Oral Lichen Planus: A Chronic Systemic Disease with Immune-Mediated Pathogenesis
July 2013
in “
InTech eBooks
”
lichen planus alopecia immune-mediated pathogenesis oral mucosa skin scalp nails genital areas reticular papular plaque-form atrophic ulcerative erosive vesiculo-bullous desquamative gingivitis topical immunosuppressive therapy systemic immunosuppressive therapy hair loss immune system genitals topical treatment systemic treatment
TLDR Oral lichen planus is a chronic disease causing mouth discomfort and sometimes needs immunosuppressive treatment.
Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) was a chronic autoimmune disease primarily affecting the oral mucosa, with a prevalence of 0.5-2.2%, more common in women over 40. It involved CD8+ T-cell-mediated apoptosis of basal keratinocytes, leading to various clinical presentations that often required immunosuppressive therapy. Diagnosis was clinical, supported by biopsy and direct immunofluorescence for severe cases. Treatment focused on symptom relief using topical corticosteroids, with systemic corticosteroids and other immunosuppressants for severe cases. The disease typically resolved after an average of 8 years, but regular monitoring was necessary due to the risk of malignant transformation.
