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swollen mouth and lips

Posted , 5 users are following.

penny34957
penny34957

My mouth and lips are swollen and painful and burning.  The doctor says it is it is lichen planus but doesn't really know how to treat it.  We have tried many rinses but they don't really work.  Any suggestions on what I can do for this?  My problem didn't appear until after I had radiation therapy for cancer. 

 

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Jeepers
    Jeepers penny34957

    Posted

    It sounds awful and must be distressing for you, As treatment so far is not helping, please ask your doctor refer you to a specialist, as controlled doses of steroids can give some relief,also a specialist will know of other treatments, and tips to help lessen the pain. 

     Probably you are already avoiding food and drink which is too hot or too cold, or too spicy or juicy, or too acidic, like tomatoes, vinegar etc..

    Did you click the red link below for "lichen planus" ?

    At least it will pass, though I know this is little comfort for right now.

     

    • penny34957
      penny34957 Jeepers

      Posted

      It is very distressing as I have used different rinses and have taken steriods with little to no relief.  I do avoid spicy and acidic foods when possible.  I have read about lichen planus.  I am hearing about tumeric which is suppose to be doing well for people that suffer from OLP.  Do you have any thoughts on this or any other home remedies?  Thanks
  • anthea040240
    anthea040240 penny34957

    Posted

    Very sorry to hear this.  Please contact a Dermatologist.  They are specialists in skin problems.  Doctors are General Practioners and don't specialize in a specific complaint/disease.  

    I am helped by both my Dermatologist and Dentist.  I use Tantum mouth wash 4 times a day, no more than that to help take the sting away.  Also Quadragel cream  which also calms it down. Í am told it is always smouldering there, and stress is the main problem. 

    Good luck.

    • penny34957
      penny34957 anthea040240

      Posted

      I did see a Dermatologist early on but didn't seem to have much interest other than steriods which only seem to work for a little while.  Thanks
  • nan53
    nan53 penny34957

    Posted

    Hi Penny,

    This is not a regular Doctor condition. You need to see Oral Pathologist DDS. as it helped me understadn about LP and prescribed medication that cleared away within 2-3 weeks. Though it does come back and go since LP is not curable once it sets in your system it can be controlled. Good luck my dear, I know it's quite uncomfortable...

    • penny34957
      penny34957 nan53

      Posted

      I don't think there is Oral Pathologist DDS in this area.  But I will try and find out.  It is definitely uncomfortable.  I am using aloe vera gel on my lips and this has helped some.  Thanks
    • nan53
      nan53 penny34957

      Posted

      Hi Penny, 

      Glad alo vera is helping. Though I don't practice to use nor recommend someone elses's prescribed meds I will let you know that my med is called, FLUOCINONIDE GEL USP,0,05%. If you are interested, ask your Dr about it. this med is based of Corticosteroids. Twice a day( AM & PM) a small amount of the gel in mouth for about 10 minutes then spit out. It helped tremendously and i didn't need it for many years. now that I'm getting older OLP flares up so I use once at night and it is being controled..

      Good luck.

       

  • billhes
    billhes penny34957

    Posted

    Sorry to hear this Penny. I had radiotherapy over 2 years ago and shortly afterwards developed OLP. The oncologist said that there was no connection but as OLP can be caused by stress and being told that you have cancer of the vocal cords this certainly generates quite a bit of stress. You need to visit a dental hospital for expert advice.. I was referred to the dental hospital in Newcastle. The professor prescribed Dermovate ointment (steroid cream) and Orabase (this makes the cream adhere to the cheeks etc.) and Daktarin to prevent thrush. This was applied twice daily for several months. The treatment eventually worked for a few weeks but was short-lived. I have stopped the treatment as the OLP returned but the treatment did not work this time and I suffer constantly. Despite regular visits to the hospital and having tried various herbal remedies there is nothing else available. As a last resort the professor prescribed Lidocaine lollipops which numb the mouth to bring a bit of relief. I cannot use any mouthwashes or toothpaste except Oranurse unflavoured toothpaste that has to be ordered by a pharmacy or on the internet. I do hope that you have more success than me. Best of luck
    • penny34957
      penny34957 billhes

      Posted

      As far as I know there is no dental hospital in this area.  I have seen a E.N.T. and we did a patch test.  Which showed a allergy to metals.  So we replaced all the fillings in my teeth with non-metal.  I really thought this was going to work it all but cleared up for awhile then came back.  I now visit my dentist twice a year for check up and cleanings.  I only use children toothpaste as this is all I can tolerate at this point.  I also has my P.M.D. to take me off Diovan/HCTZ because this can cause a lichnoid reaction.  Same as before seemed to help for a while then another flare up.  I also saw a dermatologist but with no great results.  From reading the post just looks like something we will have to live with but it sure is miserable.  Thanks

       

  • Charlotte1954
    Charlotte1954 penny34957

    Posted

    I have had this disease for two years!  It seems to be getting worse all the time!  I have lost one tooth so far and the dentist says I may loose three or four more!  I cannot even get any dental care because my mouth is so infected.  I can barely brush my teeth and have to eat bland soft things. I have a doctor now that has given me steriod, steriod cream and mouth wash.  When I bruse my teeth little scabs fall off and hurts even more!  I really have no good things to battle this disease.  I have contacted The Doctors show here and see if they can offer some help.  So far they have not responding and it's been about a week since I sent my story. Hope you get some relief just be careful of what you eat and drink!  Charlotte
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