Oral Lichen Planus Disease
Oral lichen planus is a disease that affects the inside of the mouth. The appearance of white patches are most notable upon the inside of ther cheeks. Patches may also occur on the tongue, gums, lips or roof of the mouth. The disease is considered to be an autoimmune inflammatory condition. What this means, is that the body's immune system triggers a response within the mucous membranes, which results in the condition.
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Factors
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The exact cause of the oral lichen planus is unknown. However, there are many factors that may contribute to the development of the disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, the disease is more common amongst women than men. Medications may also contribute to the development of the disease. Medications used to treat arthritis and heart disease have been known to trigger Oral lichen planus. Many people who have lichen planus of the skin are more likely to develop the disease.
Symptoms
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The initial appearance of oral lichen will show as small raised bumps within your mouth. As the disease progresses, these bumps will form a lacy, white branching throughout your entire mouth. Other symptoms can include, sores and blisters, mouth pain, burning sensations within your mouth, sore gums, and a feeling that your mouth has a rough texture. You may also have blood on your toothbrush after brushing your teeth, or have a metallic taste in your mouth.
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Complications
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Oral lichen planus can cause ulcers to develop within your mouth. The ulcers can become quite painful. The treatment of the disease may also lead to the development of oral thrush. In some cases, oral lichen planus can become resistant to anti fungal medications. As a result, the disease can lead to super infections that become difficult to eradicate.
Seeing a Doctor
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If symptoms of the disease become bothersome, you need to see a physician. It's not normal to have sores that don't heal in your mouth, or pain that becomes so severe that you can't swallow or eat food. If you develop sores on your skin, scalp, nails, or genitals, this means the disease has spread. If the underside of your tongue becomes infected, and the infection becomes severe, you should also see a physician. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, there is a small risk of developing oral cancer when an infection of the tongue is severe.
Treatments
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Oral lichen planus cannot be cured, but treatments can help reduce the severity of symptoms. In many instances, prescription corticosteroid gels or ointments may be applied to the affected areas of your mouth. However, the use of corticosteroids can lead to the development of oral thrush. There are also medicated mouthwashes and sprays that can alleviate any symptoms of pain. Your doctor can also prescribe what is known as immunosuppressant medications. These type of medications suppress your immune system from triggering your body's response to causing the disease. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, immunosuppressant medications have been linked to cancer.
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