10 causes of burning mouth syndrome you need to know about
If you're suffering from a burning sensation in your mouth that doesn't go away, here's what you need to know.
If you’ve been suffering from purple-looking rashes accompanied by very bad itching, please visit a dermatologist. You could be suffering from what is called Lichen planus. Lichen Planus is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin that affects one’s skin, mucous membranes and hair. Since the lesion resembles lichen, the condition is termed as lichen planus. Lichen planus is not an infectious disease; therefore, it cannot spread from person to person; moreover, it is not a type of cancer.
The exact prevalence of lichen planus is unclear; this disease affects 0.5%–2.0% of the general population. India has a high incidence of lichen planus, with a prevalence rate of 2.6%. The incidence of this condition is 13.7% in tobacco users and 0.3% in non-tobacco users. Lichen planus affects patients between 30 and 60 years of age and is more common in females than in males.
Several types of lichen planus exist, which require histological examination for the correct diagnosis. The location and symptoms vary in different variants of lichen planus. Various types of lichen planus are listed below:
Causes
Lichen planus is an autoimmune disease with an unknown initial trigger. Since the reason for the onset of this condition is unknown, anybody can suffer from it. Lichen planus can occur because of:
Since the reason for this condition is still unknown, there is no known way to prevent the condition. Although there is no known way to prevent the onset of the condition, avoiding certain drugs and dental amalgams can prevent recurrence. Moreover, acute infections should be treated promptly, and the patient should learn to relax and lower their stress levels – since it can also trigger a reaction.
It is fairly simple to distinguish between a rash due to lichen planus and one that’s not due to the condition. One distinguishable characteristic is the colour of the rashes. Lichen planus is classically purple in colour and is accompanied with intense itching. Moreover, lichen planus commonly affects areas like the wrists, inner part of the forearms, legs, chest and back.
In most cases the diagnosis of the condition is fairly simple and is based on the symptoms that the patient has. The doctor may perform a blood test to exclude other causes for symptoms. Diagnosis is mostly clinical in classic cases but if a doctor is not sure then a skin biopsy helps give a confirmation through a microscopic examination of the skin sample.
If you are diagnosed with lichen planus but do not show any symptoms, no treatment is required. This condition can disappear within two years. Treatment can help if you have symptoms such as severe itching and sores in the mouth or genital area. Lichen planus of the scalp requires treatment to prevent permanent hair loss. There is no cure for lichen planus, but many treatment options are available to give symptomatic relief, speedy recovery, improve the cosmetic concerns of a patient, and to maintain disease under control.
Medical treatments include:
To prevent worsening of lichen planus, you can take the following steps:
Prognosis
Lichen planus is not a harmful disease. It usually goes away on its own. The duration of the disease can vary from patient to patient. In some patients, lichen planus can stay for years. Oral lichen planus lasts longer than the skin lichen planus. In a few cases, lichen planus can recur. Lichen planus often leaves a dark brown discolouration on the skin, which eventually fades away without any treatment. Patients with oral lichen planus are at a slightly greater risk for developing oral cancer. Such patients should avoid tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption and should go for a regular screening with the dentist/dermatologist.
Complications
There are no serious side effects or complications of any of the forms of treatments used for patients with lichen planus. Some studies suggest that this condition may be an early sign of oral cancer. One should definitely make sure they visit their doctor regularly to keep a check on the progress of the condition.
Alternative treatments such as meditation, relaxation, and hypnosis can positively influence on lichen planus and other skin conditions. It can help to calm and restore the balance of the inflammatory response, which can ameliorate lichen planus.
If you're suffering from a burning sensation in your mouth that doesn't go away, here's what you need to know.
Here is all you need to know about lichen planus with inputs from our expert Dr Shefali Trasi Nerurukar.
If you're suffering from a burning sensation in your mouth that doesn't go away, here's what you need to know.
Here is all you need to know about lichen planus with inputs from our expert Dr Shefali Trasi Nerurukar.