Lichen planus is a common skin disease. It is worth noting that it often affects the oral mucosa. Doctors distinguish several types of the disease, namely: erosive, patchy, hyperkeratotic, etc. If a patient has several types at once, the treatment becomes much more complicated. In 75% of cases, it is known that the disease affects only the mouth, and lichen planus is more common in women. Its main causes are diseases of the digestive system and mucosal injury.
Symptoms
The main manifestation of lichen planus in the mouth, on the cheeks and tongue is the formation of a huge number of grayish noduleswhose size rarely exceeds 2 mm. Such convex formations are a kind of pattern, like a web, strip or grid. In this case, the areas between the nodules remain intact.
Symptoms may vary. depending on the form of the disease:
- Blyashechnaya. Nodules located on the back of the tongue are converted into plaques about 1 cm in size. At the same time, gray areas with small scales appear on the lips.
- Exudative-hyperemic. A grid of gray-white shade forms in the oral cavity, and the mucosa slightly swells.
- Erosive and ulcerative. It has a strong inflammation, which is why not only plaques, but also sores with fibrous plaque are visible on the mucosal surface. When you try to remove it, bleeding begins. This form is difficult to treat and is characterized by frequent relapses.
- Cystic. There are several bubbles in the mouth. Their sizes are always different, but the diameter usually does not exceed 5-6 mm. After 2-3 days, the bubbles burst, after which ulcers appear. The damaged areas begin to heal after 3 days.
- Hyperkeratotic. In the oral cavity visible grayish plaques are visible. They get rude over time.
The reasons
Many reputable experts are studying the disease. Despite keen interest, the exact causes of lichen planus are still not established.
According to the majority of world famous scientists it is an autoimmune disease. Its association with impaired immune systems can be confirmed by the fact that other autoimmune diseases, including vitiligo, can be observed in patients at the same time.
Due to various observations, it is known that lichen planus is often formed in places that have been damaged. These are various scratches and damage caused by injury to the oral mucosa by a denture or filling.
It is known that lichen planus develops regardless of age. Nevertheless, some forms are found in people belonging to a certain age category. For example, lichen planus is observed in patients older than 50 years, and in children such a disease is extremely rare.
According to statistics, about 4% percent of people at least once faced with lichen planus.
In the course of special studies, it was found that the exacerbation of the disease is often caused by stress or severe fatigue. It is also known that the occurrence of lesions is sometimes associated with allergies to the various components that make up dental prostheses or filling materials. Allergy also occurs on flavors presented in the composition of toothpastes. For this reason, a visit to an allergist is recommended.If you suspect a lichen planus in the oral cavity, the doctor performs several special tests. If, as a result of the examination, the presence of allergy is confirmed, it is enough to replace the toothpaste or reinstall the prosthesis to get rid of the lesions.
In rare cases, the occurrence of lesions occurs due to medication intake. It can be:
- anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents, including ibuprofen and aspirin;
- beta blockers;
- medicines for malaria;
- sulfonylurea derivatives.
Accordingly, when you visit the doctor, you must name all the medicines that you have taken recently.
Effects
Red lichen planus generally not dangerousHowever, if you do not start timely treatment, complications are possible. It is known that foci that arise in the mouth can trigger cancer. According to recent studies, this disease develops in 2% of patients suffering from lichen planus. To minimize the likelihood of cancer, take simple measures:
- Quitting smoking and alcohol;
- introduction to the diet of fresh fruit;
- urgent visit to the doctor if you find alarming symptoms.
You must understand that lichen planus is non-contagious, since the disease has no infectious roots.
Diagnostics
Making a diagnosis of "lichen planus" does not cause difficulties, because during an examination of the oral cavity, a specialist will immediately notice typical gray-colored plaques. In difficult cases, an additional biopsy is prescribed.
Treatment
In the treatment of lichen planus always factors to be consideredwhich led to the development of the disease. Accordingly, the main task of the doctor involves the elimination of causal factors. To successfully recover, you should pay attention to the tolerability of certain medications.
Common treatments include:
- Primary therapy involves the simultaneous use of several hormones, namely hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine.
- To relieve itching in the mouth, it is necessary to take antidepressants and appropriate means. Thus, antihistamines are often prescribed, including telfast and claritin.
- To restore the metabolic processes need to take vitamin complexes. Of particular importance is vitamin A, which has a beneficial effect on cell division. Moreover, taking etretinat and neotigazone reduces inflammation and alleviates the patient's condition. In this case, the treatment lasts at least 2 weeks. Sometimes carotenoids are additionally prescribed.
- With recurrent lichen planus, which has passed into the chronic form, treatment based on the administration of agents that improve the oxygen supply to the tissues is indicated. This cyto-mak and aktovegin.
- The affected areas in the oral cavity are subject to special treatment. We are talking about applications of solutions based on menthol and hormonal ointments.
- Effective are cryodestruction, that is, freezing, as well as electrocoagulation, that is cauterization. Such methods contribute to the destruction of large plaques in the mouth.
- For the healing of ulcers used solcoseryl, as well as sea buckthorn oil and rosehip.
- In some cases, phototherapy is recommended. In addition, a laser can be used for treatment.
- To support immunity, special therapy is often prescribed using neovir and ridostin.
In most cases treatment prognosis is favorable. The main thing is to approach the choice of drugs, taking into account the nature of the course of the disease and the condition of the mucous membranes in the mouth.
Treatment of folk remedies
- Sea buckthorn oil is used to eliminate mouth soreness. So, a cotton swab is soaked in this liquid and applied to the affected area. In addition, 1.5 tsp. oil drink on an empty stomach in the morning.
- Compresses based on cranberry juice or viburnum help to relieve inflammation. The lotion is applied to the affected areas 2-4 times a day.
- For treatment at home using a special ointment.For its preparation will require 1 tbsp. l inflorescences of calendula, 2 tbsp. l burdock roots and chopped hop cones. Ingredients pour 2 cups boiling water. The cooled liquid is filtered, and then 1 tbsp. l decoction mixed with 2 tbsp. l vaseline Ready ointment impose on the lesions 3 times a day.
In most cases, treatment of lichen planus does not cause any special difficulties. To prevent nodules and plaques, need to eat right. In the diet should not be smoked, too spicy and salty foods. Such restrictions are due to the fact that the products mentioned irritate the oral mucosa.