1. Community
  2. Skin and nails
  3. Lichen Planus

Am I having an OLP flare up

Posted , 5 users are following.

Guppy007
Guppy007

Hi, I think I am having a OLP flare up, but with new symptoms that I have never experienced before.    I have Ulcerative Colitis and I have got the flu or some other bug, so I am flaring and feeling ill and now my top teeth are hurting and my gums are aching and do look a bit swollen, does this sound like OLP to anyone? I am a bit baffled, I have not had an OLP flare up for such a long time. I wondered if anyone has experienced something similar, these are the only symptoms I have, its painful though, I am having to take pain killers. 

1 like, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • Aristotle13
    Aristotle13 Guppy007

    Posted

    Hi Guppy,

    It's an unfortunate fact that once you have had almost any form of Licken Planus, you can never totally get rid of it and it may or may not recur on what usually appears to be a random basis. Usually the random bit eventually turns out to be some form of trigger that went unnoticed (my own experience is of this type, the recurrence being after 40+ years). I am told by my GP that this is not rare but doesn't happen often enough for it to attract any publicity.  This doesn't really help you except that it does gradually die down again given time but can drive you insane while it does so.

    • Guppy007
      Guppy007 Aristotle13

      Posted

      Hi Aristotle, thanks for the reply, but it turned out NOT to be OLP, in fact, I cannot remember the last time I had an outbreak, I put it down to my diet which is free from gluten,dairy,and low in sugar, and I'm also Vegan,  or it may be the homeopathy treatment I have taken in the past, who really knows for sure, its a guessing game with this condition that's for sure. cheesygrin
    • Aristotle13
      Aristotle13 Guppy007

      Posted

      Glad to hear that tou hadn't had a recurrence.  Your diet sounds similar to my own but I also have had to exclude egg which makes things rather difficult. These things come to test our resolve, All the best
    • Guppy007
      Guppy007 Aristotle13

      Posted

      Aristotle, I forgot to mention that I'm sulfite intolerant too, which is the worse thing ever! so I can't have eggs either and many other things, so it does appear we have a similar diet. eek
  • powerwoman
    powerwoman Guppy007

    Posted

    Hi Guppy

    So sorry you are ill.  It may be that you are just run down with whatever else you are fighting so it might not be LP.  I hope you have support with your illness.  Get better soon. Best wishes. Jan

    • Guppy007
      Guppy007 powerwoman

      Posted

      Thanks a lot.  I should mention that this is quite an old thread and so I am feeling okay now, but thanks everyone.
  • carolyn81368
    carolyn81368 Guppy007

    Posted

    I think you have a sinus infection. Sinus infections mimic toothaches and gum aches. Your OLP may be flared up just from the stress of feeling ill.
    • Guppy007
      Guppy007 carolyn81368

      Posted

      Thanks carolyne, I am doing much better now, I am always terrified of having an OLP flare up because I find them harder to manage than a lichen sclerosus flare up, its hard for people to understand how debilitating OLP flare ups are.
  • penelope89280
    penelope89280 Guppy007

    Posted

    Glad that it did not turn out to be OLP, but interestingly, just to let you all know, I have been very poorly recently with a real bout of flu. Someone earlier on had suggested fasting to help the immune system put itself right again.  After being in bed for 9 days unable to eat anything and just drinking loads and loads of cold fluids, when I started to recover I noticed that my OLP had died right down, and now there is only the tiniest bit of roughness on one side of my top gum.  So maybe there IS something in the fasting theory.  The dental hospital has never called me back for the mouth biopsy, but I think I'm going to leave well alone and just see how it goes. 
    • Guppy007
      Guppy007 penelope89280

      Posted

      Sorry to hear you have had a bout of flu!!  I'm not one of those that see the merits in fasting, rather I think the problem lies with food, allergies actually.  Many people are unaware that they may be eating something that their body has trouble with, hence problems arise.  Stopping eating for a while allows the body to rest from the allergen....its just my view, but something to ponder on!  I happen to think OLP is very easy to diagnose, and I feel like people panic and rush off for a biopsy, when in fact it is not necessary when in fact if you see someone who knows OLP they should be able to give you a visual diagnosis.
    • penelope89280
      penelope89280 Guppy007

      Posted

      You've got a point Guppy and I suppose if I get a flare up again I can analyse what I've been eating. I agree about biopsies too - I'm going to steer clear of that one! 😊
  • powerwoman
    powerwoman Guppy007

    Posted

    Hello

    I still am suffering from LP.  I have found however that taking a strong anti histamine tablet helps to an extent.  Has anyone tried this?

    • Guppy007
      Guppy007 powerwoman

      Posted

      I can't say I have, I guess we are all different and react differently, but it is worth trying for some.
    • Aristotle13
      Aristotle13 powerwoman

      Posted

      I tried Loratadine (Claritin) and found that it made the itching much worse. I guess that I have built up some allergy to the medication.
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.