The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Erosive Oral Lichen Planus

Painful chronic inflammatory mucosal disease with red atrophic and ulcerative lesions and white striae; risk of malignant transformation requires monitoring.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı department. Book Appointment →

What is Erosive Oral Lichen Planus?

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic T-cell-mediated inflammatory disease of the oral mucosa. The erosive (atrophic-ulcerative) variant is the most symptomatic and clinically important subtype, presenting with painful erythematous atrophic patches, erosions and ulcers, often surrounded by white reticular Wickham striae.

Most common sites are the buccal mucosa (bilateral), gingiva (desquamative gingivitis), tongue and lips. Symptoms include burning, pain on eating spicy or acidic food, and sensitivity to dental hygiene products containing sodium lauryl sulfate.

Etiology is autoimmune, with possible triggers including hepatitis C, contact allergens (mercury amalgam, flavorings), drugs (NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers), and stress. Erosive OLP carries a small but real risk of malignant transformation to oral squamous cell carcinoma (about 1 to 3% over years), warranting regular surveillance.

Symptoms

Painful red erythematous atrophic patches
Ulcerations and erosions on buccal mucosa, gingiva, tongue
White reticular Wickham striae surrounding lesions
Burning sensation aggravated by spicy/acidic foods
Desquamative gingivitis with bleeding on brushing
Pain with hot/cold or oral hygiene
Bilateral and symmetric distribution

Risk Factors

Female sex (more common)
Age 30-60 years
Hepatitis C infection
Contact allergy (amalgam, cinnamaldehyde flavorings)
Drug exposure (NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, antimalarials)
Chronic stress
Concomitant cutaneous lichen planus

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Persistent painful red oral lesions
  • Bleeding gums with desquamation
  • Burning mouth and difficulty eating
  • White lacy patches in mouth
  • Lesions resistant to standard care
  • Suspected malignant change (induration, ulcer not healing >2 weeks)
  • Regular surveillance for diagnosed OLP

Treatment Methods

01
Topical high-potency corticosteroids (clobetasol, fluocinonide gel)
02
Topical calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus)
03
Intralesional corticosteroid for resistant lesions
04
Systemic corticosteroids in severe widespread disease
05
Hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate, mycophenolate for refractory cases
06
Eliminate triggers: SLS-free toothpaste, replace amalgam if allergic, treat HCV
07
Regular oral surveillance every 3-6 months for malignant change

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Diş Çürüğü

Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı

Diş çürüğü, ağız bakterilerinin şekeri fermente ederek ürettiği asitlerin diş minesi, dentin ve pulpayı tahrip etmesiyle oluşan kronik bir hastalıktır.

Diş Eti Hastalıkları (Periodontal Hastalıklar)

Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı

Periodontal hastalıklar, diş eti (gingivit) ve diş çevresindeki kemik ile bağ dokusunun (periodontit) bakteri kaynaklı iltihabıdır; tedavi edilmezse diş kaybına neden olur.

Impacted Tooth

Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı

An impacted tooth — most often a wisdom tooth — has not erupted fully and remains in the jaw bone or gum. It can lead to pericoronitis, caries and cysts.

Dental Implants

Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı

A dental implant is a titanium screw placed in the jawbone that supports a crown, bridge or denture, providing the closest possible function and aesthetics to a natural tooth.

Teeth Whitening

Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı

Teeth whitening lightens tooth color using hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gels. In-office (professional) bleaching uses higher concentrations with light activation for faster results; home bleaching uses custom trays with lower concentrations over 1–4 weeks. Safety depends on healthy teeth, correct concentration, isolation of gums and transient sensitivity management.

Orthodontics

Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı

Orthodontics is the dental specialty that corrects the alignment of the teeth and jaws, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits at any age, from childhood through adulthood.

Gingival Recession (Gum Recession)

Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı

Gingival recession is the apical displacement of the gingival margin with exposure of the root surface. It may be localized or generalized and results from mechanical trauma, periodontal disease, thin biotype or anatomic factors. Recession can cause root sensitivity, caries and aesthetic concerns; management includes cause elimination and surgical root coverage when indicated.

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı

Halitosis is a chronic problem that affects a substantial part of the population. It is most often of oral origin and can interfere with social interactions.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.