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Is OLP a type of fungus

Posted , 8 users are following.

gail333
gail333

I was diagnosed with OLP about 6 months ago. I've found not many know about this and am getting mixed messages.  I've seen an oral health specialist who says there's no cure and it will eventually go away but offered no remedies. I've seen a naturopath who told me it's a type of fungus but from researching online I can't see that information anywhere.  I had chemo a few years ago and I have some mild arthritis so I realise there is some immune system problems that have probably caused it.  My naturopath wants to treat it as a fungus... says no sugar, no sugar, no sugar! eat healthy, etc and prescribed mouth washes with either t-tree oil, probiotic powder, or even coconut oil.  I think it may be helping as the OLP is mild, no ulcers. 

0 likes, 22 replies

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  • karen41728
    karen41728 gail333

    Posted

    Hi Gail

    Think your right about that sugar definitely sets it off, if you don't mind me asking how old are you and what was chemo for I'm 57 and had precancer cells in cervix over 10 years ago

    • gail333
      gail333 karen41728

      Posted

      I'm 57 and had multiple myeloma, been in remission 2 1/2 years.  The OLP was discovered by a dentist.  I didn't even know I had it!
  • jane51352
    jane51352 gail333

    Posted

    Gail. OLP stands for Oral LP, and therefore is not a fungus it is a plant. Try warm salt water mouth washes several times a day. Everything to do with LP is horrible,and there has been little investigation.  I was told to avoid sugar,  but no improvement yet. Good luck
  • Guppy007
    Guppy007 gail333

    Posted

    It is thought to be an autoimmune disorder, the cause of which is unknown.

    There does appear to be a connection between sugar and stress, both of which can trigger chronic flare ups.  There is no cure, but it can, and does go into remission for months, sometimes years.  I am not convinced mouth washes do much, mainly because as I said its usually diet related, and it's that which makes things worse, or stress. 

     A case in point was when I had the worst flare up during a disastrous weekend away many years ago, and I have never forgotten the intense pain, and cavernous ulcer that appeared on the side of my tongue!!! 

    For people  that are suffering from this condition severely, and even more so if they  have the sister condition Lichen Schlerosus, I would urge you to look at Dairy and then Gluten. 

    Vitamin D, a good multivitamin, and a probotic every day can't hurt. Also Google Homeopathy too, of which I have had some success.

    • karen41728
      karen41728 Guppy007

      Posted

      How long have you had LP guppy, mine was found by my dentist 12 years ago but only the last few years Iv actually known I have it with all the burning and itching drives me mad, when I think about it I got this after an abnormal smear test hpv so I believe hydrocortisone can stimulate the hpv
    • Guppy007
      Guppy007 karen41728

      Posted

      Quite honestly it seems like I have had OLP for ever, but it is probably about 25 years, fortunately I have not had a terrible flare up for a long long time now which is a relief.
  • Flutterbie57
    Flutterbie57 gail333

    Posted

    I've had it for 28 years and have been able to keep it under control most of the time. My biggest breakthrough was finding a toothpaste which did not agrevate it. I used that toothpaste for over 20 years, and then they changed  their propuct - I had instant flare up ! I tried to find out what they changed (and why), but it was all secret squirrel stuff. And yes sadly the reduction of sugar was a major help - chocolate to be specific. I have never cut out, but majorly reduced my intake. I know I still have the problem lurking - the reason I looked up this site yesterday - a chocolate binge the day before - i have long periods between flare ups, but sometimes you just have to suffer a bit for the sake of chocolate confused. My aggrevators are- most toothpastes- some but not all sweets(lollies) , chocolate and chilli and sometimes too much fruit (a lot). Good luck
    • Flutterbie57
      Flutterbie57 karen41728

      Posted

      No I havent - no cervix - I had a hysterectomy - that is when I actually got OLP - within 24 hours of the surgery my mouth was raw. I know I have it below, but it flares and goes
    • karen41728
      karen41728 Flutterbie57

      Posted

      Was your hysterectomy down to abnormal cells flutterbies I take it you don't have smears anymore but this lichen planus is an absolute nightmare are you checked for it and have you any tips, when was your hysterectomy and how old are you, this heat drives me mad... Itching sweating headaches, good to talk with you I just find it a bit easier to cope

      Xx

    • Flutterbie57
      Flutterbie57 karen41728

      Posted

      Hysterectomy was for Endometriosis at 37. I am now 65.( Had it for 28 years) Shopping around for a toothpaste which did not aggrevate OLP changed the severity of my suffering thank heavens - it was severe in the 1st few months. Back then there was no information on it. It was trial and error and I worked out fairly quickly that chocolate, some sweets and chilli made mine flare - and still do if I over indulge. I have never had a biopsy, but my Dr had a good visual look at it this week. I holidayed with a friend from when we were teens recently, and we both overindulged in chilli - both suffered next day  (MOUTH), and then  discovered we both had OLP. She had been prescribed one of those steroid inhailer things(for asthma) , so I tried hers. We both got relief within half a day. I have always been able to control mine so I had never been prescribed anything. We did compare notes about 'below'. We both know we have it at times, and neither of us have ever talked to our Dr's about it, nor have they mentioned it to uscheesygrin  I have no doubt what so ever that many toothpastes are big aggrevators. Shop around. The one I used is no longer available. I used it successfully for 20+ years - then they changed their recipe - and I had instant flare up. I discussed it with the company and they did not want to know about it ! I haven't even really thought about the OLP for years, but I have just been diagnosed with another Auto immune problem (Polymyalgia), and the OLP flared up. Oh I nearly forgot - I do get an OLP flare up if I get a cold/flu or other health problem. If you are itching, sweating and have headaches has Dr checked for other problems ? I did not have those problems, just ulcerated mouth. I hope you can find some relief.  Take care, hang in there. Thinking of you. It can improve
    • karen41728
      karen41728 Flutterbie57

      Posted

      Thankyou flutterbie for the advice I am sorry to hear you now have another autoimmune disease what a nightmare hope you are coping, I like to chat on here find it helps me don't feel so alone, I am in the middle of a divorce at the moment and am in court on Friday my x went off with another women and now wants the house selling.... Don't think all this helps but thanks again

      Take care. Karen Xx

    • Flutterbie57
      Flutterbie57 karen41728

      Posted

      That is a big one you are dealing with, and it won't be helping your health, so do take care of YOU. I actually do feel much more relaxed too, about my new health problem as I can talk to people who do understand on here. My Father-in-Law was the most amazingly positive person I have ever met and was a great inspiration to me. No matter how horrendous the situation, he would always look for a positive amongst the carnage, and there always is something. Maybe soon, you will be able to pamper and spoil yourself whenever you want. 
    • renee77108
      renee77108 karen41728

      Posted

      Hope things go well for you in court on Friday. Will be thinking of you.  Hope all this ends up having a silver lining somewhere down the road for you.
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