Health Issues

Oral lichen planus; mouth disorder 

Oral lichen planus (LIE-kun PLAY-nus) is an inflammatory condition that affects mucous membranes inside your mouth. Oral lichen planus may appear as white, lacy patches; red, swollen tissues; or open sores. These lesions may cause burning, pain or other discomfort.
Oral lichen planus can’t be passed from one person to another. The disorder occurs when the immune system mounts an attack against cells of the oral mucous membranes for unknown reasons (autoimmune disorder).
Symptoms can usually be managed, but people who have oral lichen planus need regular monitoring because they may be at risk of developing mouth cancer in the affected areas.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of oral lichen planus affect the mucous membranes of the mouth.
The lesions may appear as:  Lacy, white, raised patches of tissues, red, swollen, tender patches of tissues and open sores.
The white, lacy patches may not cause discomfort when they appear on the inside of the cheeks. However, symptoms accompanying red, swollen patches and open sores may include:
Burning sensation or pain, sensitivity to hot, acidic or spicy foods, bleeding and irritation with tooth brushing, inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), painful, thickened patches on the tongue, discomfort when speaking, chewing or swallowing
It’s not known what causes oral lichen planus. However, certain white blood cells involved in inflammation appear to be activated in oral lichen planus. Although it could indicate an immune disorder, more research is needed to determine the exact cause.
It’s possible that, in some people, oral lichen planus may be triggered by certain medications, mouth injury, infection, or allergy-causing agents such as dental materials. However, these causes are not confirmed.
Some factors may increase your risk of developing oral lichen planus, such as having a disorder that compromise your immune system or taking certain medications, though more research is needed.
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