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Not sure about what Lichenoid Dermatitis is? Well not to worry here are some things you might want to know if you know of anyone that has it.
Overview and symptoms
Lichenoid dermatitis is a type of eczema, a skin disorder. It is among the rarest forms of eczema but affects a lot of people nonetheless, even though it can occur at any point in life, the elderly are the most prone to it. It is characterized by purple skin color. This rare skin condition is easily diagnosed as a result of formation of purple raised bumps and polygonal papules.
The skin rash commonly appears on the forearms, wrists, lower back or ankles. It may also appear on the genitals, nails and scalp. The bumps may be tiny spots or large circles that develop into uncomfortable scaly skin patches. In other cases, the rash appears as a line that results in gray skin discoloration after the line disappears.
Skin is a sensitive part of your body. You can try different home remedies to deal with minor skin issues. If you have any serious issues with your skin, consult with a dermatologist in your area to get the best possible solution.
Causes
This type of skin disorder results from your skin epidermis being damaged, leading to interaction between the outer and inner layer. An allergic reaction occurs between the layers, which results in inflammation and purple discoloration of the skin.
The exact cause has yet to be found, but skin specialists believe that the skin disorder is likely the result of a viral infection or an adverse response to drugs. It is common among the elderly who suffer from cardiovascular diseases and take medications to remedy high blood pressure.
A majority of medications used to treat arthritis, high blood pressure and heart disease tend to cause allergic reactions in the bodies of patients. This is also the case with proton pump inhibitors.
The skin disorder is not contagious. Nevertheless, it may point to a more severe skin condition and may be the result of graft-versus-host skin disease or hepatitis C. Immediately seeking medical attention is imperative when this form of inflammation occurs so that medical professionals can make a diagnosis and quickly develop a treatment plan.
There are numerous causes in which the skin disorder heals on its own within 24 months. It can, however, suddenly reoccur.
Prescriptions by skincare professionals include cortisone foams or lotions for treating the rash. But for lasting results, it is better to determine what chemicals caused the allergic reaction and avoid them entirely. For infections, skincare professionals typically prescribe antibiotics or antihistamines.
Depending on how serious the rash is, your skincare professional might suggest treatments involving photo-chemotherapy or steroid injections, which are aimed at relieving itching and improve the appearance of the skin.
Treatment
Treatment typically includes:
- Discontinuation of the drug that causes the allergic reaction
- Cortisone lotions
- Antibiotics for the skin rash
- Laser therapy to improve the appearance of the skin
- Shots of steroids or antihistamines to relieve inflammation and itching
In cases where the skin condition is a symptom or result of a more severe condition such as graft-versus-host (GVH) disease, medical professionals will determine the best course of treatment based on the severity of the disease. Treatment is always necessary even when external symptoms disappear because in many cases, they tend to reoccur later on.
Bio:
Terry Godier has worked as a dermatologist in the healthcare industry and has written numerous articles and blog posts on topics related to skincare, including lichenoid dermatitis.
