Nutrition for lichen planus

Definition of disease

So what is lichen planus and why is proper nutrition so important during treatment? The peculiarity of this disease is that it affects not only the skin, but also the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and the patient’s nails.

Unfortunately, the exact causes of this disease have not yet been established. But all researchers agree that one of the main reasons why lichen planus appears on the human body is a dysfunction of the immune system. However, in the adult population, the development of this disease is often associated with experienced stress or increased emotional and mental stress. As a result, red spots appear on the surface of the skin or on the mucous membranes of the mouth. There are two forms of the disease, most often found in adults and children - typical (classical) and atypical.

Lichen planus: treatment with folk remedies, background

But in patients with weakened immune defenses, the disease lasts up to 6 months. At the same time, it can either subside or appear with renewed vigor. Improper treatment and failure to comply with hygiene rules can lead to a rash thickly covering the body and a bacterial infection. In this case, suppuration of the skin occurs.

It is dangerous to make a diagnosis on your own based on descriptions and photographs. The disease is quite difficult to distinguish from measles, rubella, secondary syphilis, psoriasis, and especially pityriasis versicolor. Each of these diseases requires special treatment and has quite serious complications. Therefore, it is necessary to contact a qualified dermatologist who will accurately diagnose and prescribe appropriate medications.

The plaque rises slightly above the skin level, which is caused by the release of fluid through the walls of the capillaries and swelling. This area shrinks and cracks. It feels dry to the touch.

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Gradually, starting from the center, the spot becomes covered with thin scales. They are brownish-yellow in color and resemble crumpled tissue paper.

This is due to the fact that the inflammatory process caused keratinization of the upper layer of skin and its detachment. Particles of the epidermis peel off from the skin. A space filled with air is formed between them. This is what causes peeling. After the center is covered with scales, it seems to sink. And the cushion surrounding it on the outside remains raised and bright pink.

The area of ​​lichen becomes like a medallion, which is a characteristic sign of Gibert's disease. Gradually, the center of the spot clears of scales. What is left is smooth, dark pink skin surrounded by a brighter border. Gradually it becomes pale, and the skin color evens out. If the dermatologist determines that you really have pityriasis rosea, then you need to take the following measures: Let us remind you that each of the medications has a list of contraindications, so only a doctor can prescribe and determine the dosage.

As you know, there are theories about the infectious-allergic and viral nature of the disease.

Many dermatoses are recurrent in nature, appearing periodically. Their pathogenesis is based on gastrointestinal pathology, metabolic disorders, decreased body reactivity and susceptibility to infectious diseases. Reduced defenses and stress create favorable conditions for infection by fungi and viruses. In some diseases, the allergic factor also plays a certain role.

Based on this, attempts are being made to treat pityriasis rosea: Pityriasis rosea does not impair performance, and sick leave is not given for this diagnosis. You can go to work and simultaneously treat pityriasis rosea at home.

Pityriasis rosea (lichen zhibert) is an infectious-allergic skin disease characterized by spotty rashes. On average, the disease lasts from 4 to 6 weeks, in rare cases - up to six months. The infection is not transmitted. Only people with low immunity get sick with rosacea; The development of the disease may be preceded by a cold.

The causative agent of pityriasis rosea has not yet been precisely identified. There is an assumption that the cause may be any damage to the outer layer of the skin. In addition, it is considered possible that pityriasis rosea is caused by herpesvirus type 7 and, less commonly, type 6.

Typical shape

When rashes appear on the body, the general condition worsens, the patient complains of weakness and severe itching in the area of ​​the rashes and the appearance of spots. The rash spots are of the same type and multifaceted, red with a bluish tint and a depressed center. Rashes of the typical form of lichen planus are characterized by the presence of papules, the diameter of which does not exceed three millimeters.

The main distinguishing feature of rashes in this disease is the identification of a drop of water, the so-called Whitham grid, when applied to the surface of the papule. As they grow, the papules merge, forming rather large plaques of various shapes with a scaly surface. Now on the surface of the plaques a network is visible, reminiscent of a spider web pattern or interlacing of threads. Patients complain of unbearable itching, especially painful at night.

Diagnosis of the disease

It is simply impossible to make a correct diagnosis for a disease such as lichen planus without the participation of a doctor, so you should not choose the method of treatment on your own. This typical form of lichen can be diagnosed during an initial visual examination. It will not be difficult for an experienced specialist to understand exactly what disease he is dealing with. A biopsy and detailed histological examination of the obtained biological material helps determine the presence of this disease.

Treatment to get rid of this disease can only be complex, and the use of certain medications is prescribed by a qualified dermatologist.

Dietary nutrition for illness

Along with drug therapy, it is necessary to create a diet, which in this case corresponds to diet No. 5. The peculiarity of this diet is that the foods consumed are rich in vitamins, calcium and iron. Of course, the menu is compiled depending on the type of lichen. For example, the diet for Zhiber rosea requires increased consumption of dairy products. Hypoallergenic dishes and products must be included in the diet for three weeks. As for children, such a diet for them is prepared for 10 days.

Children's nutrition should be varied; the diet should include:

• oatmeal, rice and semolina porridge;
• lean dietary meat (rabbit, chicken breast, lean beef or veal);
• fresh vegetables;
• various greens;
• natural honey (excluding sweets and reducing sugar consumption).

When compiling this diet, you will need to consume:

• buckwheat;
• potatoes;
• bananas;
• apricots;
• peaches;
• watermelons;
• melons;
• salted cheeses.

And you need to completely exclude from the diet:

• citrus fruits and chocolate;
• nuts and baked goods;
• eggs and fresh milk;
• carbonated drinks with dyes;
• cream cakes;
• all fruits are red.

General dietary recommendations

In many cases, skin rashes appear on a person if the balance in the diet is imbalanced - the body does not receive enough vitamins, minerals and there is too little liquid in the daily menu. The immune system weakens, and along with it, the barrier properties of the skin decrease.

The skin becomes defenseless during pathogen attacks. It is easier for a virus or fungus to enter the body and begin to multiply. The diet for various types of lichen is aimed at eliminating these gaps:

• Drink enough clean water.
• Include foods that are good for the skin, gastrointestinal tract and immune system in your menu.
• Form new eating habits by eating simple but nutritious meals without an abundance of flavor enhancers, dyes and sweeteners.

Diet for adults

Adult patients must avoid tea and coffee, smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages, spices and aromatic additives, smoked meats, spicy and salty foods during treatment for this disease.

Each individual type of lichen requires a special approach to diet planning. Dietary food for pityriasis versicolor differs in that the food composition includes:

• animal fats;
• fish fat;
• small proportion of vegetable fats;
• bread only bran or grain;
• green tea and fresh fruit compote;
• mineral water without gases.

When compiling this diet, you need to make sure that all foods that contribute to the rapid growth and reproduction of the fungus are completely excluded from it:

• any sweets, including homemade sweets and jam. It is allowed to replace sugar by including in the menu dishes and drinks containing a small amount of honey;
• homemade baked goods and baked goods;
• pastries and cakes;
• sweet carbonated drinks;
• strong alcoholic drinks and beer.

Diseases such as pityriasis versicolor occur against the background of hyperglycemia, disorders of the thyroid gland or cancer. Its appearance can be provoked by pregnancy, which is associated with hormonal changes, or tuberculosis. All of these diseases are closely related to hormonal imbalance in the patient’s body, and this must be taken into account when planning a diet.

Speaking about herpes zoster and diet during treatment, it is worth noting that the causative agent of this disease is the herpes virus Varucella Zoster. In children, the disease manifests itself in the form of chickenpox, which they tolerate quite easily, but if an adult becomes ill, the disease is severe, often with complications.

Treatment of lichen planus in humans at home

This is evidenced by the facts of their detection in an active form during the early stage of the disease. The theory with the most numerous adherents says that the disease often appears after a cold infection.

Outbreaks of the disease occur in people of both sexes aged 10 to 35 years, most often in spring and autumn, at a time when immunity is weakened. There is also an opinion that pityriasis rosea is an erythematous-squamous dermatosis of viral origin.

Allegedly, this is an infectious-allergic skin disease that can occur in any person.

Most often, pityriasis rosea begins to develop after infectious diseases, vaccinations, intestinal disorders or febrile illnesses. Pityriasis rosea is characterized by a phase course and exacerbations. It is worth noting that this disease may appear a little more often in women than in men; pityriasis rosea is also common in children.

Pityriasis rosea occurs in a person with poor health: after suffering severe infectious diseases, hypothermia and exposure to harmful factors. The causes of pityriasis rosea have not been studied. It is still not known for certain whether pityriasis rosea is contagious. It is also unknown how pityriasis rosea is transmitted. Assumptions have been made about the airborne method of spread.

Those experts who believe that pityriasis rosea is contagious express an opinion about the possibility of infection not so much through contact with the carrier, but through various household items, a towel, comb, etc. A person who has once suffered from Zhiber's pityriasis rosea develops immunity, and the possibility of becoming infected again is unlikely . It usually appears on the back as a pink spot that can be painful. After some time, a rash forms and spreads throughout the body.

Does not pose a serious threat to the human body.

Features of the diet for lichen

A special balanced diet is required not only during the recovery period, but during the course of the disease. It includes foods rich in vitamins and minerals, drinking plenty of green tea or mineral water without gases, as well as:

• nuts and dried grapes (raisins);
• dried apricots and dried prunes;
• fresh raspberries and viburnum;
• rosehip decoction;
• sea ​​buckthorn and garden strawberries;
• any fresh herbs;
• a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits.

As with any other lichen, the dietary diet excludes the consumption of smoked and spicy foods, fatty meats and all kinds of sweets, legumes and products that contain preservatives.

Proper nutrition as a method of therapy

Nutrition for lichen should be regular and strictly rationed. This applies to any type of disease, including lichen planus. During treatment, foods high in fat and carbohydrates, salted fish, smoked meats, cakes and pastries (especially those with cream) should be excluded from the diet.

The difficulty of creating a diet is due to the nature of this disease. It lies in the fact that it is not possible to list specific products that may cause a rash as a reaction. There is no strict ban on the consumption of specific products, but general recommendations should be followed.

This means that the following must be excluded from the diet during treatment, which lasts at least three weeks:

• smoked meats;
• spicy food;
• spices;
• strong tea;
• coffee;
• drinks with preservatives and dyes;
• sweets (except for a small amount of honey).

What to give up

Lichen planus is one of the diseases that require avoidance of:

• smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages;
• hot seasonings;
• pickled products;
• concentrated steep broths, meat concentrates.

The danger lies in eating beans and peas, lentils and soybeans. It is not recommended to give to children during treatment:

• red fruits;
• sweet carbonated drinks;
• lemons, oranges, tangerines and other citrus fruits;
• chocolate.

You should not give children kiwi and bananas, watermelons or persimmons throughout the entire treatment period.

If rashes appear on the oral mucosa, it is necessary to rinse your mouth thoroughly after each meal, being careful not to injure the mucous membrane.

Source

Author Elena Kashtanova Reading time: 10 min. Published 03/10/2020

A diet for lichen involves excluding from the daily menu provoking foods that overload the body, complicating metabolism and the normal digestion process. The basic course of treatment for all types of lichen is aimed at blocking the proliferation of the pathogen that provokes skin rashes and disruption of the functioning of internal organs and systems. A light, but balanced and nutritious diet helps speed up the healing process and cleanse the skin of traces of the disease.