ORAL LICHEN PLANUS

BY: Jamie Horne, Elizabeth Kelley, and Patrick Perche

LICHEN PLANUS

Chronic inflammatory condition that affects mucous membranes inside the mouth.

Signs:

-white, lacey patches

-red, swollen tissue

-open sores

-dry mouth

-metallic taste in mouth.

Effects:

-pain

-soreness

-burning sensation

WHO IS AFFECTED?

Most common in adults

Twice more likely to happen in women than in men

1-2% of the population

All races

WHERE DOES IT OCCUR?

Most commonly on the tongue and inside of cheeks

Is also found on gums, throat, esophagus, and

inside of lips

Lichen Planus can also affect the skin of other parts

of the body

WHY DOES LICHEN PLANUS OCCUR?

The cause is unknown, but there are certain factors that trigger it:

-hepatitis C

-other liver diseases

-some flu vaccines

-allergies

-anti-inflammatory drugs

The immune system mounts an attack against cells of the oral mucous membranes.

Lesions that appear are the result of inflammation controlled by specific white blood cells called lymphocytes

TREATMENT

Although this disease is difficult to manage, the

doctor will monitor condition, increase/decrease

dosages, change medications, or stop treatment.

Medications and Treatments available:

-corticosteroids (topical, oral, injection)

-retinoids

-nonsteroidal ointments

-addressing the triggers

WORK CITED

Sugerman, P. (2010, 10/29). Medscape. Retrieved

from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1078327-overview

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2011, 09/21) Mayo Clinic.

Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/oral-lichen-

planus/DS00784/DSECTION=symptoms

Cole, G. W. (2010, July 17). Lichen Planus.

Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/lichen_planus/article.htm

Dermatology Online Journal. (2010, Aug) Vishnu

Dental College and Hospital. Retrieved from http://dermatology-s10.cdlib.org/1608/3_case_presentations/9_10-

00197/gunashekhar.html