1. ORAL LICHEN PLANUS
BY: Jamie Horne, Elizabeth Kelley, and Patrick Perche

2. LICHEN PLANUS
 Chronic inflammatory condition that affects mucous
membranes inside the mouth.
 Signs:
-white, lacey patches
-red, swollen tissue
-open sores
-dry mouth
-metallic taste in mouth.
 Effects:
-pain
-soreness
-burning sensation

3. WHO IS AFFECTED?
 Most common in adults
 Twice more likely to happen in women than in men
 1-2% of the population
 All races

4. WHERE DOES IT OCCUR?
 Most commonly on the tongue and inside of cheeks
 Is also found on gums, throat, esophagus, and
inside of lips
 Lichen Planus can also affect the skin of other parts
of the body

5. WHY DOES LICHEN PLANUS OCCUR?
 The cause is unknown, but there are certain factors that
trigger it:
-hepatitis C
-other liver diseases
-some flu vaccines
-allergies
-anti-inflammatory drugs
 The immune system mounts an attack against cells of
the oral mucous membranes.
 Lesions that appear are the result of inflammation
controlled by specific white blood cells called
lymphocytes

6. TREATMENT
 Although this disease is difficult to manage, the
doctor will monitor condition, increase/decrease
dosages, change medications, or stop treatment.
 Medications and Treatments available:
-corticosteroids (topical, oral, injection)
-retinoids
-nonsteroidal ointments
-addressing the triggers

7. WORK CITED
 Sugerman, P. (2010, 10/29). Medscape. Retrieved
from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1078327-overview
 Mayo Clinic Staff. (2011, 09/21) Mayo Clinic.
Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/oral-lichen-
planus/DS00784/DSECTION=symptoms
 Cole, G. W. (2010, July 17). Lichen Planus.
Retrieved from
http://www.medicinenet.com/lichen_planus/article.htm
 Dermatology Online Journal. (2010, Aug) Vishnu
Dental College and Hospital. Retrieved from
http://dermatology-s10.cdlib.org/1608/3_case_presentations/9_10-
00197/gunashekhar.html