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Bearded lichen causes, symptoms and effective home remedies
The so-called "beard lichen" (medical "tinea barbae") is a fungus-induced skin disease that occurs only in men. Externally, it is characterized by reddish, scaly, round spots that occur especially in the area of the facial hair. In addition, fever and lymph node swelling may occur. A beard lichen is normally treated well locally with a fungal (antifungals), but also heals in many cases even if not treated.
contents
- definition
- symptoms
- causes
- diagnosis
- Treatment for bearded lichen
- Naturopathy with beard lichen
- Natural treatment with tea tree oil
- Homeopathy and Schüssler salts
definition
The bearded lichen - also called "Bartmykose" or "bearded trichophytia" (medical "tinea barbae") - is caused by special fungi (dermatophytes) disease that affects mostly older men, more rarely boys and young men. In dermatophytes (from ancient Greek "to derma": "the skin" and "to phyton": "the plant") are so-called "filamentous fungi" that cause a specific fungal infection of the skin (dermatophytosis). Because unlike other mushrooms, these only feed on carbohydrates and keratin and therefore attack only keratin-containing body components (horny layer of the skin, hair or nails).
The term "beard lichen" refers to a skin disease caused by fungi that primarily affects older men. (Image: kite_rin / fotolia.com) Dermatophytes are divided into nearly 40 species belonging to the three genera "Microsporum" (for example Microsporum audouinii), "Trichophyton" (for example Trichophyton terrestre) and "Epidermophyton" (for example Epidermophyton floccosum).
symptoms
The bearded lichen typically manifests itself first by round, reddish patches that form dandruff on the edge, may possibly wet and cause a strong itching. In many cases, the spots later connect with the hair follicles at the hairline, where they develop into pearlescent nodules or pustules.
If the inflamed areas reach a certain size or if several such nodules join together, an abscess can quickly form, which is generally an encapsulated body cavity filled with fluid and pus.
If the hair root inflammation in the depth of the roots, it is spoken of a "boil" in which forms a kind of "graft" by dead cells and pus. This can break at any time through the skin and empty. In more severe cases, the fusion of several boils causes a so-called "carbuncle," a usually very painful inflammation that in most cases requires surgical treatment.
A bearded lichen can cause massive itching. (Image: MichaelJBerlin / fotolia.com) causes
The bearded lichen is caused by infections with the filamentous fungi "deratophytes", which in most cases are the dermatophytic species "Trichophyton mentagrophytes" or "Trichophyton verrucosum". In question, however, other Trichophyton and Microsporum species come.
Since Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton verrucosum are dominated by rodents or cattle, bearded lichen is particularly prevalent in rural areas where people are in close contact with these or other infected animals. It may be sufficient to touch an infected animal with your hand and then scratch your chin. Despite the term "beard lichen", the length and density of the beard do not play a role in the development and course of the disease - in many cases even a beard is absent.
The infection often takes place through skin contact. In addition, the fungi are highly contagious and, on the other hand, even after years of infectious and resistant to environmental influences. In order for the human to be infected by the pathogen, the fungus must overcome the natural skin flora in order to reach the keratin-containing food sources nails, horny layer or hair.
Since the triggering filamentous fungi are transmitted inter alia by cattle, e.g. Farmers are at an increased risk for bearded lichen. (Image: Edler von Rabenstein / fotolia.com) In the defense of the pathogen, the immune system plays a central role - accordingly, a deficiency can promote the development of dermal lichen. Here, among other things, the "diabetes mellitus" diabetes mellitus in question, as well as circulatory disorders or an immune deficiency disease may be the reason.
Likewise, so-called "immunosuppressive drugs", which are used, for example, following a tissue or organ transplantation or for the treatment of allergic asthma, favor a beard lichen, since these have a limiting effect on the functions of the immune system.
diagnosis
If a man shows noticeable red spots on his face, an appointment with a dermatologist should be arranged as soon as possible in order to prevent the spread or exacerbation of a possible skin disease. It is important to describe to the doctor as accurately as possible, when the rash on the face exists and how it has developed so far.
For the diagnosis, the dermatologist checks the severity and position of the red spots. (Image: Andrey Popov / fotolia.com) If there is a barley, the doctor can usually - as with other skin fungus diseases - by looking at the shape, appearance and position of the spots get first clues to the cause. For a precise diagnosis, however, usually a smear is necessary, which is analyzed in the laboratory to the respective pathogen out.
Treatment for bearded lichen
After the diagnosis, the doctor explains how best to treat the present skin condition. Normally, antifungal medicines ("antifungals") are applied to the affected areas in the form of ointments, lotions, gels or creams. In most cases it does not make sense to discontinue the treatment immediately if the stains disappear, but to continue these for some time after consultation with the doctor in order to fight the fungus effectively.
Danger: With a bearded mycosis, you should not "treat" the reddish spots on your own and absolutely avoid scratching, squeezing or pulling on small pieces of skin. Because this increases the risk that the infection on the fingers or hands on other body regions transfers. Scratching the itchy areas often results in additional bacterial infection. Furthermore, there is a risk that the fungus is "incorporated" even deeper into the skin in this way.
It is advisable to do without wet shaving until the inflammation has subsided. Dry shavers should be disinfected after each shave. In general, it is particularly important to ensure sufficient hygiene.
In principle, the lichen can heal without antifungals treatment - there is a risk that abscesses or scars form, in addition to pain and an increased risk of a chronic course of the disease.
Naturopathy with beard lichen
From a naturopathic point of view, in the treatment of lichen first the cause research has the highest priority. This means that it should be clarified before treatment, which triggers for the skin disease in question.
For example, sufferers of diabetes mellitus should consult a doctor to check their medication. Also important is a critical questioning of life and food habits.
Since the development of a beard lichen is favored by a weakened defense, it is necessary to support them if necessary. Good practices that boost the immune system include, for example, bowel rehabilitation or self-blood therapy. Various medicinal herbs such as the taiga root or propolis also have a positive effect on the body's defense system.
Propolis is a proven home remedy for strengthening the immune system. (Image: photocrew / fotolia.com) In general, it is advisable to take care to take enough vitamin C and to provide plenty of fresh air and exercise. Negative stress can quickly lead to a weakening of the immune system. Therefore, it is advisable to provide for increased tension by appropriate exercises for stress reduction for balance and inner balance.
For external treatment, ointments or creams containing essential oils of larch and pine, which can relieve inflammatory pain and accelerate healing. Besides that, other herbal remedies can be used. Especially with home remedies for pimples and impure skin or home remedies for boils, there are many effective approaches.
For example, the true chamomile is a well-tried universal remedy for inflammation, which can help in the form of facial steam baths or compresses to kill the fungus, to cleanse the skin and to support the healing. The juice of aloe is considered to be an effective remedy for skin diseases of all kinds - here it is advisable to apply pure aloe juice in the evening thinly on the affected skin and let it work overnight. Most of the time, after a few days, you will see significant improvements, but with an additional internal application, the effect can even be enhanced.
The juice of aloe has proven to be an effective remedy for skin diseases. (Image: sommai / fotolia.com) Washing with vinegar can help combat the fungus. Because mushrooms do not tolerate the sour vinegar milieu and die in the episode.
Vinegar water against beard lichen
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Natural treatment with tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a good remedy for beard lichen.
Danger: Care should be taken to ensure that it is oil from the Australian and not from the New Zealand tea tree, as its oils are often used in the treatment of burns, but are unsuitable for use in fungal diseases. The oil of the Australian tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), on the other hand, is regarded as a true "wonder drug" because it has anti-inflammatory and fungicidal properties, supports wound healing, strengthens the immune system and stimulates cell renewal.
If tea tree oil is used, especially the right dosage is immensely important: Normally it is the most sensible to dab the oil directly onto the affected skin areas with the help of a cotton pad. With sensitive skin or an increased risk of allergy, however, caution is necessary, as tea tree oil can quickly lead to skin irritation or allergic reactions. In this case, the oil should always be diluted with milk, water or compatible essential oils, not used regularly for long periods of time and always used as fresh as possible.
Homeopathy and Schüssler salts
Homeopathy provides treatment assistance, especially when inflamed specks, boils or abscesses have formed. Here, in particular, "Hepar sulfuris" (Kalkschwefelleber) into consideration, of which in acute complaints 3 times daily 3-5 beads in the potencies D6 or D12 be taken. The exact dosage and the period of use should always be discussed with a homeopath or doctor or pharmacist.
The homeopathic remedy "Myristica sebifera" is well suited for purulent processes, superficial ulcers and abscesses. This accelerates the formation of pus, allowing the "pus" to ripen more quickly and thus contributes to the fact that the abscess breaks faster and can heal by itself. In many cases, this remedy can even prevent surgery - hence the colloquial name as a "homeopathic knife". Myristica sebifera is usually taken in purulent form 3 times a day in the form of two globules in the potency C4 - but here too the consultation with an expert is urgently recommended.
Creams and ointments with Schüssler salts can be helpful in the treatment of skin diseases, as the potentiated mineral salts are absorbed by the skin through the skin and can accelerate the healing process. For example, salt no. 1 "calcium fluoratum" relieves the itchy rash and improves chapped skin. Also suitable are salt no. 11 "Silicea" and salt no. 12 "calcium sulfuricum". (nr, last updated on 14.6.2017)
Specialist supervision: Barbara Schindewolf-Lensch (doctor)