🍃 Oral Lichen Planus
Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect the skin, nails, and mucous membranes, including the oral mucosa (mouth). When it affects the mouth, it’s called oral lichen planus (OLP).
🧬 Cause:
- Exact cause unknown
- Considered an immune-mediated disorder where the body’s immune system attacks cells of the oral mucosa
- May be triggered or worsened by:
- Stress
- Certain medications
- Dental materials (e.g., amalgam)
- Infections (like hepatitis C)
🩺 Clinical Features:
- Typically affects middle-aged adults, more common in women
- Appears as white, lacy patches (Wickham’s striae) on the inside of cheeks, tongue, or gums
- Can also cause red, swollen, or ulcerated areas
- Symptoms vary:
- Some patients are asymptomatic
- Others have burning sensation, pain, or sensitivity to spicy/acidic foods
- May cause gum inflammation and soreness (desquamative gingivitis)
🔍 Diagnosis:
- Based on clinical appearance
- Confirmed by biopsy and histopathology
- Important to rule out other conditions like leukoplakia or oral candidiasis
💊 Treatment:
- No cure; treatment focuses on symptom relief:
- Topical corticosteroids (e.g., fluocinonide, clobetasol)
- Immune modulators (e.g., tacrolimus) for resistant cases
- Good oral hygiene and avoiding irritants (spicy foods, tobacco)
- Regular follow-up is essential due to small risk of malignant transformation
⚠️ Complications:
- Rare risk of developing oral squamous cell carcinoma
- Chronic discomfort impacting quality of life