Pityriasis Alba (lichen planus) is a skin disorder caused by an unexplained decrease in the number of pigments in the skin, causing the skin color in that area to fade into mottled patches. In the early stages, it may appear as a pale pink rash that is dry and scaly, similar to eczema.
Ringworm can occur in people of all ages, but it is more common in children and teenagers than in other age groups. Ringworm can usually be cured, but it can take months or years to heal. Most treatments for ringworm involve self-care.
The exact cause of the disease is unknown, but it is associated with dry skin and atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema that may result from an overactive immune system. It is also possible that frequent sun exposure and dry air can make the spots more visible.
However, it is still not clear what factors affect the development of milk lichen, such as ultraviolet radiation, copper deficiency , or Malassezia Yeasts, which may stimulate the activity of the enzyme that produces pigment, causing less pigment production, resulting in spots.
Groups of people who are at risk of easily getting milk lichen
- Children and adolescents aged 6-12 years have an incidence of approximately 2-5%, especially in children with a history of atopic dermatitis and skin inflammation with itching.
- Children who take warm bathsfrequently
- People who are frequently exposed to the sun without applying sunscreen
Diagnosis of milk lichen
The doctor will ask about the patient’s initial history, examine the skin condition and the location of the spots on the body. However, in some cases, additional examinations may be required to help confirm the diagnosis. This is because lichen planus has similar symptoms to other hyperpigmentation diseases such as ringworm and tinea versicolor , which cause the skin color to be paler than the surrounding normal skin color, just like lichen planus.
Additional tests are needed when the doctor needs to differentiate between lichen planus and other diseases, such as:
- Wood Lamp Examination is a procedure in which a light is shone on the affected area of skin using a special instrument. If disease is detected, the area of skin will glow.
- Skin Scraping: The doctor will scrape a sample of the affected area of skin and send it to a laboratory for examination under a microscope to see the type of fungus.
- Skin biopsy: A small piece of the affected skin is removed for examination. This can help identify skin infections and reduced pigmentation, but is usually not necessary.
Treatment of milk lichen
Ringworm usually goes away on its own, but it can take months or years for the skin color to return to normal. Treatment is mostly self-care, including:
- Apply moisturizer or body creamto the affected area to help increase moisture to prevent dryness and flaking.
- In cases of severe itching, topical medications may be used to relieve the itching. These include both mild steroid and non-steroidal medications, such as hydrocortisone, pimecrolimus, calcineurin inhibitors , and tacrolimus.
- Sunscreen should be applied regularly before exposure to the sun, choosing a type for sensitive skin.
- Avoid taking a shower with water that is too hot and choose a soap that is gentle on the skin.
However, lichen planus can recur after treatment, but most cases in children usually go away by adulthood.
Complications of tinea versicolor
Tinea versicolor rarely causes complications. Patients may experience physical appearance problems due to the disease itself, which causes the skin to look unsightly, as well as the skin becoming more sensitive to sunlight when exposed to sunlight for a long time.
Prevention of milk lichen
Ringworm cannot be completely prevented because its causes are multifactorial. However, you can reduce your risk of the disease by keeping your skin moisturized by applying cream regularly, applying sunscreen before going out in the sun regularly to help protect your skin from damage, and choosing products that are gentle on your skin.
