Oral Lichen Planus: Theory and Management

Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the mucous and cutaneous tissue inside our mouth. It is a T cell mediated autoimmune disease. The two major types of OLP are Reticular OLP and Erosive OLP. They appear as white, lacy, patches, red coloured, swollen tissues or open sores. Its cause is unknown. The oral lichen planus do not pass from one person to another. This disease may be sometimes responsible for developing mouth cancer. Proper monitoring is needed for the patients who are having oral lichen planus. Personal oral hygiene is believed to reduce the symptoms of OLP. The topical or systemic corticosteroids modulate the patient’s immune response. The natural treatments by using aloe vera, yogurt, turmeric, almonds, baking soda and lemon are very much effective in treating OLP. The commonly used homeopathic medicines used for the treatment of OLP are plantaga, mercsol and borax. The non pharmacological approaches used for treating OLP include PUVA therapy, laser therapy, cryotherapy and CO2 laser. Nowadays modalities like retinoids, dapsone, hydroxychloroquine, calcineurin inhibitors and mycophenolatemofetil are used for treatment.