How to choose the best cream for shingles

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Shingles causes an itchy, painful, and blistering rash that typically affects one side of the body. Several creams are available that can reduce itching and discomfort from these rashes.

Anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles. Following chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus remains in the person’s nerves. Shingles occurs when the virus finds its way back to the skin.

Most people only have one instance of shingles in their lifetime, but some may develop it more than once. A person who develops a shingles rash cannot spread shingles to another person. However, they can spread chickenpox to anyone who is unvaccinated or has never had chickenpox.

A doctor may recommend antiviral medications, pain relievers, and over-the-counter (OTC) self-care creams to help ease the symptoms on the skin.

Several creams and ointments are available in local drug stores or online for managing shingles. This article reviews the best shingles creams and offers a few options.

Quick links

• DermaChange Natural Shingles Treatment and Relief Cream
• Shingbase Shingles Cream
• Terrasil Shingles Treatment Cream
• Humco Calamine Lotion
• Aloderma Organic Pure Aloe Vera Gel
• Aveeno Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion

Many OTC creams contain natural ingredients. Though this may be appealing to some, it is important to keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate these products. Studies on the effectiveness and safety of natural ingredients may also be lacking.

However, some creams contain ingredients that may help reduce shingles symptoms, such as lidocaine.

Shingles creams could provide temporary relief from symptoms such as pain and itchiness.

Before starting self-care for shingles at home, a person should talk with their doctor and get a formal diagnosis. In some cases, untreated shingles can lead to permanent nerve damage or vision loss, so a person should always seek medical treatment from a doctor before trying self-care creams.

When looking for topical, OTC shingles creams, a person may want to consider the following:

• Active ingredients: Some products only use natural ingredients, while others use low doses of medication.
• Effectiveness: Not all ingredients have strong, empirical evidence backing them up. A person may need to look at the experiences of other users.
• Cost: Some creams are more expensive than others. A person should pay attention to the total cost and the amount of cream each product contains to estimate its value.

Medical News Today chooses skin care products that meet the following criteria:

• Price: Products are available for a wide range of budgets.
• Ingredients: Products list all ingredients clearly.
• Skin concerns: Products target a specific skin concern.
• Safety: Products contain ingredients that are safe for topical use.
• Reputable: Products are from businesses that adhere to industry best practices.

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Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

DermaChange Natural Shingles Treatment and Relief Cream

DermaChange offers a cream that claims to contain only natural ingredients, including:

• aloe vera
• manuka honey
• coconut oil
• shea and cocoa butter

The product claims to provide instant cooling relief and states that manuka honey has several studies supporting its use. However, no study looks directly at its effect on shingles rashes and pain.

Aloe vera may help with reducing inflammation from a shingles rash. According to a 2019 study, aloe vera has several potential healing effects, including reducing inflammation.

The product claims to be safe for everyone, but a person should talk with their doctor before using it.

Users on Amazon give an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, with over 4,500 reviews.

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Shingbase Shingles Cream

Shingbase uses lidocaine and menthol to help with shingles pain and itchiness.

Evidence suggests that lidocaine can be part of an effective treatment for shingles-related pain. This product contains 4% lidocaine, which could contribute to pain relief.

In addition, it also contains aloe vera and other natural ingredients that may help with inflammation and itchiness.

The product has an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars from over 300 users on Amazon.

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Terrasil Shingles Treatment Cream

Terrasil shingles cream may provide relief from itchy and painful shingles rashes.

It contains all-natural ingredients that may appeal to people looking to avoid putting synthetic chemicals on their skin. In addition to cottonseed oil and beeswax, it contains activated minerals.

There are claims the minerals can help clear the skin, but there is no evidence of this. Of nearly 1,700 users on Amazon, the product earns a 4.3 out of 5 star rating, with many users indicating that the product works well for them.

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Humco Calamine Lotion

The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends using calamine lotion for shingles. Calamine lotion can create a cooling sensation to help with itching from conditions such as chickenpox.

In addition, it contains zinc oxide. This active ingredient may reduce inflammation, which can help relieve itching and pain from shingles.

A person can find calamine lotion on Amazon, where it has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 2,000 reviews.

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Aloderma Organic Pure Aloe Vera Gel

This gel claims only to contain aloe vera.

The company also claims to be eco-friendly and does not test on animals.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association notes that aloe vera can relieve pain from shingles.

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Aveeno Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion

Aveeno Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion contains a combination of calamine and oatmeal. The two ingredients can soothe itchy skin from shingles.

The product specifically mentions chickenpox rashes and claims to be safe for most people to use.

The product has a 4. 8 out of 5 star rating from over 10,000 users on Amazon.

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A person can take other steps aside from applying medication to feel more comfortable while dealing with shingles. Steps include:

• seeing a doctor within 72 hours of developing a rash
• cleaning the rash daily
• protecting the rash with a thin layer of petroleum jelly
• covering the rash with a sterile bandage
• easing discomfort by applying a cool washcloth several times per day
• soaking in an oatmeal bath
• using calamine lotion after the blisters scab over
• wearing loose-fitting clothes

Not only should a person with shingles try to keep the skin rash as comfortable as possible, they should also take steps to fight the virus itself, including:

• getting plenty of rest
• eating a nutrient-rich diet
• drinking plenty of water
• avoiding stress

Shingles can cause an uncomfortable, itchy rash. Applying shingles cream can temporarily reduce the itching and pain from the disease. Some creams contain all-natural products, but others include medications.

Some shingles creams will work better than others. It is best to talk with a doctor for treatment and advice on the best shingles creams.

Cream for Shingles Pain and Management: What’s Available

Shingles is a reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox, called varicella-zoster. After you recover from chickenpox, this virus can remain dormant, or inactive, in your body for decades before becoming reactivated.

Its hallmark symptom is a rash on one side of your body. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that this rash most commonly appears as a stripe around your torso.

Shingles doesn’t have a cure. But doctors often prescribe antiviral drugs to shorten its duration and reduce the severity.

Topical treatments like creams, ointments, and lotions can help you manage irritation and itchiness. They may also help manage lingering nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Some topical treatments are available over the counter. For others, you will require a prescription from a medical professional.

Here’s an overview of the creams and other topical treatments available for shingles.

What’s the difference between cream, lotion, and ointment?

Ointments, lotions, and creams are three types of substances you can apply to your skin to help manage shingles.

These topicals are similar, but there are slight differences in their makeup. The primary difference is the amount of water and oil they contain.

According to this 2016 primer, creams are made up of about equal parts oil and water and often have moisturizing properties. They’re thicker than lotions but thinner than ointments.

Lotions are similar to creams, but they are made up mostly of water. They have less oil and have a thinner consistency. Because they’re thinner, your skin absorbs them more quickly. Some lotions are oil-free.

Ointments are the thickest of the three. They are made to stay on top of your skin instead of being absorbed immediately. Ointments are made up of at least 80 percent oil.

Topicals are not a substitute for medical treatment

Topical products can help you manage your symptoms. But they aren’t a substitute for proper medical treatment.

It’s important to visit your doctor if you’re dealing with shingles. Your doctor can prescribe antiviral drugs and other medications that can shorten the duration of your infection and help you avoid severe complications.

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The following creams may be able to help you manage shingles symptoms.

Lidocaine cream and patches

Lidocaine 5% is a prescription medication. This 2017 study suggests that it’s one of the best-tolerated treatments for PHN.

PHN is a complication of shingles characterized by long-term nerve pain after your rash disappears. The CDC says that about 10 to 18 percent of people experience PHN after shingles.

Lidocaine is often administered in patches. The study linked above notes that up to 3 patches can be applied in a 12-hour window.

Capsaicin

cream

Capsaicin is the chemical found in hot peppers that makes them spicy. Capsaicin cream can desensitize nerve fibers and potentially help with PHN. You can get it over the counter (OTC) or with a prescription.

According to this 2016 review, capsaicin patches and creams are usually not recommended as a first-line treatment for PHN. This is because they can cause side effects like stinging or burning.

The 2017 study in the previous section indicates that capsaicin 0.075 percent cream can be applied four times per day.

Eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA) cream

EMLA cream is a prescription medication made up of a 1-to-1 ratio of 2.5 percent lidocaine and 2.5 percent prilocaine.

A 2018 case study of one person found that EMLA cream may make an effective alternative to lidocaine cream for treating PHN in people with special situations like kidney failure. However, there’s not much available research about its effectiveness. Most existing research is from the 1980s and ’90s.

A doctor can give you specific instructions on how to use EMLA cream.

Topical antibiotic creams

Topical antibiotic creams like mupirocin or soframycin can help prevent bacterial infection around a shingles rash. These antibiotics are only available by prescription. A doctor or pharmacist can recommend how often to apply them.

Other topical solutions that may help you manage your shingles symptoms include:

Calamine lotion

Calamine lotion is an over-the-counter medication that the CDC says may help relieve itchiness. You can apply a thin layer of lotion over your blisters. Try not to put on so much that it forms a crust on your skin.

Liquid dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and idoxuridine

Idoxuridine is an antiviral medication approved in Europe for treating shingles.

One 2015 publication suggested frequent application of 5 to 40 percent idoxuridine dissolved in DMSO may speed up the healing time of shingles. However, in the United States, idoxuridine is only FDA-approved to treat keratitis, a herpes simplex virus infection of the cornea of your eye.

Burow’s solution

Burow’s solution, or aluminum acetate, is an over-the-counter astringent. Astringents have a protective effect against inflamed and irritated skin.

There’s a limited amount of evidence that Burow’s solution can help heal shingles, but it’s possible that it may help soothe blisters.

You can try applying 5 percent aluminum acetate solution for about 30 to 60 minutes at a time.

Saline solution

Bathing your blisters in a saline solution several times a day may help reduce inflammation. You can cover your blisters with a nonstick bandage afterward to keep other people from coming into contact with the blisters.

Aloe and other botanical topical therapies

Aloe vera has antiviral effects. A 2016 study found evidence that it inhibits the growth of herpes simplex virus type 1.

It’s not clear if aloe vera gel is effective at treating shingles, but some people anecdotally report that it helps with redness and inflammation.

In a 2021 case report, one person showed substantial improvement after the application of a topical botanical formulation that included:

• lemon balm
• St. John’s wort
• Siberian ginseng
• English lavender
• licorice
• purple pitcher plant
• versabase gel (containing aloe vera)

When using a topical cream, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions or the instructions on the package. This should help you avoid unwanted side effects.

Applying topicals for too long or too often can lead to skin irritation or even more serious side effects.

Topical lidocaine can cause side effects like:

• severe burning, stinging, irritation
• swelling or redness
• confusion
• bruising
• unusual temperature sensation
• itching
• changes in skin color
• bruising or purpleness

Some topical solutions for shingles are available by prescription only. You can find others OTC.

OTC medications don’t require approval from a pharmacist. You can purchase them online, in pharmacies, and in other places that sell medications.

If you suspect that you have shingles, it’s important to visit a healthcare professional as soon as possible. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), treating shingles within the first 72 hours gives you the best chance of minimizing complications like nerve pain.

Antiviral medications or other medications only available by prescription can shorten the duration of your shingles or lessen the severity.

If a cream or other topical isn’t reducing your pain, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor again. They may recommend trying another treatment like capsaicin cream instead of lidocaine.

If a product is making your symptoms worse, it’s important to stop taking it right away.

You may be able to reduce your symptoms using home remedies while you’re waiting to see a healthcare professional. These include applying a wet cold compress or taking a cool bath.

Learn more about shingles home remedies here.

The AAD suggests that treating shingles within the first 72 hours gives you the best chance of minimizing complications like nerve pain. A doctor may prescribe medications like:

• antiviral drugs, such as acyclovir or valacyclovir, to help your body fight off the virus quicker
• anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, to ease swelling and pain
• opioid medications, such as hydrocodone and tramadol (and less commonly morphine), to reduce pain
• other medications, such as anticonvulsants and tricyclic antidepressants
• antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, to treat itching
• numbing agents like lidocaine

Learn more about shingles treatment here.

Some creams or other topical medications may help you manage shingles symptoms. But they’re not a substitute for proper medical treatment.

It’s critical to visit a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation if you think you have shingles. They may prescribe antiviral drugs or other medications that can reduce your chances of developing long-term complications.

Treatment of lichen on the skin: Rating of ointments from lichen

THERE ARE CONTRAINDICATIONS. SPECIALIST CONSULTATION IS REQUIRED Ovchinnikov Dmitry Sergeevich,

Dermatologist

All authors

Contents of the article

• What is lichen?
• Causes of lichen
• Symptoms of lichen in adults and children
• Diagnosis of lichen
• How to treat lichen?
• Prevention of lichen
• Ask an expert on the topic of the article

What is lichen?

Ringworm is the name given to many skin diseases caused by fungi. Most often it occurs after contact with infected animals – wild cats and dogs. Its characteristic symptoms allow you to quickly establish a diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment.

Lichen is a fungal, rarely viral skin disease that has a characteristic clinical picture. Most often, skin lesions occur in the back, chest and face. This is due to the great concentration in these areas of the sweat glands. In addition to skin lesions, this disease is often accompanied by changes in the nails and hair.

We list the most common types of lichen:

• Multicolor or pityriasis on the skin.
• Shearer. It has a second name – “microsporia”.
• Pink, or Gibert’s disease.
• Shingles. Unlike the previous ones, it is not associated with a fungal, but with a viral infection.

Causes of lichen

Each type of lichen is caused by different types of fungi and viruses. There are a huge number of them. The most common causes of the development of the disease are:

• Reduced immunity. This can be facilitated by transferred viral infections, hypothermia of the body.
• Stress. Any severe stressful situation can lead to a decrease in immunity, which will facilitate the penetration of the fungus into your body.
• Non-observance of personal hygiene rules. Use of shared clothing, towels, personal hygiene products.
• Neurological and hormonal changes in the body.

Most often, lichen appears after contact with a sick animal. That is why the main route of its transmission is contact.

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Symptoms of lichen in adults and children

Typical symptoms of lichen in adults and children are:

• Spots of red, pink or brown. In this case, the spots can be painful;
• Vesicles, scales on skin;
• Itching, burning;
• Bald spots in the hair.

The most common symptoms are itching and rashes in the form of round spots on the skin. The temperature is most often normal, but the person may experience weakness.

Diagnosis of lichen

Among laboratory tests, dermatologists often prescribe:

• Microscopy of rash scrapings
• Balzer test. During the test, the spots are smeared with tincture of iodine, then they turn dark brown. Then wipe with alcohol. The surface layer of the skin destroyed by the fungus quickly absorbs iodine and the spots stand out against the background of slightly yellowed intact skin.
• Luminescent diagnostics. To do this, use a Wood’s lamp. Under the light of a lamp, the spots can take on a different color, which helps in making a diagnosis

In addition, a general and biochemical blood test, a general urine test are prescribed.

After receiving the results of laboratory tests, the doctor will be able to formulate the final clinical diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment.

How to treat lichen?

The main group of drugs for the treatment of lichen are antifungal agents – antimycotics. They exist in various groups and forms of release.

The most popular topical ointments and creams. They are used for mild, limited forms, for example:

• Lamisil cream
• Exoderil cream
• Mycosolone ointment
• Clotrimazole ointment, cream
• Kanespor
• Ketodin
• Mic ofin
• Nizoral

In common, severe forms of the disease, oral antifungal agents are often used – tablets. These include Ketoconazole, Itraconazole.

The choice of antimycotics is quite large. Antifungal drugs are prescribed exclusively by a doctor. Like other drugs, they have their own indications and contraindications.

Any disease is better to prevent than to cure. Let us dwell in more detail on the measures of prevention of lichen.

All products Exoderil

20 reviews

All products Itraconazole

20 reviews

All products Nizoral

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All products Lamisil

20 reviews

All products Clotrimazole

21 reviews

All products Ketocon zol

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Prevention of lichen

These rules help avoid infection with lichen:

• Use only personal hygiene items: comb, razor, brush
• Wash clothes with antibacterial detergent before using them
• Always shower with shower gel after visiting swimming pools and gyms
• Avoid contact with street animals: they are usually the most common carriers of lichen

Lichen is still a common disease. Effective means in the fight against this disease are antimycotics. When symptoms of the disease appear, you should consult a doctor who can choose the right treatment.

Sources:

• Website of the Russian Society of Dermatovenereologists and Cosmetologists, clinical recommendations “Pityriasis versicolor”
• Website of the Russian Society of Dermatovenerologists and Cosmetologists, clinical recommendations “Pityriasis versicolor” 90 014
• Site of the Russian Society of Dermatovenereologists and Cosmetologists, clinical recommendations ” Mycoses of the scalp, trunk, hands and feet”
• Cyberleninka website, article “Modern view on versicolor versicolor: some aspects of pathogenesis and clinical features of the course in a hot climate”

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Ointment for the treatment of lichen: how to choose, method of application

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Encyclopedia

Fungus

Lichen is a broad name for a variety of skin diseases that have different causes and symptoms and affect mainly the surface layers of the skin.

The author of the article

Tamrazova Olga Borisovna

Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Professor of the Department of Dermatovenereology with a Cosmetology Course of the FNMO of the Medical Institute of the FGAEI VO RUDN University of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, Moscow.

Audio version of the page:

Lichen is mainly accompanied by itching and visually manifested nodular rashes, spots ¹ .

Symptoms and manifestations of lichen

Symptoms of lichen depend on the cause of the disease (fungi, bacteria, viruses, allergic reactions, immune disorders, heredity). Allocate common signs (symptoms) of manifestations of lichen:

• The presence of spots with peeling on the surface
• Discoloration of the skin in the affected area
• Itching

The choice of ointment for the treatment of lichen

In view of the widespread lichen caused by fungal infections, consider the effect of Zalain ^® cream based on the modern antifungal drug – sertaconazole.

Keep in mind that many types of lichen have a chronic course. In order to avoid recurrence of the disease, it is recommended to use ointments and creams with a wide spectrum of action.

Ointment with sertaconazole (Zalain

^® Cream) for the treatment of lichen

The active substance, sertaconazole, consists of two active molecules – imidazole and benzothiophene, which explains the wide antimicrobial spectrum of Zalain ^® Cream against pathogenic fungi (Candida albicans, C. Tropicalis, C. Spp., Pityrosporum orbiculare), dermatophytes (Trichophyton and Microsporum) and pathogens of skin and mucous membrane infections (gram-positive strains of staphylo- and streptococci).

The drug has the following antifungal effects:

• Inhibits the growth of the fungus (fungistatic)
• Promotes its destruction (fungicidal)
• Prevents the transition of fungi from an inactive form to a pathogenic one (in relation to fungi of the genus Candida)

Being highly lipophilic, sertaconazole dissolves well in lipid (fat) cell structures. Due to this, the active substance remains in the skin for a long time, providing a triple antifungal effect ²⁴ .

Based on sertaconazole, a preparation is produced – Zalain ^® Cream. It is used in the treatment of many fungal diseases. The results of studies confirm a number of advantages of the drug.

• Zalain ^® The cream has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and antibacterial effects ^{25. 26} .
• The therapeutic effect of sertaconazole (Zalain ^® ) prevails over other antifungal agents ^20.21 .
• The drug has a high safety profile, is well tolerated and has a low level of resistance development ^21.22 .

How to recognize and treat skin fungus? Watch in a two-minute video with Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor of the Russian Academy of Sciences Olga Borisovna Tamrazova.

Zalain

^® Cream for the treatment of lichen caused by fungi

Sertaconazole contained in Zalain ^® cream inhibits fungal cell membrane function. As a result, the permeability of the cell wall increases and the destruction of the fungus ¹⁹ occurs. Its second mechanism of action is the disruption of the natural reproduction processes of the fungus, which limits its amount on the affected areas of the skin. The sertaconazole molecule has a high lipophilicity, which allows it to penetrate deep into the skin and stay there for a long time, enhancing the antifungal effect.

Thus, sertaconazole has antifungal, anti-inflammatory and additional antibacterial action. Thanks to these properties, Zalain ^® cream is used in the treatment of lichen caused by fungi.

Instruction

Zalain® Cream

How to use Zalain cream ^®

The cream is applied to the affected areas of the skin in an even thin layer twice a day covering approximately 1 cm of the healthy skin surface.

The duration of treatment depends on the etiology of the pathogen and the location of the infection. As a rule, the symptoms of the disease disappear after 2-4 weeks ²⁰ .

Use of Zalain ^® cream during pregnancy

The safety of the drug has not been specifically studied in pregnant women. The decision to use the remedy is made only by a specialist, weighing the potential benefits for the mother and the possible risks for the unborn child ²⁰ .

Has a triple effect: antifungal, antipruritic, anti-inflammatory

Applied 1-2 times a day

Where to buy Zalain® Cream

or

Find the nearest pharmacy

Lichen species

Pityriasis versicolor

Superficial fungal infection of the skin, predominantly affecting the face, neck, upper limbs and trunk. This disease is also known as versicolor versicolor.

Incidence rate

Pityriasis versicolor occurs more frequently in adolescents and young adults, affects men and women equally, no ethnic influence has been identified ² . After 60 years, age-related changes in the structure of the skin occur, which in turn can become a barrier for the attachment of a pathogenic fungus and the development of the disease.

Symptoms

Skin lesions are light or dark, round, scaly patches that may (in severe cases) coalesce into larger, irregular patches.

How is pityriasis versicolor diagnosed and treated? Watch a short video with a candidate of medical sciences, clinical pharmacologist Kukes Ilya Vladimirovich

Ringworm

A common and sometimes intractable fungal infection of the skin and hair.

Incidence

Ringworm occurs almost worldwide. This disease is caused by two types of fungi – Microsporum or Trichophyton . Children are more often ill than adults. Infection occurs through direct skin contact with the patient or through their underwear, towels, combs. Trychophyton fungi affect immunocompromised children who have scratches and other skin lesions. Microsporum canis affects boys more than girls. The source of infection may be animals suffering from this disease (cat, dog) ^3.4 .

Symptoms

The scalp is affected. Pale pink spots, accompanied by peeling over the entire surface. Hair breakage is noted in the affected area, which is probably where the term “ringworm” comes from.

Men and women suffer from ringworm in the same way.

Simple lichen (dry streptoderma)

Atypical form of streptococcal infection in children.

Incidence

30-40% of all skin diseases ¹⁶ .

Symptoms

Round, well-defined patches of pink-white color with peeling on the surface. The favorite localization of lichen simplex is the skin of the face, but it may appear on other exposed skin areas ¹⁶ .

Why lichen occurs

The causes of lichen are quite different:

• In some cases, pathogenic fungi are the cause. For example, pityriasis versicolor is caused by Malassezia furfur, and ringworm is caused by fungi of the genus Trichophyton (violaceum, tonsurans) and Microsporum (canis, ferrugineum).
• Sometimes the virus infection Varicella zoster is the culprit, which contributes to the appearance of herpes zoster.
• In childhood, cases of b-hemolytic streptococcal infection (GABHS) are not uncommon, and, as a result, lichen simplex occurs.

There are types of lichen, the causes of which are still unknown.

Predisposing factors for lichen

Pityriasis versicolor

Genetic predisposition, immunodeficiency, oily skin, excessive sweating, sun exposure, exposure to high temperatures, humidity, use of oral contraceptives.

Ringworm

Chemistry of sweat, endocrine diseases, decreased immunity, prolonged use of glucocorticosteroids, antibiotics, childhood.

Diagnosis of lichen

• Pityriasis versicolor – visual examination and fluorescence in the rays of a Wood’s lamp in a golden color, positive Besnier’s symptom and Balzer’s test, microbiological studies (microscopic and cultural examination).
• Ringworm – direct microscopic examination, fluorescence in the rays of a Wood’s lamp in emerald color, cultural examination – inoculation of microorganisms from skin scrapings on nutrient media to identify the pathogen and determine its sensitivity to various drugs.

How to treat ringworm?

Any skin changes, itching or other symptoms should be reported to a physician. Only a specialist can establish a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

In the treatment of this vast group of diseases, united by the term “lichen”, an integrated approach should be followed.

The combination of drugs should only be recommended by a doctor, depending on the characteristics of the patient’s disease and the concomitant causes of its occurrence!

Due to the fact that “lichen” is a skin disease, the most attention should be paid to external treatment.

Ointments and creams against lichen

What are the ointments and creams for the treatment of lichen

Superficial action

1) Protective (used to protect against adverse environmental factors)

skin)

Deep acting

1) Penetrating (penetration to deep layers of the skin is possible)

2) Resorptive (drugs in the composition of the ointment penetrate from the site of direct application of the ointment into the bloodstream)

Monocomponent

Contain one active ingredient (antimycotic agent, antibiotic, steroid )

Combined

Contains a combination of active substances (antibiotic and antimycotic agent, antibiotic and glucocorticosteroid (GSK), salicylic acid, GCS and antimycotic drug)

For the treatment of ringworm and pityriasis versicolor , as a rule, antifungal ointments are used that inhibit the growth, disrupt the vital activity of the fungus and lead to its death (sertaconazole), for example, Zalain ^® Cream.

Prevention of lichen

Preventive measures to prevent the development of lichen:

Personal hygiene

Treatment of sweating

Veterinary supervision of animals (cats, dogs)

Treatment of chronic infection foci

Stress management

Immunity enhancement

Answers to questions

Is lichen contagious?

Answer: Not always, it depends on the type of lichen. For example, when infected with ringworm, as a rule, sick animals or objects infected with their hair are the source of infection, and in some cases the disease is transmitted from one child to another. Types of lichen, such as scaly or pink, occur for unknown reasons and are not contagious.

Why is ringworm considered a childhood disease?

Answer: Indeed, the age range of incidence of ringworm is 3-7 years. Adults rarely get sick due to the presence of fungistatic (fungal-inhibiting) organic acids in their skin.

Can ringworm go away without treatment?

Answer: Sometimes yes, for example, pink lichen resolves on its own. But in most cases, these are chronic, recurrent diseases that require treatment under the supervision of a doctor.

How to avoid the reappearance of lichen?

Answer: It depends on the cause of the lichen, since there are various methods to avoid recurrence (recurrence) of the disease. If a fungal infection occurs, it is recommended to use external broad-spectrum agents. In other cases, parallel treatment of foci of chronic infection (chronic tonsillitis, carious teeth) is necessary. In some cases, severe stress can cause skin lesions to develop.

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1. Guidelines No. 131. Lichen planus of the oral mucosa: clinic, diagnosis, treatment, prevention. Potekaev N. N., Zhukova O. V., Tereshchenko A. V., Dzhapueva A. Ya., Katunina O. R., Frigo N. V.
2. Book. Tinea Versicolor Mehdi Karray, William P. McKinney In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan.2021 Aug 11.PMID: 29494106. Bookshelf ID: NBK482500
3. Book. Tinea Capitis Ahmad M. Al Aboud 1, Jonathan S. Crane In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan.2022 May 8. PMID: 30725594. Bookshelf ID: NBK536909
4. Review Recent Pat Inflamm Allergy Drug Discov. 2020;14(1):58-68. Tinea Capitis: An Updated Review Alexander K C Leung, Kam L Hon, Kin F Leong, Benjamin Barankin, Joseph M Lam. PMID: 31906842. DOI: 10.2174/1872213X14666200106145624
5. Book Pityriasis Rosea Graham Litchman, Pragya A. Nair, Jacqueline K. Le In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan. 2022 May 8. PMID: 28846360. Bookshelf ID: NBK448091
6. Beview Dermatology. 2016;232(4):431-7. Pityriasis Rosea: A Comprehensive Classification Francesco Drago, Giulia Ciccarese, Alfredo Rebora, Francesco Broccolo, Aurora Parodi PMID: 27096928. DOI: 10.1159/000445375
7. Book. Herpes Zoster Pragya A. Nair, Bhupendra C. Patel In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan. 2021 Nov 2. PMID: 28722854. Bookshelf ID: NBK441824
8. Journal List Viruses. Feb 2022; 14(2): 192. Herpes zoster: A Review of Clinical Manifestations and Management Anant Patil, Mohamad Goldust, Uwe Wollina. doi: 10.3390/v14020192 PMCID: PMC8876683 PMID: 35215786
9. Book. Lichen Planus David L. Arnold, Karthik Krishnamurthy In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan. 2022 May 1. PMID: 30252382. Bookshelf ID: NBK526126
10. Review J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2019 Oct;33(10):1847-1862. Lichen planus: a comprehensive evidence-based analysis of medical treatment Husein-ElAhmed, U Gieler, M Steinhoff. PMID: 31265737. DOI: 10.1111/jdv.15771
11. Review Am J Clin Dermatol. 2022 Jan;23(1):13-24. New Topical Therapies for Psoriasis Ana Maria Lé, Tiago Torres. PMID: 34705167. DOI: 10.1007/s40257-021-00649-w
12. Guttate Psoriasis. Dahlia Saleh, Laura S. Tanner In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan. 2021 Aug 3. PMID: 29494104. Bookshelf ID: NBK482498
13. J Clin Med. March 2022; 11(6): 1506. Adherence and Persistence to Biological Drugs for Psoriasis: Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. Eugenia Piragine, Davide Petri, Alma Martelli, Agata Janowska, Valentina Dini, Marco Romanelli, Vincenzo Calderone, Ersilia Lucenteforte3. doi: 10.3390/jcm11061506. PMCID: PMC8953825. PMID: 35329831
14. Book. Lichen Sclerosus Amal Chamli, Asmahane Souissi In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan. 2021 Aug 9. PMID: 30855834. Bookshelf ID: NBK538246
15. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS. 2020 Jan-Jun; 41(1): 1–9. Anogenital lichen sclerosus Manjyot Manish Gautam, Vasundhara Singh, Nitin J. Nadkarni, and Sharmila P. Patil PMCID: PMC7529185. PMID: 33062974. doi: 10.4103/ijstd.IJSTD_49_17
16. Skin and venereal diseases: textbook / ed. O. Yu. Olisova. – M.: Practical medicine, 2017. – 288 p.: ill.
17. Review J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2020 Jan;34 Suppl 1:13-21. Hand eczema: treatment P Elsner, T Agner. PMID: 31860736. DOI: 10.1111/jdv.16062
18. Kuban Scientific Medical Bulletin Vol. 28, No. 2 (2021)
19. Lichen planus. Modern methods of therapy: a systematic review M. M. Tlish, P. S. Osmolovskaya https://doi.org/10.25207/1608-6228-2021-28-2-104-119 use of the drug Zalain cream reg. No.: P N015678
20. Randomized Controlled Trial, Clin Exp Dermatol. 2009 Dec;34(8): e837-9. Sertaconazole 2% cream vs. miconazole 2% cream for cutaneous mycoses: a double-blind clinical trial H Ghaninejad, K Gholami, P Hashemi, M Hajibabai, Z Rahbar, M S Farivar, F Mastani, A Rashidi PMID: 19793095. DOI: Comparative Study. J Antimicrob Chemother. 1996 Apr;37(4):815-9. In-vitro antifungal activity of sertaconazole, bifonazole, ketoconazole, and miconazole against yeasts of the Candida genus A J Carrilo-Muñoz, C Tur, J TorresPMID: 8722548. DOI: 10.1093/jac/37.4.815
21. Comparative Study. J Antimicrob Chemother. 1996 Apr;37(4):815-9. In-vitro antifungal activity of sertaconazole, bifonazole, ketoconazole, and miconazole against yeasts of the Candida genus A J Carrilo-Muñoz, C Tur, J TorresPMID: 8722548. DOI: 10.1093/jac/37.4.815
22. Review. cutis. 2008 Jun;81(6 Suppl):4-18; quiz 19-20. Comprehensive management of patients with superficial fungal infections: the role of sertaconazole nitrate James Q Del Rosso. PMID: 18693645
23. Carrillo-Muñoz AJ, Tur-Tur C, Giusiano G, Marcos-Arias C, Eraso E, Jauregizar N, Quindós G. Sertaconazole: an antifungal agent for the topical treatment of superficial candidiasis. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2013 Apr;11(4):347-58. doi: 10.