Rose lichen

definition

The rose lichen is a non-contagious skin disease (dermatitis), which is popularly known as flake rose. The medical term for rose lichen is "Ptyriasis rosea". The cause of rose lichen is unclear. It shows an acute course, which usually comes to a standstill after 8 weeks at the latest.
A rash with a pronounced trunk (especially on the chest, less on the hands or feet), which presents itself as reddening and flaky, is typical of rose lichen. It occurs mainly between the ages of 10 and 35 and does not necessarily require treatment. Rose lichen rarely shows symptoms such as itching and is generally a harmless disease.

causes

The cause of rose lichen has not been conclusively clarified. Various mechanisms of pathogenesis, i.e. the development of the disease, are discussed. Some factors appear to be certain.

There appears to be a connection with a viral infection with herpes viruses. These are in particular herpes viruses type 6 and 7, but there are also current studies that suspect the herpes virus type 8 as a triggering factor.
A special feature of these herpes viruses is the fact that after the initial infection they “slumber” in the body for a lifetime and can be reactivated, for example, if the immune system is weak. Since very many people are carriers of such herpes viruses, but very few of them get sick with rose lichen, the reactivation mechanism could represent a possible explanation for the occurrence of rose lichen.

There also seems to be a connection with other diseases such as neurodermatitis (atopic dermatitis), acne vulgaris or seborrheic dermatitis, as patients suffering from these diseases are at an increased risk of developing ringworm.

In addition, a genetic component is suspected in the development of rose lichen. There should also be a connection with other allergic diseases. Stress should also be a triggering factor, especially in combination with an allergy.

Can a rose lichen be caused by the solarium?

The exact cause of rose lichen is not known, but there is evidence that an infection with human herpes viruses of type 6 and type 7 can lead to the disease. A weakened immune system can encourage infection with the pathogens.
In the solarium, the skin is exposed to long-wave UVA rays, which tan the skin.There is increasing evidence that artificial light weakens the immune system and makes the body more susceptible to infections, including herpes.
Regular tanning in the solarium could therefore encourage the development of rose lichen.

Symptoms

The rose lichen presents itself as a rather Asymptomatic skin disease. It is identified by a scaly, red rashwhich is preferably on the trunk is located. Typically they are Hands, feet and face left out. If there are pronounced findings on the face, other diagnoses should be considered.

More about this topic can be found: Rash On The Face - What Is The Cause?

It is found in 90% of the cases Primary focus, which is also known as the primary medallion or the mother plate. This primary focus represents the first skin appearance that occurs in the course of rose lichen. He also occurs on the trunk and is about coin-sized. It is pale in the center and has a scaly, red border on the outside. It is sharply defined and slightly raised above the skin level.
In the course of the disease then arise many small oval skin appearanceswhich also show up as reddened and flaky appearances. Rarely, rose lichen is also found on the legs and arms. Concomitant symptoms are also a rarity. It can be a discreet itching show that emanates from the reddened skin areas. The general well-being of the patient is rarely impaired.

Rose lichen on the stomach

The belly is one of the typical parts of the body on which rose lichen shows. Usually many small oval to elongated skin appearances can be seen here, which show a characteristic reddening and scaling. They are a few millimeters to centimeters in size and can cover the entire stomach. The much larger primary focus can also be located on the abdomen or preferably also on the chest. It typically has a diameter of up to 4 cm.

Rose lichen on the neck

In the context of rose lichen, the neck can also be affected by the typical skin symptoms. However, the face is left out. Although the neck can be affected, it is not a particularly common location for rose lichen.
As a rule, this is limited to the trunk, i.e. the chest, back and stomach.

diagnosis

Rose lichen is usually a clinical diagnosis. This means that the doctor based on the clinical picture, i.e. the Appearance of the skin as well as the Patient's medical historycan conclude the diagnosis. Laboratory tests and further diagnostics are then negligible. Typically, he pays attention to the type of skin manifestations. In particular, he looks up Redness and Scaling.
He also pays attention to whether there is a rounded, oval skin that is larger than the others. This usually occurred first and is called Primary plaque or medallion designated. The primary medallion is usually found on the trunk and is pale in the middle and reddened on the outside.

The doctor also inquires about symptoms such as itching and general fatigue. However, these are mostly missing. With a typical clinical picture and course of the disease, further diagnostics are not necessary. If the result is unclear, a Skin biopsy, i.e. a histological examination of the skin under the microscope, provide information about the diagnosis. There are no relevant laboratory tests for diagnosing rose lichen.

More about this topic can be found: Red spots on the body

therapy

A specific treatment for rose lichen is usually not necessary because of the disease heals by itself after 8 weeks at the latest. Nourishing creams and ointments can help to improve the appearance of flaky and reddened skin. Skin irritation should be avoided. It is therefore not advisable to wear particularly tight-fitting clothing or constricting clothing such as belts.
It should also be avoided to over-dry the skin. Therefore, long and hot baths or showers are not recommended. Sauna visits or particularly sweaty exercise can also irritate the skin. Light sunbathing can alleviate the symptoms, but excessive sun exposure or even sunburn must be avoided.

In the case of severe itching, ointments and lotions with active ingredients that relieve itching, such as weak ones, are occasionally used Glucocorticoids or Antihistamines for use. Although a viral cause of rose lichen is suspected to be herpes viruses, therapy with the active ingredient usually used is suspected Acyclovir not recommended.

Home remedies

Various home remedies are suitable to soothe the severe itching of rose lichen.
The use of moisturizing creams and care lotions prevents the skin from drying out and relieves itching. Those affected should take care not to irritate the skin through intensive washing, brushing or abrasive clothing. Hot showers, saunas or profuse sweating dry out the skin even more and should be avoided.
Special oil baths can help calm the itching.

Homeopathic treatment for rose lichen

A number of homeopathic and herbal remedies are used to strengthen the immune system and can thus accelerate the healing of rose lichen. In the case of severely itchy spots, Arsenicum jodatum 9C in combination with Sepia 5C helps. The homeopathic remedies should be taken over the entire duration of the illness.

Schüssler salts for the treatment of rose lichen

Mineral compounds in the form of Schüssler salts can alleviate the symptoms and accelerate the healing process of rose lichen. The Schüssler salts No. 7 (Magnesium phosporicum), No. 13 (Kalium arsenicosum) and No. 17 (Manganum sulfuricum) help against severe itching and scaly dry skin.

Duration

The rose lichen is a harmless skin disease which usually occurs after Heals without consequences no later than 8 weeks. However, there are seldom known cases in which the skin symptoms persist for up to several months. There are no causal therapeutic options to shorten the course of the disease.

course

The rose lichen presumably arises from an infection with herpes viruses. It is questionable how long before the first infection it occurs. There may even be a few years between the first infection and the onset of rose lichen. At a Reactivation of the herpes virus Then the first primary focus of the skin disease appears - the primary medallion - a single, approximately coin-sized, oval skin appearance, which is mostly on the trunk. After about two weeks, further elongated to oval skin findings appear, which also present as redness with scaling. They are a few millimeters to centimeters in size, but in each case smaller than the primary medallion. Itching rarely develops. After about 3 to 8 weeks, the skin symptoms usually heal without consequences.

Rose lichen in pregnancy - how dangerous is it for my baby?

Whether or not rose lichen is dangerous for the unborn child depends on the stage of pregnancy.
In the early phase of pregnancy, before the 15th week of pregnancy, the skin disease can in rare cases lead to complications and increase the risk of premature birth. This is especially true for mothers in whom the skin changes are very pronounced and the disease takes a severe course. However, the child does not have permanent damage or other impairments due to the rose lichen during pregnancy.
If the rose lichen only appears after the 15th week of pregnancy, there is no risk of the woman having a premature birth or harming the unborn child.
Pregnant women with rose lichen are best advised to contact their gynecologist or family doctor to make sure that the child is not at risk.

Rose lichen in babies

Babies and toddlers can also contract rose lichen. They also show a first Primary focus, which after about 2 weeks smaller herds followwhich can usually be located on the trunk. One is also typical for babies Redness and scaling the skin manifestations. In very rare cases, itching may occur. However, general well-being is not restricted. As in the adult, it is also a in the baby or toddler harmless clinical picture. Treatment is usually not necessary as the disease heals on its own after 3 to 8 weeks.

Rose lichen in the child

Children are often affected by rose lichen, although children with many allergies have a significantly higher risk of developing the disease. If a child is suspected of having lichen planus, it is best to consult a pediatrician or dermatologist who will confirm the diagnosis. After six to eight weeks, the rose lichen should be healed in children.
Moisturizing creams help prevent the skin from drying out and reduce flaking. In addition, antihistamines can help against the excruciating itching and prevent the children from scratching themselves further.
Fenistil drops® are approved for children from one year of age. The drug is taken orally and works by stopping the release of histamine in the body, which causes the itching. The use of antihistamines can cause tiredness, which is why the preparation is best given in the evening before going to sleep.
If the skin changes are very flaky, the doctor may also prescribe a weak cortisone ointment to relieve the symptoms.

Is there a risk of infection with rose lichen?

It is assumed that rose lichen is not a contagious disease.
In any case, no direct transmission of the disease has been reported. However, since a viral cause is assumed, it is conceivable that the triggering herpes viruses are transmitted from person to person. This mostly symptom-free initial infection then goes unnoticed. When the virus reactivates, rose lichen can develop under the influence of triggering factors. The rose lichen as such is not contagious per se. However, the virus that is suspected to cause it can be transmitted from person to person.

Rose lichen as an indication of HIV?

In rose lichen, small red spots form on the skin that are flaky and itchy.
Similar symptoms occur when you are newly infected with the HI virus (HIV) and are an early indicator of infection. Patients who experience skin changes and have concerns should see a doctor and get tested for HIV.