Oral lichen planus (LIE-kun PLAY-nus) is an ongoing (chronic) inflammatory condition that affects mucous membranes inside your mouth. lichen planus may appear as white, lacy patches; red, swollen tissues; or open sores. These lesions may cause burning, pain or other discomfort.

1. What is Oral lichen planus and how is it caused?
Oral lichen planus (LIE-kun PLAY-nus) is an ongoing (chronic) inflammatory condition that
affects mucous membranes inside your mouth. lichen planus may appear as white, lacy
patches; red, swollen tissues; or open sores. These lesions may cause burning, pain or other
discomfort.
Oral lichen planus can't be passed from one person to another. The disorder occurs when the
immune system mounts an attack against cells of the oral mucous membranes for unknown
reasons.
Symptoms can usually be managed, but people who have lichen planus need regular
monitoring because they may be at risk of developing mouth cancer in the affected areas.
Oral lichen planus vs leukoplakia: What’s the difference?
Leukoplakia and lichen planus are both disorders that affect the mucosa inside your mouth.
Both conditions can cause white discoloration on your inner cheeks, gums and sometimes
tongue. But these two disorders are very different:
● Oral lichen planus: Oral lichen planus results in white, lacy, thread-like lesions or bright
red gum tissue. The cause isn’t fully understood, but there may be a connection to
autoimmune diseases.
● Leukoplakia: Leukoplakia results in thick, white patches. Other symptoms include
mouth sores and a white tongue. This condition could be the result of heavy smoking,

2. chewing tobacco or heavy alcohol use. Unlike lichen planus, leukoplakia is more likely to
turn into oral cancer.
Who does oral lichen planus affect?
Anyone can develop lichen planus. Women and people assigned female at birth are twice as
likely as men and people assigned male at birth to develop the condition. Most cases of lichen
planus occur in adults over the age of 50.
How common is oral lichen planus?
The skin and oral types of lichen planus together affect an estimated 2% of the population.
Symptoms and Causes
What does lichen planus look like in the mouth?
Oral lichen planus usually appears in one of two ways: as white, web-like lesions or bright red
gum tissue. Healthcare providers categorize these symptoms into two types: reticular and
erosive lichen planus.
● Reticular oral lichen planus: For most people, lichen planus appears as white patches
or thread-like lesions on the inside of your cheeks. These areas are typically raised
slightly. Reticular lichen planus usually isn’t painful.
● Erosive oral lichen planus: In some cases, people with lichen planus have bright red
gum tissue. In severe cases, ulcers can develop on your gums, tongue, or on the floor of
your mouth. Eating and drinking hot, spicy or acidic foods or drinks can be painful for
people with erosive lichen planus.
Skin lesions are common among people with oral lichen planus. Almost half of people with
lichen planus also have skin lichen planus, which causes itching.
What causes oral lichen planus?
Experts don’t know exactly why lichen planus occurs. Research suggests that your genetic
makeup and immune system both play a role.
Some people develop lichen planus after taking certain medications, such as:
● Beta-blockers.
● Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Certain diseases may also result in lichen planus, such as:
● Hepatitis B.

3. ● Primary biliary cirrhosis.
Is oral lichen planus contagious?
No, lichen planus doesn't spread from person to person.
Diagnosis and Tests
How is oral lichen planus diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider diagnoses lichen planus by examining your mouth. In many cases,
providers take a tissue biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other diseases.
Management and Treatment
How do you get rid of lichen planus in your mouth?
Mild lichen planus may not need any treatment. Instead, your healthcare provider will monitor
your condition. If symptoms worsen, your provider will likely recommend specific ways to
manage your flare-up.
Milder forms of the disease usually go away on their own over time, especially if you discontinue
medications that trigger the condition.
For more severe cases, your healthcare provider will likely recommend medication. Common
lichen planus treatments include:
● Corticosteroids.
● Lidocaine.
● Tacrolimus.
● Dapsone.
● Cyclosporine.
Can oral lichen planus cause complications?
lichen planus is a chronic, or long-term, condition. Occasional flare-ups are common.
More severe forms of lichen planus, called erosive lichen planus, can make it painful to eat,
drink or brush your teeth.
It hurts to brush my teeth during an lichen planus flare up. What can I do?

4. When lichen planus flares up, it might be uncomfortable to brush and floss your teeth. However,
to keep your teeth and gums healthy, good oral hygiene is essential. Be sure to brush your teeth
two to three times a day and floss daily.
To minimize discomfort, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste without a lot of
flavoring and additional ingredients. Ask your dentist for recommendations.
Is there a link between oral lichen planus and cancer?
Some research indicates a greater likelihood of developing oral cancer if you have erosive
lichen planus. In general, about 1% to 3% of people with oral lichen planus get oral cancer at
some point.
These statistics are controversial, however. Some experts believe that misdiagnoses were
responsible for a large portion of those cases. Regardless, people with erosive lichen planus
should attend routine follow-ups to monitor their condition.
Prevention
Can I prevent lichen planus?
There's no way to prevent oral lichen planus. You can lower your risk for lichen planus and
other oral conditions by eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, not drinking large amounts of
alcohol and quitting smoking.
Outlook / Prognosis
Does lichen planus go away?
For many people, lichen planus eventually disappears. However, the condition can take years to
resolve. Flare-ups are common, even with treatment.
Is lichen planus serious?
No. Even though lichen planus can result in some uncomfortable symptoms, the condition isn’t
dangerous, and it usually isn’t a cause for concern.
Living With
When should I see my healthcare provider?

5. If you have white, thread-like lesions or red patches in your mouth, schedule a visit with your
healthcare provider right away. They can give you a proper diagnosis and find ways to manage
your symptoms.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
lichen planus isn’t dangerous, but it can be irritating and inconvenient. Because lichen planus
can sometimes mimic other, more concerning conditions, it’s important to get a proper
diagnosis. If you have frequent flare-ups, talk to your primary care physician or dentist about
how to manage your symptoms
Lichen Planus Prevention
Watch what you eat and drink. Certain foods and drinks -- especially spicy or citrus ones -- can
make your symptoms worse. Hot or cold foods and drinks can also make you more
uncomfortable.
Stress can also make things worse.
Get rid of any problems that could trigger lichen planus or make it worse:
● Have your dentist polish sharp teeth or replace damaged fillings or crowns.
● Talk to your doctor about changing medications that may be to blame.
● Brush twice a day, and floss daily.
● See your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup.
● Use a mild toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
You also need to keep track of your symptoms and tell your doctor about any changes in your
mouth. There's a slight chance that lichen planus can lead to oral cancer. Make sure to get a
screening for oral cancer every 6 to 12 months.
It's also important to enjoy a diet rich in fruit and vegetables. If you smoke, quit. Don't drink large
amounts of alcohol. See your doctor regularly to look for any changes in your mouth.

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