Lichen Planus
- What is Lichen Planus?
- Do I have a Lichen Planus?
- How does Dr. Ram evaluate me?
- Am I a candidate for a biopsy (tissue sample)?
- What are the available treatments?
What is Lichen Planus?
Lichen planus is a non-contagious auto-immune disease that can affect the skin and/or mucosal tissues. Often, it is found only in the oral cavity. Overall, lichen planus affects approximately 2 percent of the population. Although the disorder may occur in all age groups, women over the age 50 years are most commonly affected.
Do I have a Lichen Planus?
You may have lichen planus if you have the following clinical features:
Burning pain when eating spicy foods, oral ulcers, red and white areas or sores in the mouth, white lines in the mouth and red, sore, inflamed gingiva.
Lichen planus of the gum tissue or gingiva
Lichen planus of the lower lip
Lichen planus of the tongue
How does Dr. Ram evaluate me?
Dr. Ram, the specialist in the area, will listen to your history and perform a thorough clinical examination and a biopsy (taking a small sample of tissue) and will provide a diagnosis and treatment plan. If you have skin lesions in addition to the oral lesions then you must have a consultation with a Dermatologist.
Am I a candidate for a biopsy (tissue sample)?
The majority of cases of lichen planus can be diagnosed based on clinical appearance and do not require a biopsy. If your clinical presentation is similar to other dermatologic or oral lesions such as pemphigus, pemphigoid, leukoplakia or erythema multiforme, then you may need a biopsy to determine the definitive diagnosis.
What are the available treatments?
Oral lichen planus is a chronic disease that can be controlled but not eliminated. Treatment involves the use of topical or systemic corticosteroids.