Oral Lichen Planus – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Oral lichen planus is an ongoing inflammatory condition affecting the mucous membranes inside the mouth. This condition develops when a person’s immune system attacks cells in the oral mucous membranes for unknown reasons.
It cannot be transmitted from person to person.
There are two main types of oral lichen planus:
-
Reticular Type – appears as white, lacy patches in the mouth.
- Most common form
- Usually causes no symptoms
- Typically doesn’t require treatment
- Rarely leads to complications
-
Erosive Type – shows up as red, swollen tissues, or open sores.
- Often causes burning sensations or pain
- Requires regular medical monitoring
- Has a higher risk of developing mouth cancer
Symptoms can usually be managed with proper treatment, but anyone with oral lichen planus needs regular checkups by healthcare professionals.
This is especially important for people with the erosive type, as it may increase the risk of developing mouth cancer in affected areas.
Signs and Symptoms
How It Looks
Oral lichen planus can appear differently depending on its type:
- Lacy Pattern – White patches with a lace-like appearance on mouth tissues.
- Open Sore Type – Red, swollen areas or visible sores on mouth tissues.
Where It Appears
Oral lichen planus commonly affects several areas in the mouth:
- Inside the cheeks (most common location)
- Gums
- Tongue
- Inner lip tissues
- Roof of the mouth
Discomfort and Pain
The lacy white patches may not cause pain when they appear on cheek linings. However, the red, swollen areas or open sores can cause:
- Burning feelings or pain
- Sensitivity to hot, spicy, or acidic foods
- Bleeding when brushing teeth
- Gum inflammation
- Painful, thick patches on the tongue
- Pain during speaking, eating, or swallowing
Other Body Areas Affected
Lichen planus can appear beyond the mouth, including:
- Skin: Purple or violet flat bumps that often itch.
- Genital Areas: Causing pain, burning, and discomfort during sex.
- Ears: Potentially leads to hearing loss.
- Nose: Causing frequent nosebleeds and ongoing congestion.
- Scalp: Possibly causing temporary or permanent hair loss.
- Nails: Creating ridges, thinning, splitting, or nail loss.
- Eyes: Rarely affecting eye surfaces, but potentially causing scarring.
- Food Pipe: Rarely narrowing the esophagus or forming tight bands that make swallowing difficult.
When to Get Medical Help
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any symptoms mentioned above. Early treatment can help manage discomfort and prevent complications.
Causes
The exact cause of oral lichen planus remains unknown. Research suggests that T lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) become activated during this condition, pointing to a possible immune system response.
Genetic factors may also play a role in its development.
Several potential triggers have been identified that might contribute to oral lichen planus:
- Certain medications
- Injuries to the mouth
- Infections
- Allergic reactions to dental materials
Stress appears to worsen symptoms or cause flare-ups in some patients. However, the scientific community has not reached a consensus on the definitive causes of this condition, so further research is needed for confirmation.
Risk Factors
Oral lichen planus often affects middle-aged adults, with women over 50 facing a higher risk. Several factors may increase your chances of developing this condition:
- Weakened immune system
- Certain medications
- Age (particularly middle-aged adults)
- Gender (more common in women)
Research is still ongoing to fully understand all risk factors associated with oral lichen planus.
Possible Problems
Serious cases of oral lichen planus can lead to several complications:
- Intense pain that affects eating and speaking
- Poor nutrition and weight loss
- Mental health issues including anxiety and depression
- Permanent scarring from erosive sores
- Secondary fungal infections in the mouth
- Increased risk of mouth cancer
These complications may require additional medical attention.
