Oral lichen planus refers to the ongoing inflammatory condition affecting mucous membranes inside one’s mouth and that may appear as white, lacy patches; red, swollen tissues or open sores.
Lesions from oral lichen planus cause pain, burning and other discomfort to the infected person. This disorder occurs when the immune system mounts an attack against cells of the oral mucous membranes for unknown disorder thus; it cannot be passed from one person to another. People with this disease require regular monitoring because they may be at risk of developing mouth cancer in affected areas.
Oral lichen planus signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms affect the mucous membranes of the mouth and the lesions may appear as lacy, white, raised patches of tissues; red swollen, tender patches of tissues and open sores. Such lesions usually appear on the palate, in the inner tissues of the lips, tongue, gums and inside the cheeks.
The open lesions of oral lichen planus and the red, inflamed lesions cause a burning feeling and soreness. The white, lacy patches become painful when they involve the tongue but may not cause discomfort when they appear inside of the cheeks.
Other symptoms and signs include inflammation of the gums, sensitivity to hot or spicy foods, bleeding and irritation with tooth brushing and change in taste or blunted taste sensation if the tongue is affected.
Oral lichen planus lesions may affect other parts besides the mouth for instance, in the skin; the lesions usually appear purplish, flat-topped bumps that are normally itchy. Lichen planus of the ears can lead to hearing loss, lesions in the female genitalia often cause pain during intercourse, it rarely appear on the scalp but when it does, skin lesions in the scalp may cause temporary or permanent hair loss.
When to seek medical attention for oral lichen planus
One should see a doctor when he develops unexplained scarring of the transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eyeball, has mouth pain, has white or red patches in the mouth, notices sores inside the mouth that don’t heal or when one has constant bleeding in the mouth when brushing.
Oral lichen planus risk factors
Middle-aged women are often affected although anyone can develop oral lichen planus, genes in one’s body or disorder that compromises one’s immune system increases the risk of developing lichen planus. Things that worsen the condition include tobacco products, stress, and poor oral habits, such as biting the lip or cheeks among others.
Oral lichen planus treatment
The doctor may advice whether one should avoid alcohol, get oral cancer screenings or end tobacco habit. Since it is a chronic condition, all medications and dosages shall be as per the doctor’s prescription. Consequently, dealing with the triggers of the disease like stress and allergy prevents the infection. Practice self care measures like good oral hygiene and adjustment on diet to help improve the symptoms of oral lichen planus.