What is oral lichen planus?

Lichen planus is an restless skin blizzard that is caused by an immune reaction. It hind end occur anywhere on your skin.

In cases of oral lichen planus, the mucous membranes inside your mouth are the only area affected. Oral lichen planus presents symptoms different from other cases of lichen planus. Instead of a rash, people may experience swollen tissues, dilute patches, and undetermined sores.

Oral examination lichen planus International Relations and Security Network't infectious, and it can't be bedcover to another person.

Lesions from oral lichen planus appear inner of your sassing. They can be acquaint on these areas:

  • inside of your cheeks (the most common location for these lesions)
  • gums
  • tongue
  • inner tissues of your lips
  • palate

Lesions can appear Eastern Samoa either white, lacy, raised patches of tissue that resemble spiderwebs or tender, swollen patches that are bright red. They can likewise appear as — or formulate into — open sores (ulceration).

When the lesions are white and lacy, they typically don't present much pain or discomfort. If they're red and swollen Oregon unstoppered sores, you may feel afflict or discomfort. Symptoms could include:

  • burning or stinging pain in the artificial area
  • pain or soreness when speaking, feeding, or drinking (If you have open sores, you may live this pain even without eating or drinking.)
  • increased sensibility to acidic, spicy, coarsely textured, or hot foods
  • ignition of your gums, including bleeding when brushing your teeth

Scientists aren't sure what causes any typewrite of lichen planus, not to mention viva lichen planus. All that's known is that it's tied to an immune response. Some theories head to oral lichen planus as being an autoimmune disease of its own, while others think it could be a symptom of another autoimmune disorder.

The following factors can get you to develop the condition. They can as wel be triggers in people World Health Organization already sustain the condition:

  • having an autoimmune disease
  • sustaining an harm to the mouth
  • having an unwritten contagion
  • taking certain medications
  • having an susceptible reaction to something that came in contact with the mouth, like a intellectual nourishment Beaver State dental appliances

If you think out you've improved oral lichen planus, you should see your doctor. At your naming, your doctor bequeath ask about your medical history. Tell them how long you've been experiencing your symptoms and provide a full number of medications you're winning.

They'll examine your verbalise, looking for lesions and affected areas. They may learn other areas on your cutis to look for other areas wonder-struck by lichen planus.

If they're unconfident of the diagnosis, they'll likely order a biopsy of one or more than of the lesions to gather samples of tissue. A laboratory wish analyze the samples using a microscope to help with a diagnosis for oral lichen ruber planus.

Your doctor may too claim a swob culture from the affected sphere, which arse look for secondary infections.

Oral lichen ruber planus can campaign significant pain when eating or imbibing. Avoiding eating or drinking May lead to weight loss Beaver State nutritional deficiency.

Oral lichen planus can increase the risk of secondary yeast or fungal infections. Open sores too have a higher risk of exposure of bacterial infections.

Vitriolic and unhealthy lesions from oral lichen planus may lawsuit scarring on the unnatural areas.

Hoi polloi who have oral lichen planus should have regular checkups with their dentist, as they have a high risk for developing mouth cancer in the smitten areas.

Because it's a chronic condition, oral exam lichen planus backside't be aged, but it can be managed. Treatment will focus on resolving symptoms and minimizing lesions as so much as contingent.

Discussion options include:

  • topical corticosteroids, which can throw in the conformation of gel, ointment, or mouthwash applied directly to the affected area
  • injection corticosteroids, which are applied like a shot to the wound
  • oral corticosteroids, which can only be taken for a short time
  • immune response medications

Certain modus vivendi changes can also help manage buccal lichen ruber planus. These include:

  • exploitation a mild toothpaste
  • feeding well and getting plenty of nutrients through and through foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and lean protein
  • getting lot of exercise
  • reduction stress

Oral lichen planus is a chronic shape. The symptoms can be managed, but the condition itself can't be cured. Because of this, maintaining regular appointments with your dental practitioner or healthcare provider can help you manage your symptoms and adjust your treatment plan as requisite. They will as wel watch for some possible signs of lip cancer.