Oral Lichen Planus

I'm no expert on LP but some of the other correspondents on this site are.  It does sound like oral LP and I too have some mild symptoms and am reserving judgement.  What I have learned over the past couple of years is that GPs don't know very much about lichen planus or lichen sclerosis.  I had to research my lichen planus of the nails and then tell my GP what I thought it was.  He didn't agree but referred me to a dermatologist who confirmed my diagnosis.  Lichen sclerosis was diagnosed by my GP practice's locum - an older and wiser lady - although, again, I had researched it and already come to the same conclusion.  This is an excellent site for sharing info and I am sure you will get an informed reply soon.  Good luck.

 

Hi, I was diagnosed with olp last year by my dentist. Went to the max fax unit at the hospital, had a biopsy, piece from top left gum and tongue taken and diagnosis confirmed. I have stayed away from all fruit except bananas, and those only occasionaly. I don't drink very much coffee and sugar also irritates it. I have the red sore and white lines on my gums and cheeks and white places on my tongue which get sore sometimes for no reason I can think of, except of course stress out tiredness bring it on. So, I ise herbal Colgate toothpaste which still has fluoride in and my dentist approves of, I rinse occasionally with prednisalone tablets to help before and after meals, and have a mild hydrocortisone cream, less than 1% which you can buy over the counter in the UK and have been told I can use that on my mouth sparingly up to 7 days on one session, but no longer. I tend only to use it a couple of time and it brings relief. Other s on this site will offer you other alternative ways of dealing with it and you will have to try what's best for you. The good thing about this site is that we are all trying to help each other and when you can't cope, post something and someone will be there for you. It isn't a condition a lot of people have which is why there isn't massive info about it, but stay with us here and get your support. I hope you see some improvement very soon and try. It to worry too much. I always ask my dentist to look in my mouch to see if there is anything which he is concerned about and if he says no, I am putting my faith in him.  You take good care and I hope some of this info helps you. Gail

ckitefly, now that you've been officially diagnosed with OLP, I would suggest using great care in what you eat. Mouth sores can turn into oral cancers, so it's something that requires frequent maintenance. I had no idea I had OLP until a sore developed on the inside of my cheek and ended up being diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma. That led to a couple of years worth of surgeries, chemo and radiation therapies.

There are a number of triggers for OLP, though it's rare enough that many doctors don't think about it. There are reactions to medications that can trigger it. Dental work (such as certain metal fillings) too. For me, it seemed that spicy or acidic food exacerbated it. Tomatoes with salt would make my mouth burn. Look at your diet and try to avoid those kinds of foods. I've read in a couple of places that nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, peppers, etc) can impact OLP because ot the alkaloids they contain.

One thing to stay away from: High alcohol mouthwashes like Listerine. My ENT is convinced that that's what triggered my oral cancer (since I don't drink or smoke.)

He also prescribed something called Lycopene, which is a tomato derivative and should be available in the herbal supplements section of your local pharmacy. That has research behind it. 8 mg was prescribed, but I think that the 10 mg version is what's sold.

Getting this under control will require you to be persistent. Keep bugging your doctors for answers/referrals.

Best of luck!

I have had OLP & it seems you have too. The biopsy on mine came back non cancerous. The white spots are what confirm it for me, that plus the pain when you eat certain things, mainly hot drinks & curry's, chilli's all the things I love to eat, I have had to give up. The mouthwash does help if you use it often. I also had the swelling, causing me to bite my inner cheek. I was diagnosed by my dentist, who refered me to a Maxilofacial Clinic, where, lo & behold, hewas the doctor there too! It's an Imune system problem, but it is gradually getting easier after 3yrs. A very unpleasant illness, but there are remedies, it just takes time. I wouldn't be too concerned about cancer though. It's very rare.