Oral Lichen Planus

Posted , 5 users are following.

Hi, I am new to this forum and to be honest I am driving myself mad with worry about Lichen Planus. I have had this on my skin, a few spots (ankles and underside of arms) since April last year, although I only received a definite diagnosis in December from a Dermatologist; my GP wasn’t sure what it was. I now believe I have this in my mouth. I noticed that my gums were quite sore when brushing my teeth. When I look in my mouth my gums are reddened in areas with a white sort of covering on them in places. This is especially significant over where I have crowns. I am going to my GP this afternoon, but I realise he may not know, and I might have to see a specialist, which may mean a biopsy. I also suffer from health anxiety at times, and this is very severe atm. In the meantime I have had a call from my GPs surgery to go in for blood tests for Hypothyroidism and Vitamin B 12 deficiency as a routine ordered by the Dermatologist, because LP can be linked to these issues. When I google anything I always feel worse and wonder if anybody has had OLP on their gums. The rest of the mouth seems OK atm. Many thanks

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Anne

    Have OLP in my mouth which is badly affecting my taste--also getting itching on arms and legs--do not scratch for fear of permanent marking

    Nobody is very helpful as they really don't seem to know or understand--really feel it is a stress problem as I get very stressed over completely nothing.

    your vitamin B comment is very interesting--will look into that

    At the moment am washing my mouth out with salt water morning and night--no reaction at the moment

    then trying reflexology

    Will let You know if any joy

    Chrs

    Richard

    • Posted

      Thanks for your reply Richard....I am really hoping that I have a bacterial infection on my gums rather that OLP...never thought I would hear myself say that 😃

    • Posted

      Am rinsing mouthwash -betamethasone--helps bit with soreness but taste still no better--can put up with bit soreness but taste deficiency is really dragging me down--extreme anxiety--not sure it caused by drug or the disease

      your reply went into spam!!

  • Posted

    I started with a rash completely down my leg and arm, it looked horrible. The Lichen Planus spread to my mouth and the dentist I had did not know what it was and pretty much freaked out which of course cause me to freak out. Anyway I was referred to a Periodontist that has about 12 of OLP patients. He pretty much told me that he has seen Oral Lichen Planus go into remission but not completely go away. Doctors do not know what caused Lichen Planus or what makes it go away. My Periodontist recommended seeing a Naturalpath doctor and to start a Paleo diet. I started having teeth cleanings 4x's a year since plaque really starts irritating. I actually went on the Autoimmune Paleo diet which I admit is hard for our lifestyles but between the teeth cleanings, the API diet and accupunture for stress, my Oral Lichen Planus is pretty much in remission. It flares up when my anxiety gets high but then calms back down. I truly believe it is our food and all the gmo's. I also believe that there will continue to be a increase in OLP because of our food.Most people will not change their diets because it is hard, but I also have to say at 61 years old, I am in the best health of my life. Good Luck.

    • Posted

      Thanks for your reply Laura, I am glad yours is in remission. Did you just have this on your gums?

    • Posted

      It was all over my mouth. The blisters were the worst.

    • Posted

      I totally agree with you that its stress and food, Processed sugars are the worst for me!!!

    • Posted

      stay away from anything acitic, dont smoke tabacco, bland foods unfortunatly?

  • Posted

    Great afternoon to you! My Lichen Planus started in 1992 while i was pregnant with my first child. I have no idea how it started but i do know i ate terrible at this time. I do have, Hypothyroidism, Raynauds, Sjogren's, Arthritis and Oral Lichen Planus. I only have the LP on both my legs (below my knees) and possibly on my feet now, waiting for Dermatologist referral from new Dr. , i have very small spots on my right elbow. It has never once gone into remission unless i was put on presidone (sp). i know that stress makes it much worse so it is very important to find something that can and will relax you such as yoga or meditation. I also know that processed sugars and possibly wheat make it itch like crazy!!!! i have just stareted using vasoline on it to keep moist and from itching.....i have to say it is looking and feeling much better but i did change my diet as well.

  • Posted

    If it is eOLP you will probably need a steroid mouthwash. I also find green tea very effective. It blocks enzymes involved in tissue breakdown in the ulcers among other actions. I suck Holland and Barrett 315mg tablets or hold them up against the ulcers. There may be other ways of doing it, but I don't think a quick rinse with brewed green tea would be long enough. Tea can stain your teeth, but the Oral B 2-part whitening toothpaste seems to help prevent this, The Colgate electric toothbrush is very kind to gums as well.

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