LICHEN PLANUS EXPLAINED: SYMPTOMS, TRIGGERS, AND TREATMENTS 🦷🩺

Ever wondered why your mouth might be feeling sore or looking a bit unusual? 🤔 You might be dealing with a condition called lichen planus. In this video, Dr. Macon Singletary from North Raleigh Perio will explain what lichen planus is, how it can affect you, and what you can do about it. 🦷

Lichen planus is a dermatological condition similar to psoriasis or eczema, but it occurs in your mouth. It can range from very minor to more aggressive forms. Many people wonder if lichen planus is cancerous, and the good news is that it is not. While very rarely it can develop into squamous cell carcinoma, this is an exception rather than the rule. 🩺

Typically, lichen planus is a response to an allergen or allergy, potentially turning into an autoimmune reaction. This might be triggered by medications or other irritants, leading to a reaction in the oral mucosa. As a result, the skin in your mouth may slough off, appearing streaky and irritated. 😷

Common triggers include oils from nuts and legumes, cinnamon, and chocolate. To manage lichen planus, I recommend using non-allergenic toothpaste like Biotene and avoiding products with cyanamide. 🚫

In cases where the condition is fiery red, steroid-based medication might be prescribed. Otherwise, it often involves identifying and eliminating irritants from your diet through a process of elimination. 🥛🍫

If you have any questions about lichen planus or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 919-518-2222. We’re here to help! 📞

Thank you for watching, and have a great day! 😊