Oral Lichen Planus

[Katieb]

Does anyone else on this forum suffer with this? I was diagnosed a number of years ago. Have occasional flare ups. I am reluctant to take the steroid mouthwashes. Any help/support/advice welcomed.

 

[mikeyB]

Well, there isn’t much choice in treatment. Apart from adding in some fairly toxic drugs. You shouldn’t find much problem with your blood glucose, though you will absorb very low amounts of steroid through the lining of the mouth. I’m assuming you’ve had all the lectures about oral hygiene and not smoking.

 

[Jade]

Hi
I was diagnosed with this condition about 22 yrs ago by my dentist after doctors thought it was oral thrush for years. Refered to hospital specialist and given steroid tablets and told that can also get purple spots on skin as part of condition. I used to use difflam mouthwash as well.
When I get flare ups I avoid acidic and spicy foods and use a mild toothpaste as those for strong enamel/whitening can irritate it. I ve never smoked and got healthy teeth!

 

[Katieb]

Thanks Mikey/Jade. I just wondered if any links between this and D. I too use a mild toothpaste and avoid too much spice etc. I don’t smoke, Mikey and visit my dentist 3 monthly. I have never really had a major episode but have occasional flare ups linked to stress, generally being low. My teeth are ok but not especially strong (I have a lot of fillings, but think it’s genetic!). The hospital say it’s pure bad luck as I have always taken care of myself. It’s quite common but little is actually known about the condition. Most dentists are quite ignorant. Luckily mine isn’t!

 

[trophywench]

Stress is a trigger for lichens and stuff like eczema, with the double whammy in our case that the stress also increases BG usually which can impede our body's natural ability to fight 'disease'. My dad had a patch of it on one wrist when he was in his mid 60's and believed nobody that he must be under stress - it miraculously disappeared soon after he retired from work - he was worried about retiring!

So I'm bound to ask - is there any way you could try to lessen or preferably avoid - the stressors in your life?

 

[mikeyB]

Yes, Katie, it is just bad luck. You’re doing all the right things for sure. There isn’t any link between LP and diabetes, though in Type1 they share an immune system abnormality. It’s no more common in either.

Jenny is right, there is a link between flare ups and stress, but it’s not a cause as such. Flare ups can occur when you are at one with the world, too.