Linear lichen. A dermatological disease of unknown etiology, in which there is a papular rash (the appearance of nodular elements on the skin). The symptom of this condition is a rash in the form of narrow stripes on the limbs and trunk. The lines of distribution of the rash almost always correspond to the location of the nerve trunks. The diagnosis of linear lichen, due to the specificity of the manifestations of this disease, usually does not present any special problems. Use data from a dermatological examination, occasionally produce a biopsy of the skin on the affected areas. There is no etiotropic treatment for linear lichen, supportive therapy is used, vitamins and corticosteroids are prescribed.
Symptoms
As a rule, the symptoms of linear lichen appear at the age of 2-3 years. The disease is characterized by a rapid onset, the transition from healthy skin to severe rashes can take only a few hours. The severity of the rash gradually increases, reaching a maximum within a few months. The leading manifestation of the disease is a typical rash, which most often occurs on the skin of the arms, legs, buttocks and back, sometimes on the face. The distribution of the rash with linear lichen is narrow stripes up to 1-2 centimeters wide and 5 to 30 centimeters long. Lines can be straight, wavy, or curly curls. The defeat of the skin with linear lichen is usually one-sided, the symmetrical arrangement of the rash is practically not found.
Treatment
The position regarding the treatment of linear lichen in dermatology is ambiguous. According to some experts, given the tendency of this condition to spontaneous resolution, no therapeutic measures are required. In some cases, the use of corticosteroid and naphthalene ointments is allowed to reduce a symptom such as itching. Other dermatologists argue that supportive treatment can stimulate the onset of resolution of skin rashes with linear lichen and significantly accelerate recovery. The opinion of both groups of specialists has a right to exist, since this disease is actually almost always, sooner or later, spontaneously cured.
In the process of linear lichen therapy, corticosteroid, zinc and naphthyzine ointments are locally prescribed to reduce itching and the severity of inflammatory manifestations. Of the drugs of general action, vitamins are most often used, especially E and group B - according to some reports, this speeds up the course of the disease almost twice. In the treatment of linear lichen, physiotherapeutic measures are also widely used: ultraviolet irradiation, PUVA therapy and electrophoresis with vitamin agents. It is assumed that visiting seaside resorts and bathing also have a beneficial effect on the body in this condition.