Lichen Planus

Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects mucous membrane of the oral cavity and sometimes associated with skin lesions.

Signs and Symptoms

In the mouth, it appears as greyish-white lines arranged in a lace like pattern or white patches with reddish areas and ulcers. The gingiva can also be involved and appear intensely red and erosive. Burning sensation to hot and spicy food is a common symptom.

Line of Management

It is an autoimmune (i.e. the person’s immune system attacks its own body) disorder of unknown aetiology and immunosuppressives in different forms are the treatment of choice. Patients suffering from oral lichen planus need regular monitoring because they are at risk of developing oral cancer.