- Main symptoms
- 1. Acute lichenoid and varioliform pityriasis
- 2. Chronic lichenoid pityriasis
- How the treatment is done
- What causes lichenoid ptyriasis
Lichenoid pityriasis is a dermatosis of the skin caused by inflammation of the blood vessels, which leads to the appearance of wounds that mainly affect the trunk and limbs, for a few weeks, months or even years. This disease can manifest itself in 2 different ways, which can be its acute form, called lichenoid and acute varioliform pityriasis, or its chronic form, known as chronic lichenoid ptyriasis or drop parapsoriasis.
This type of inflammation is rare, most common in children between the ages of five and 10, although it can occur at any age. The reason for its cause is not yet known, but it seems to be related to changes in the immune system, so its treatment is done with drugs that can help control these changes, such as the use of corticosteroids, antibiotics and immunomodulators, for example, prescribed by the dermatologist.
Main symptoms
Lichenoid pityriasis can present in 2 different clinical forms:
1. Acute lichenoid and varioliform pityriasis
Also known as Mucha-Habermann's disease, it is the acute form of the disease, in which small rounded, drop-shaped, slightly elevated and pinkish lesions form. These lesions can suffer necrosis, in which the cells die, and then form crusts that, when recovered, can leave small depressed scars or white spots.
These lesions usually last for about 6 to 8 weeks, and can take months, and as this disease presents in outbreaks, it is common for lesions to exist in different stages at the same time on the skin. In addition, it is common for this acute illness to appear accompanied by symptoms such as fever, tiredness, body aches and the appearance of enlarged lymph nodes.
2. Chronic lichenoid pityriasis
It is also called chronic parapsoriasis in drops, and it also causes small, pink, brown or reddish colored lesions on the skin, however, they do not progress to the formation of necrosis and crusts, but they can peel off.
Each lesion of this dermatosis can be active for weeks, regressing over time, and do not usually leave scars. However, new injuries can arise, in a process that can last for several months to years.
How the treatment is done
Lichenoid ptyriasis has no cure, however, the treatment guided by the dermatologist is able to control the disease well, and includes the use of:
- Antibiotics, such as Tetracycline and Erythromycin; Corticosteroids, in ointment or tablets, such as Prednisone, in order to regulate immunity and control lesions; Phototherapy, through the exposure of UV rays, in a controlled way.
More potent medications, such as immunomodulators or chemotherapeutic drugs, such as Methotrexate, can be used in some cases where there is no improvement with the initial treatment.
What causes lichenoid ptyriasis
The exact cause of this disease is unknown, but it is known to be associated with impairment of the person's immune system, so it is not contagious. This inflammatory reaction can be triggered after some type of infection, stress, or use of some medication, for example.
Lichenoid pityriasis occurs due to a benign inflammatory process, however, in some rare cases there is the possibility of malignant transformation and cancer formation, so it is important that the dermatologist regularly monitor the evolution of the lesions, in appointments scheduled periodically by him.
