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Lichen is a common disease that affects the skin as well as the mucous membranes and nails in children. The main symptoms of lichen in children are red lumps on the body. In addition, lichen is accompanied by bothersome itching, which causes the child to scratch constantly. As a result, the rash spreads.
The causes of lichen in children are not fully known. It is believed to be a complication of smallpox or, for example, an allergic reaction. Although lichen is more common in adults, it can also affect children. Lichen in children usually appears on the face, buttocks, abdomen, and the bends of the elbows and knees. The changes may be the result of taking medications containing, for example, gold or arsenic salts.
Lichen in children – contagious lichen, and lichen planus
Lichen contagious and lichen planus are two different diseases. Lichen contagious is a disease caused by specific bacteria and requires antibiotic treatment. On the other hand, the cause of lichen planus is quite difficult to determine. It is quite mild, but as in the case of contagious lichen, it should not be underestimated. Remember that any rash that appears in a child should be discussed with a doctor and should not be treated on your own.
Lichen in a child – causes
A child’s lichen develops during a period of weaker immunity. These are especially the autumn, winter and early spring periods. Often, lichen planus in children is a complication of smallpox, dermatitis or head lice.
Lichen in a child – appearance
Babies’ lichen usually appears on the face, mostly around the mouth and cheeks. Other possible locations are elbows and knees, buttocks, abdomen, and back. The appearance of the rash depends on the form the rash takes, and it can be either bullous or blister-free.
At the beginning of the disease, a lump begins to appear on the child’s skin, which over time turns into an erosion. Then it dries up, forming scabs that disappear after some time. With bullous lichen, purulent eczema with yellow fluid can be seen on the skin. If the blisters burst, they may become superinfected, so it is important to maintain hygiene of the affected skin.
Lichen in a child – treatment
There are many methods of treating a child with lichen. In any case, it is the doctor who should assess the lesion and diagnose the cause of the appearance of impetigo. If it is contagious lichen, antibiotic treatment is necessary, and the child may be hospitalized.
The child must then remain in solitary confinement throughout the treatment period. It is also necessary to properly care for the skin covered with lesions, so that they do not become superinfected (e.g. using ointments with rivanol).
In the case of lichen planus, it can be treated with home remedies. This type of lichen in a child also requires hygiene, but it is also worth taking care of the appropriate level of skin hydration. The skin should not be exposed to the sun. Appropriate clothing, preferably made of cotton, will also help. Itching caused by lichen will be relieved by ointments and gels with aloe, rinses or herbal compresses.
For bathing and everyday washing, we recommend Bioherba, Tar Soap for atopic skin, which soothes inflammation and helps in the care of problematic skin.
Your doctor should also prescribe soothing ointments that will speed up the treatment of lichen. It should be remembered that the treatment in this case is symptomatic and it does not address the cause of the child’s lichen.