Causes and Risk Factors
A well-known viral infection, often associated with chronic liver disease, is linked to an increased risk of developing oral lichen planus
What is hepatitis C?
This symptom, a burning or stinging sensation in the mouth, is commonly reported by those with oral lichen planus.
What is dysgeusia?
The first-line treatment for controlling symptoms of oral lichen planus is often this type of medication.
What are topical corticosteroids?
This is the most common location in the mouth where oral lichen planus lesions are found
What is the buccal mucosa?
Oral lichen planus is thought to result from an autoimmune reaction, where the body mistakenly attacks its own tissue, especially these cells.
What are keratinocytes?
A biopsy of oral lichen planus typically shows these immune cells infiltrating the epithelial layer.
What are T-lymphocytes?
In more severe cases of oral lichen planus, this systemic treatment may be prescribed to reduce inflammation.
What is oral corticosteroids?
Oral lichen planus is a condition that affects this type of tissue in the mouth.
What is the mucous membrane?
Oral lichen planus can sometimes be triggered or exacerbated by the use of these types of drugs.
What are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or beta-blockers?
This diagnostic test is often used to confirm the presence of oral lichen planus when clinical examination is insufficient.
What is a biopsy?
This type of mouthwash, often used to soothe the discomfort of oral lichen planus, contains a local anesthetic.
What is a lidocaine mouthwash?
Oral lichen planus often presents as this characteristic appearance on the mucosa.
What is a white, lacy pattern (Wickham's striae)?
Oral lichen planus is more common in individuals with a family history of autoimmune diseases, suggesting this type of inheritance.
What is a genetic predisposition or family history?
This condition must be ruled out when diagnosing oral lichen planus because it can appear similar in the mouth.
What is leukoplakia?
This therapy, involving the use of ultraviolet light, may be used in cases of severe oral lichen planus.
What is PUVA (psoralen + UVA) therapy?
This type of oral lichen planus presents with painful ulcers and erosions, often making it difficult to eat.
What is erosive oral lichen planus?
This external factor, especially in patients with oral lichen planus, has been linked to disease flare-ups.
What is stress?
Oral lichen planus can sometimes cause lesions that resemble this other condition, which involves recurrent outbreaks of painful blisters.
What is herpes simplex virus infection?
If oral lichen planus is associated with a viral infection (e.g., hepatitis C), treating the underlying virus may help with management. This type of treatment for hepatitis C is often used.
What are direct-acting antivirals (DAAs)?
Oral lichen planus is more commonly seen in patients of this gender and age group.
What is women, typically between 40 and 60 years old?