lichen

To prevent lichen it is necessary: ​​

• observe the rules of personal hygiene;
• strengthen immunity;
• choose quality skin care products;
• timely treat chronic diseases;
• limit contact with harmful chemicals;
• limit contact with stray or sick animals.

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Q&A

Is shingles contagious?

Shingles is contagious, the disease is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. With primary infection, the development of chicken pox is observed. Re-infection provokes the development of lichen. For a long time, a person can be a virus carrier without presenting a danger to others. The virus is transmitted by contact: through body fluids, airborne droplets, from mother to fetus, through household items.

Can an allergy be like lichen?

At the beginning of the disease, lichen has the same manifestations as an allergy. The lesions are similar in shape, location, and color. But there are also distinctive signs: a rash with lichen has a clear outline and is located on well-defined areas of the body, itching rarely appears, but fever and an increase in lymph nodes are often noted. With allergies, on the contrary, rashes spread randomly throughout the body, the skin swells, the patient is worried about severe itching. The temperature during an allergic reaction most often rises only in children. To differentiate the disease, consultation with an allergist is necessary. If any rash appears in a child, it is necessary to contact a pediatrician and a pediatric allergist.

What does sunburn look like?

Solar lichen, or solar disease, is a seasonal disease that appears under direct sunlight. Characteristic signs of lichen from the sun: hyperpigmentation and peeling. Spots of various shapes of pale pink color, most often appear on the back, shoulders, neck, chest and abdomen, in the sun the spots become lighter than healthy skin areas. With mechanical action, contact with clothing, the spots begin to peel off.

How to smear pityriasis versicolor?

One of the main treatments for pityriasis versicolor is topical therapy. Antifungal drugs (ointments, creams, sprays, shampoos and special solutions with antimycotic properties) are applied to the affected areas of the skin, sulfuric and salicylic ointments are widely used. A prerequisite for successful treatment of lichen is a consultation with a dermatologist.

Can lichen be cured with vinegar or iodine?

Vinegar and iodine are often used to treat lichen at home. Dermatologists strongly discourage the use of these products and self-medication. Vinegar (vinegar essence) and iodine, with prolonged use, can cause severe skin burns. If a child has any rashes and skin lesions, a consultation with a pediatric dermatologist is necessary.

Why is pityriasis versicolor dangerous?

Despite seeming safety, the consequences of pityriasis versicolor can be extremely unfavorable. These complications include: dermatitis, allergic skin reactions, cosmetic defect and psychological discomfort. The disease is prone to frequent relapses.

How does rosacea appear?

Pink lichen develops against the background of a weakened immune system, after hypothermia or an infectious disease. Infectious agents are a “trigger” for the development of an allergic reaction in the form of lichen. Stress, digestive and metabolic disorders, insect bites, etc. can provoke the development of the disease. Any manifestations of pink lichen in a child is a reason to sign up for a consultation with a pediatric immunologist. The doctor will find out the causes of the disease, prescribe the necessary treatment, tell you how to strengthen the immune system.

Can ringworm go away without treatment?

Ringworm, or microsporia, is a fungal disease that affects the top layer of the skin. On its own, without proper treatment, ringworm disappears only in rare cases. In order to find out how to permanently get rid of the disease, you need to consult a trichologist.

Is it possible to do Mantoux if the child has lichen?

Lichen in a child is one of the relative contraindications for the Mantoux test, as results may be distorted. Testing is allowed after recovery. At a consultation with a pediatrician before a Mantoux test or vaccination, it is necessary to report all rashes and spots in the child.

Vidkriti
Zgornuti

The article is for informational purposes only. Please remember: self-medication can harm your health.

Vidkriti
Zgornuti

Ph.D.

Expert in the direction:

Efimova Victoria Olegovna

Dermatovenereologist, pediatric dermatovenereologist, dermatologist, trichologist

Which doctor treats lichen?

Call center operators will help you find out which doctor treats lichen at the MEDICOM clinic in the Obolon and Pechersk subdivisions. You can treat lichen in the city of Kyiv with the help of professionals. Our clinic has all conditions for proper diagnosis and treatment, children are treated by pediatric dermatologists, consultation of a pediatric immunologist is possible. Contact us and we will help you restore the health of your skin.

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Departure of emergency teams is carried out in all districts of Kiev (Obolon, Pechersk, Podil, Svyatoshino, Darnitsa, Goloseevsky, Shevchenkovsky, Solomensky, Dneprovsky, Desnyansky) and suburbs (Vyshgorod, Bucha, Irpin, Brovary).

Vidkriti
Zgornuti

Reviews

30.04.2023 12:00

Oleg

Thank you for the information. Until tsієї statti thinking that everything is contagious. In the future, I will know what to do. P.S. I have been going to the clinic for a long time, make sure everything is on top!

11.02.2023 17:57

Nina

An interesting and very informative article. Separately, I will say about the doctor. I visited Alexei Valerievich a few months ago, as it turned out, with psoriasis. He prescribed a very effective and simple treatment, the most difficult thing in it is to stick to a diet. But the symptoms of the sore have already decreased.

01.12.2022 22:01

Lutsenko Katerina

I have psoriasis (lichen lichen) as a child and it’s unacceptable if people start to feel like a leper….think what is contagious people.0003

03/12/2021 09:42

Alexander 54

Sprinkled all over my body, I thought it was an allergy, thanks, I’m going to the doctor tomorrow.

25.02.2021 14:05

Nikita Maksimovich

Good advice, thank you.

02/04/2021 07:15

Georgy Vasilovich

I recommend trying it, it helped.

16.01.2021 17:58

Lyudmila Vasilivna

Thank you for the information.

08.11.2020 11:26

Artur Andriyovich

Good article, but it didn’t help me.

10/17/2020 10:49

Irina

Thank you for helping me.

08/23/2020 20:35

Yaroslava

All information is correct, thanks to the author.

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Total 10 reviews

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I am not a robot

10 facts about lichen – TV channel Doctor

October 3, 2019 | 16:24

Beware! One lichen cat can cause a quarantine of 45 days

Of all the types of lichen, ringworm is the most noticeable, unpleasant and common among children. We have collected facts about him that all parents should know.

1. Ringworm is an inconspicuous beginning

Ringworm begins as a small, inconspicuous spot on the skin or head. It is easily confused with a mosquito or other insect bite. Gradually, the spot begins to grow and peel off, causing itching and a desire to scratch. If you do not pay attention to this stain, then others may soon appear, and if you wash in the bathroom with a sponge, then the whole body may become stained. Lichen on the skin has rounded and oval outlines, usually they are clearly defined, scaly scales are visible inside. On the scalp, lichen begins with a small focus 5-6 mm in size: the hair seems to be broken off.

If an animal becomes ill with deprivation, you may not suspect that you are petting an infected cat, because the incubation period for this disease is very long and the animal may look quite healthy, and after a week it will begin to shed and go bald. To make a diagnosis, the doctor examines the lichen spots using a special Wood’s lamp: under its ultraviolet rays, the lichen glows emerald green. Also, a scraping of scales from the skin is taken from the patient – on the eve of this analysis, the stain cannot be treated with anything.

2. Ringworm is quarantine

Ringworm is a highly contagious fungal disease that affects the skin, nails and hair. Most often, they get sick with children who have touched a lichen cat or dog. But also ringworm can be transmitted through direct contact with the patient, when using shared hats, clothes, towels, toys and other items. Ideally, the patient should be isolated for the entire duration of treatment, and the entire apartment should be disinfected, and more than once. The incubation period is five to seven days if the infection came from an animal, and four to six weeks if the source was a human. Depending on the pathogen, there are two types of ringworm: trichophytosis and microsporia.

3. Ringworm lasts a long time

Ringworm is so contagious that a sick child is not allowed to attend school or kindergarten during the entire treatment, which can last from three weeks to several months. In difficult cases, when lichen affects the hair and is difficult to treat, the child is placed in the hospital for the entire course of treatment. They are discharged only when the person has gone through all the external signs of lichen and all three scrapings, which are taken weekly, showed a negative result. What should a parent do all this time? You can take a certificate for caring for a sick child, but this certificate of incapacity for work is issued only for 14 days. Then you will have to negotiate with your employer. You may have to take unpaid leave.

If an adult becomes ill with deprivation, a temporary disability certificate for an infectious form is issued for a period of 7–15 days. The issue of extending the sick leave is decided by the doctor.

4. Ringworm is a lot of cleaning

When it becomes known that a family member has ringworm, a general cleaning with special agents that kill pathogenic fungi and spores is necessary. The patient’s things are soaked in a disinfectant solution or boiled, it is recommended to quartz the room to kill all lichen spores. They are very tenacious and can live on surfaces for years without treatment, which can lead to reinfection or spread the disease to others. Upholstered furniture is recommended to be cleaned with a steam cleaner; chloramine or chlorhexidine is suitable for disinfection. The patient should sleep daily on a new pillowcase, put on new stretched and ironed clothes, and put the old clothes in a bag separately from other family members. He should have a personal bed, dishes, a towel, a comb and other personal items – they should not be used by other family members. After use, the patient’s personal belongings are soaked in a disinfectant solution for three hours. In the patient’s room, it is recommended to disinfect daily, then boil the rags or simply throw them away.

5. Lichen is not once

It is believed that lichen is very common: 90% of parents experience it at least once. But if children suffer from chickenpox once, then it’s more difficult with lichen: you can treat the baby and after some time find spots again if there is a re-infection. Immunity to the disease is not developed. But doctors say that not everyone gets lichen. For example, a mother sleeping in the same bed with a sick child may not catch the disease if she has strong immunity.

6. Lichen is a limitation

Man is a social being. Locking the patient in the house for three weeks is impossible, and not required. Doctors forbid visiting children’s institutions, public baths, swimming pools, hairdressers, but you can and even need to go outside, because recovery is associated with immunity. Doctors have noticed that people with immunodeficiency, poor health, who are in chronic stress most often get sick with lichen. But the child will not be able to walk with his friends, play on his favorite playground, attend holidays and interesting events. Siblings will have to be separated so that the sick person does not infect the healthy one. Of course, if there is a free room and parents can provide such quarantine.

7. Lichen is noticeable

When treating ringworm, doctors usually prescribe iodine or fucorcin in combination with anti-flu ointments – thanks to them, inconspicuous spots get a bright color and it is almost impossible to hide them from others. This can create additional discomfort for the patient, who did not want to signal his problem so clearly. If there is a spot in the hair, and even more than one, then not everyone decides to go out into the street with such a head. It is not recommended to close the spots, especially if they are located on the neck and face – in this case, the lichen can go to the head and recovery will be delayed indefinitely. If a characteristic spot appeared on the neck of the owner of a long head of hair, doctors urge not to hide it under loose hair, but, on the contrary, to collect it in a tight bun. Washing and combing in the first days of treatment is not recommended.

8. Lichen is a disruption of all plans

You were planning a family vacation or paid for a camp for a child – and then you saw a characteristic stain. What to do? You will have to hand over tickets, cancel the trip, postpone all business and events. And if the child has just started going to school and classes? Again, everything will have to be postponed and treated. As soon as the child is diagnosed with lichen in the Dermatovenerological Dispensary (CVD), the educational institution will be informed about your problem and quarantine will be established. So it’s not possible to move on quietly. This will have to be dealt with.

9. Lichen is a brain explosion

Let’s say you are a responsible parent and honestly told the teacher that your child has lichen and you will be gone for three weeks. Well get ready, this is just the beginning. Expect a heated discussion of the problem in the chat among the parents of classmates. People will be in shock and panic, they will send a hundred messages and maybe even call the principal demanding to invite a dermatologist to the school, keep the patient out of the classroom, take urgent measures, switch to home schooling (depending on the degree of hysteria). If the director is strict, the classroom will be quarantined for 45 days. At this time, children will be let in from a separate entrance, not let out into the corridor during breaks, all lessons, including physical education, will be held in the classroom, and disinfection will take place daily. You may feel guilty or, depending on the strength of your nerves, simply surprised at how many problems arose because of one lichen cat that a child stroked in the country. What awaits the child after returning from quarantine is unknown. Whether classmates will tease him, whether he will fall behind the school curriculum, whether he will fall into the rank of outcasts – all this is very optional, but there will be experiences. You may even regret that you did not go to a private clinic, but registered with the KVD.

10. Lichen is in the past

In the old days, children infected with lichen were excluded from educational institutions, placed under house arrest or in isolated “lichen” orphanage schools, where they could stay for years. In France, such children studied in special institutions on the territory of hospitals. Fortunately, these days, lichen is well treated. And the practice of placing young patients in hospital wards without parents is already becoming a thing of the past. Western doctors are no longer so strict in establishing quarantine for infected children. For example, a guideline for British doctors says that no isolation is required for ringworm: “Once the skin and scalp infection is treated, children can return to school.” Doctors in Australia are ordered to exclude the child from school only “until the next day after the start of treatment.” The validity of such a decision is also confirmed by analyzes: as soon as treatment is started, a scraping shows a negative result, the stain usually stops glowing.

You can greatly reduce your risk of contracting lichen by vaccinating your pets against it—usually two shots. Do not let your child stroke animals on the street, wear other people’s hats, follow general hygiene – and lichen will forever be a thing of the past.

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