Lichen planus can affect both the oral mucosa and other parts of the human body. The disease itself is very long and can appear both on its own in the oral cavity and move from other parts of the body.
Most often, lichen planus affects the oral mucosa of middle-aged women. Very rarely, this disease is observed in young people, as well as in children.
Why does lichen planus occur?
The causes of lichen planus are controversial. They can be genetic in nature, be due to a weak immune response of the body. The disease can also occur after taking medications, physical damage to the mucous membrane, endocrine and metabolic disorders.
How does lichen planus appear?
The manifestations of lichen planus are very different. Separate papules appear on the skin, their base is slightly infiltrated; the shape is round, oval, and sometimes elongated. The papules are matte at first, becoming pale pink, reddish, and even lilac-violet over time. Sometimes a papule that does not go away for a long time is brown.
Papules become keratinized over time and at the same time slightly rise above the adjacent skin.
On the oral mucosa for lichen planus, 2 localizations are characteristic:
- posterior cheek (papules arranged in the form of a fern leaf or mesh)
- in language
Usually, patients with lichen planus do not complain for some time. Some of them complain of a feeling of roughness or tightness of the cheeks, a decrease in taste sensitivity.
How to treat lichen planus of the mouth?
Of course, treatment should be both general and local. The main goal in the treatment of lichen planus is to eliminate keratosis, inflammation and normalize the keratinization of the epithelium.
Patients are strictly prohibited from drinking alcohol and smoking. It is recommended to avoid eating spicy and very hot foods. They are shown a dairy-vegetable diet with sufficient protein and vitamins.
It is necessary to carry out sanitation of the oral cavity: removal of dental deposits, tartar, removal of sharp edges of teeth, filling of carious cavities, correction of fillings and dentures, treatment of periodontal diseases.
These measures contribute to the elimination of foci of inflammation and prevent recurrence of the disease.
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