How contagious pityriasis versicolor can be: the main methods of transmission of the disease

Pityriasis versicolor or pityriasis versicolor is a dermatological disease that develops as a result of infection by a fungus.

It has pronounced symptoms, so the disease is easy to recognize at an early stage.

Let's consider whether pityriasis versicolor can appear on the face, the causes of the disease, characteristic signs and treatment methods.

Predisposing factors

Pityriasis versicolor appears due to the influence of negative factors. These include:

• diabetes;
• exhaustion and dehydration of the body;
• bearing a child;
• tuberculosis;
• prolonged stress state;
• postoperative period;
• infection by virus;
• insufficient amount of vitamin A in the body;
• HIV infection;
• increased sweating;
• malignant tumors;
• use of medications from the group of glucocorticosteroids or cytostatics.

Such conditions cause a weakening of the immune system, which plays a decisive role in the appearance of pityriasis versicolor.

Important!

The disease is not dangerous to human health and life, but its occurrence causes severe discomfort from an aesthetic point of view.

The best drugs for treating disease in humans

Equally effective drugs from trusted manufacturers are considered a good alternative to antifungal ointments in the treatment of tinea versicolor.

Terbinafine

An antifungal agent, the active components of which provoke the destruction of cell membranes of harmful microorganisms and cause their death. The medicine is applied to the affected areas twice a day for 14 days.

The spray is not recommended for use in the presence of tumor neoplasms, individual intolerance to individual components and impaired vascular condition.

Lamisil

A medicinal solution against pityriasis versicolor containing terbinafine. The active substance instantly suppresses the development of fungal infection, eliminates the manifestations of the pathological process and prevents the reappearance of the fungus.

During therapy, the patient may develop adverse reactions in the form of itching, peeling or burning at the site of application.

Important!

Unlike other drugs, the duration of the therapeutic course using Lamisil spray is only 7 days.

Thermikon

The drug has fungistatic and fungicidal effects. Once on the skin, the components of the product penetrate deep into the membrane of the fungi and destroy them. The solution has a small list of contraindications and side effects, which is one of its advantages over other means.

Fungoterbin

Spray with a wide spectrum of antifungal action. The solution is applied to the lesions 1-2 times a day for two weeks.

Fungoterbine is prohibited for use by children under 12 years of age . Patients with suppression of bone marrow hematopoiesis, tumors, renal or liver failure should use the drug with caution.

Types of disease

In medicine, the following types of pityriasis versicolor are distinguished:

1. Inverted. It is the formation of spots in the folds of the skin, has a sluggish nature, without signs of an inflammatory process.
2. Erythematous-squamous. It is characterized by the appearance of spots of different sizes and is not accompanied by inflammation.
3. Follicular. The most severe type of lichen, spots and ulcers appear on the face. They cause itching and burning and occur with inflammation.

Important!

Pityriasis versicolor is one of the few types of lichen that is infectious in nature.

Atypical forms of pityriasis versicolor

In 90% of cases, lichen versicolor develops in a typical manner, that is, it occurs in the classic form with the rash localized in typical places. 80% of patients have common forms of the disease. Atypical forms of the disease: erythematous-squamous, urticariform, lichenoid, erythrasma type, diffuse and vitiligo. There are also special forms of pityriasis versicolor: the “black” form and Malassezia folliculitis.

Timely diagnosis of atypical forms of pityriasis versicolor will allow the doctor to carry out effective therapy.

Rice. 19. Atypical localization of pityriasis versicolor.

Rice. 20. Rare localization of pityriasis versicolor.

Signs and symptoms

Lichen versicolor is characterized by the appearance of brownish, whitish, reddish spots on the skin, which in appearance resemble pigmentation .

Round-shaped spots increase in size over time (without proper treatment), gradually merging into a single affected area.

The surface of the spots is covered with small scales, visually it seems that the skin is slightly sprinkled with flour. Often such formations are painless .
The color of the spot depends on the skin tone and tan.

Tinea versicolor during pregnancy

A woman during pregnancy can also get this disease. The disease does not affect the fetus in any way. The name comes from the different colors of the rashes: yellow; brown and red.

If such spots appear on the body, you should urgently contact a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.

Some drugs cannot be taken during pregnancy and lactation, as they have side effects. This disease may be accompanied by vitamin deficiency, allergic reactions, increased hormone levels, and increased sweating.

Diagnostic methods

Diagnosis of lichen versicolor is not difficult for a doctor. He performs the Balser test.

The procedure involves applying an iodine solution to the stain; under the influence of a special lamp, it begins to turn bluish.

Before prescribing therapy, the patient undergoes a series of studies to determine the cause of the disease:

• general blood analysis;
• blood sugar level;
• biochemical blood test to identify/exclude chronic pathologies:
• blood test to determine HIV infection.

How to treat the disease?

There are a number of ways to combat the disease. You can be treated with both medications and alternative medicine.

Drug therapy

In some cases, pityriasis versicolor in humans disappears on its own. But proper treatment will help speed up the healing process . The basis of drug therapy is the following drugs:

1. Antifungal ointments - Dermazol, Kanizon, Ecodax, Mycozon, Exoderil. Such drugs have a detrimental effect on the pathogen.
2. Ointments to eliminate symptoms - Salicylic ointment, Glycolic acid, resorcinol alcohol. The products help soften the skin - the affected cells begin to separate, and a healthy epidermis is restored.
3. Antifungal tablets - Oronazole, Nizoral, Flucostat. They are used in cases where local therapy does not provide positive dynamics for recovery.
4. Shampoos - Keto Plus, Nizoral. Used when lichen spreads to the scalp.

Important!

Medicines for pityriasis versicolor are used only after the prescription of a dermatologist, who also determines the dosage.

Traditional treatment

In addition to medications, you can treat with folk remedies. The most effective recipes:

1. Snapdragon. You will need 2 tablespoons of snapdragon flowers and a little butter. Chop the plant, add softened butter, mix thoroughly. Apply the prepared ointment to the affected areas of the skin on the face.
2. Blueberry. Boil the blueberries and grind them to a paste consistency. Apply it to the lichen.
3. Raisins and prunes. You need to take the ingredients in equal proportions and grind them through a meat grinder. Wipe your face with the prepared mixture.
4. Onion. It is necessary to chop the onion well and squeeze out the juice through cheesecloth. Treat emerging stains with liquid several times a day.
5. St. John's wort. Pour 2 tablespoons of dried St. John's wort into 1 cup of boiling water and leave for 1 hour. Wipe the affected areas of the skin with the prepared infusion.

Important!

Folk remedies are used only as an additional method of treatment. They cannot eliminate fungal activity on their own.

Diet

To quickly get rid of multicolored lichen, you should adhere to proper nutrition. The daily diet should be filled with the following products:

• dairy and fermented milk products;
• green vegetable salads;
• greenery;
• healing mineral water;
• iron-fortified foods;
• buckwheat, rice, oatmeal;
• honey.

Foods that are not recommended for illness include:

• smoked products;
• spices;
• pickled and salty dishes;
• meat and fish of fatty varieties, this also includes strong broths based on them;
• fast food;
• canned food;
• spicy dishes;
• legumes;
• sweets;
• alcohol.

In addition, it is necessary to minimize the consumption of strong tea and coffee.

The cause of pityriasis versicolor is yeast-like fungi

Pityriasis versicolor is caused by lipophilic yeast-like fungi of the genus Malassezia. Currently, 14 species of these fungi are known, two of which, Pityrosporum orbiculare and Pityrosporum ovale, are the cause of the disease. The pathogens were described in 1853 by G. Robin and in 1951 by M. Gordon.

Pityrosporum orbiculare (round shape) are most often found on the skin of the trunk, face, neck and limbs.

Pityrosporum ovale (oval shape) are more often found on the scalp.

Some scientists believe that both forms of fungi are separate species, others believe that they are the same organism at different stages of its development. In some scientific circles, the mushrooms are called Pityrosporum orbiculare, in others - Malassezia furfur.

Rice. 3. Malassezia furfur mushrooms under a microscope.

Rice. 4. Malassezia furfur mushrooms. View under a scanning microscope.

Features of the pathogen

• Malassezia furfur mushrooms exist in yeast and mycelial forms. Fungi take on the mycelial form during the intensive growth phase.
• The wall of the mushrooms is multilayered, thick, folded from the inside. It provides reliable protection against external factors.
• A unique feature of Malassezia is their affinity for lipids (lipophilicity), which microorganisms cannot synthesize on their own. Fungi grow well on nutrient media containing fatty acids, which serves as an additional differential diagnostic feature. Yeast produces lipolytic enzymes (phospholipases) that hydrolyze sebum lipids to free fatty acids, which inhibit the growth of other microorganisms. It is this feature that plays a significant role in the pathogenicity of Malassezia furfur.
• Fungi secrete enzymes such as proteinase, hyaluronidase and sulfatase, which play a role in the destruction of the stratum corneum of the skin.
• Malassezia furfur, interacting with immunocompetent cells (eosinophils, macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells) stimulate the synthesis of cytokines and chemokines, causing an inflammatory response, and inhibit the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. The inflammatory response to the disease can be of varying severity.
• Fungi of the genus Malassezia, by binding to C-type lectins, are capable of causing a cellular immune response. They are capable of both stimulating and inhibiting the immune mechanisms of the host body, thereby balancing between the state of cohabitation and parasitism.
• Favorable conditions for fungi of the genus Malassezia are human body temperature, humidity, the presence of carbon dioxide and lipids in the skin secretion - a source of nutrition.
• They prevent the development of pathogenic dermatophyte fungi on the skin.

Rice. 5. Destruction of the stratum corneum of the skin in lichen versicolor (histological specimen).

Recommendations from experts

During the treatment of pityriasis versicolor, dermatologists recommend adhering to the following rules:

• wash bed linen and towels in boiling water;
• after washing, iron them on both sides;
• carry out wet cleaning daily;
• Wash all hygiene items thoroughly with boiling water and soap.

Important!

Despite the fact that there are known cases of curing lichen after sunbathing, you should not intentionally sunbathe. Ultraviolet rays have a negative effect on the course of this disease.

Methods of infection

Many doctors do not consider tinea versicolor to be a safe disease and classify it as a conditionally contagious disease.

There are several ways to become infected with tinea versicolor. Infection mainly occurs through contact with affected skin. To do this, just one touch to the damaged areas is enough.

When sharing kitchen utensils, towels, bed linen, and clothing with a sick relative.

The fungus can be contracted in fitting rooms, public changing rooms, public transport or in crowded places.

A favorable condition for the development of pathology is a hot climate and exposure to direct sunlight for a long time.

From dogs to humans

Pityriasis rosea in dogs can form as a result of allergic reactions, viral infections, genetic predisposition, and digestive disorders. It is difficult to achieve a complete cure; the disease becomes chronic.

The main cause of the disease is weakened immunity. Whether it can be transmitted from dog to human is currently a controversial issue among doctors.

Today there is an opinion that people with good immunity cannot become infected with this type of fungus. But if the immune system is weak, you need to refrain from communicating with a sick animal.

This applies most of all to children and the elderly whose immunity is not strong enough.

From human to cat and vice versa

Skin problems are common diseases in cats. Most often these are allergic reactions and dermatitis.

Pityriasis rosea in cats occurs only when the immune system is weakened. A healthy cat will not become infected with this disease .

A person cannot become infected with tinea versicolor from a sick cat. But dermatologists still recommend protecting a sick animal from children, the elderly and people who have recently suffered viral infections.

The disease cannot be transmitted from humans to cats, as ringworm is a common infectious disease among them. Other types of lichen are not transmitted to cats.

How is it transmitted from person to person?

Infection with lichen versicolor occurs due to the contact of particles of the affected epithelium of a sick person with the skin of a healthy person, where the fungus begins to slowly progress.

Tinea versicolor affects individuals with weakened immune systems . These include pregnant women, people with thyroid diseases, and people with diabetes.

The disease is transmitted by using someone else's personal hygiene products, by using a sick person's clothing, towels, and bed linen. Dermatologists suggest that the fungus is transmitted from mother to child through breastfeeding .

Is it possible to get sick again?

In people infected with pityriasis versicolor, the pathology often recurs after completion of treatment for two years.

In persons to whom the disease has been inherited, the disease is in a chronic stage, worsening in the spring and summer.

To prevent a relapse, you must consult a doctor for appropriate treatment.

The causative agent of infection can exist on human skin for a long time without manifesting itself. It is activated only when the body’s defenses are reduced.

Possible complications of the disease

Complications with lichen versicolor can occur if the disease is ignored. A person begins to be very bothered by the following symptoms:

• significant lesions;
• unbearable itching;
• excessive peeling of the skin on the face.

Important!

Pityriasis versicolor is a contagious disease. It can be transmitted through hygiene items and clothing.

Relapse Prevention

Episodes of lichen flower will be absent if the patient refuses to wear synthetic underwear and treats the skin with 1 or 3 percent salicylic alcohol once a week. The photos you just looked at also require treatment for hyperhidrosis.

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