What you should know about lichen planus?
- Basically, a skin rash that is purple in color with flat tops on the skin
- Rashes spread over the body in a matter of weeks
- They are itchy, painful, and produce a burning sensation
- Could have blisters which burst
- Have thin lacy margin
- Can be seen in the genital area, scalp, ankle, hands, mucous membranes, and nails
What are the treatment options for oral lichen planus (OLP)?
- Lidocaine (Lidoderm®, Xylocaine®)
- Tacrolimus (Prograf®, Protopic®)
- Corticosteroids
- Dapsone (Aczone®)
- Cyclosporine (Neorral®, Gengraf®)
What are the symptoms of lichen planus?
What are the symptoms of lichen planus?
- On the skin, lichen planus causes itchy groups of bumps that are shiny, firm and slightly purple.
- Lichen planus in the mouth may be painful and look like a white lacy rash.
- Lichen planus of the nails causes distortion including ridges and grooves.
Is lichen planus in the mouth curable?
Yes, its curable. We have treated more than 4000 patients of lichen planus with its various types. Commonly when you ask your conventional doctors, you will get a different answer because allopathic medicines or conventional medications does not cure Lichen Planus completely.
Who is the best doctor for lichen planus?
If you have any symptoms of lichen planus, talk with your doctor. You may need to see a dermatologist for the most effective care.
What kind of doctor can diagnose lichen planus?
You'll likely start by seeing your primary care doctor. He or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in skin diseases (dermatologist).
Does ENT treat oral lichen planus?
People with oral lichen planus have an elevated risk of developing oral cancer. Therefore, it's important for patients with this condition to consult their primary care physician about possibly establishing care with an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist, or otolaryngologist.
Do dentists treat lichen planus?
General dentists can be expected to manage the majority of patients with oral lichen planus. Some patients may need to be referred for diagnostic purposes to a specialist; this is also the case for the rare patient with severe symptoms, possibly requiring systemic treatment.
Is oral lichen planus precancerous?
Lichen planus affects the skin, mucosa (including the oral mucosa) or a combination of both (4). In 1978, the World Health Organization (WHO) indicated that oral lichen planus (OLP) is a precancerous condition (5). In this regard, the association between OLP and oral cancer has been extensively studied.
What is the best mouthwash for lichen planus?
Daily hydrogen peroxide mouthwash (Peroxyl) or occasional chlorhexidine (Corsodyl) twice per week are examples. If possible, avoid a mouthwash containing alcohol. In severe cases of oral lichen planus, systemic treatment (taken by mouth) may be required for several months or years.
Who is an oral pathologist?
Oral pathology is a specialty of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases, including oral cancer. Pathologists are involved in all areas of disease management including research, diagnosis, examination and treatment.
What autoimmune disease causes lichen planus?
Etiology of Lichen Planus Lichen planus (LP) is thought to be caused by a T cell–mediated autoimmune reaction against basal epithelial keratinocytes in people with genetic predisposition.
What causes oral lichen planus to flare up?
It's possible that, in some people, oral lichen planus may be triggered by certain medications, mouth injury, infection or allergy-causing agents such as dental materials. Stress may be involved in symptoms becoming worse or recurring.
How do I get rid of lichen planus on my tongue?
How is oral lichen planus treated?topical corticosteroids, which can come in the form of gel, ointment, or mouthwash applied directly to the affected area.injection corticosteroids, which are applied directly to the lesion.oral corticosteroids, which can only be taken for a short time.immune response medications.
Should oral lichen planus be biopsied?
How is oral lichen planus diagnosed? Usually it will be diagnosed after a careful examination by a specialist. The appearance and symptoms of oral lichen planus can be like those of some other disorders, so a 'biopsy' is usually needed to be sure about the diagnosis.
What toothpaste is good for oral lichen planus?
Use SLS-free toothpaste such as Biotene, Pronamel, Orajel for dry mouth, Sensodyne, or Prevident. (Avoid mint flavors.)
Departments and specialties
Mayo Clinic has one of the largest and most experienced practices in the United States, with campuses in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota. Staff skilled in dozens of specialties work together to ensure quality care and successful recovery.
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Skin biopsy, Pulsed-dye laser therapy, Allergy skin test, UV light therapy, Oral lichen planus, Telangiectasia disorder ...
What is the best treatment for lichen planus?
The first choice for treatment of lichen planus is usually a prescription corticosteroid cream or ointment. If that doesn't help and your condition is severe or widespread, your doctor might suggest a corticosteroid pill or injection.
How to treat lichen planus?
Light therapy. Light therapy (phototherapy) may help clear up lichen planus affecting the skin. The most common phototherapy for lichen planus uses ultraviolet B (UVB) light, which penetrates only the upper layer of skin (epidermis). Light therapy usually requires two to three treatments a week for several weeks.
What test is used to determine if a tissue has lichen planus?
The tissue is analyzed to determine whether it has the cell patterns characteristic of lichen planus. Hepatitis C test. You may have your blood drawn to test for hepatitis C, which is a possible trigger for lichen planus. Allergy tests.
Departments and specialties
Mayo Clinic has one of the largest and most experienced practices in the United States, with campuses in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota. Staff skilled in dozens of specialties work together to ensure quality care and successful recovery.
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Laser hair removal, Intense pulsed light, Chemical peel, Facial filler injection, Cosmetic surgery, Laser resurfacing, ...
How to prevent lichen planus?
There is no way to prevent oral lichen planus. You can lower your risk for oral lichen planus and other oral conditions by eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, not drinking large amounts of alcohol and quitting smoking.
What causes lichen planus?
What causes oral lichen planus? The exact cause of oral lichen planus is unknown. Research suggests the condition is related to your genetic makeup and immune system. Some people develop oral lichen planus after taking certain medications, such as beta-blockers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
What is the term for a white patch on the cheek?
Lichen planus is a long-term condition that affects the skin and mucus membranes. When it affects the mouth it is called oral lichen planus, and appears as white patches or web-like threads inside the cheeks.
Does Lichen Planus go away?
Mild oral lichen planus may not need any treatment. Instead, your doctor monitors your condition. Doctors recommend specific treatments if symptoms worsen. Milder forms of the disease usually go away on their own over time, especially if medications triggering the condition are discontinued.
Is lichen planus painful?
This type of lichen planus is usually not painful. In some cases, oral lichen planus (erosive type) appears as bright red gum tissue. In severe cases, ulcers develop on the gums of mucosal tissues inside the mouth, or on the tongue. Eating and drinking spicy, hot or acidic foods or beverages can be painful for people with oral lichen planus.
Can you get oral lichen planus?
Anyone can develop oral lichen planus. Women are twice as likely as men to develop the condition. Most cases of oral lichen planus occur in adults age 50 and older.
Can you eat spicy food with lichen planus?
Eating and drinking spicy, hot or acidic foods or beverages can be painful for people with oral lichen planus. Skin lesions are common among people with oral lichen planus. Almost half of people with oral lichen planus also have skin lichen planus, which causes itching.
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- Your doctor makes a diagnosis of oral lichen planus based on: 1. Discussion of your medical and dental history and the medications you're taking 2. Review of symptoms, including lesions in your mouth and any other places on your body 3. Examination of your mouth, and other areas as appr…
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