Oral lichen planus

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Causes

By Mayo Clinic staff

The cause of oral lichen planus is unknown. T lymphocytes — certain white blood cells involved in inflammation — are normally active at the site of disease or injury and cause the lesions. Doctors and researchers don't know what prompts T lymphocytes to be activated in oral lichen planus. However, in some people, certain factors, such as those below, may trigger an inflammatory disorder.

  • Hepatitis C infection and other types of liver disease
  • Hepatitis B vaccine
  • Allergy-causing agents (allergens), such as foods, dental materials or other substances
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen (Aleve, others)
  • Certain medications for heart disease, high blood pressure or arthritis
Risk factors Symptoms
References
  1. Lichen planus. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec10/ch116/ch116g.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2013.
  2. Patil A, et al. Oral bullous lichen planus: Case report and review of management. Contemporary Clinical Dentistry. 2012;3:344.
  3. Lehman JS, et al. Lichen planus. International Journal of Dermatology. 2009;48:682.
  4. Farhi D, et al. Pathophysiology, etiologic factors, and clinical management of oral lichen planus. Part I: Facts and controversies. Clinics in Dermatology. 2010;28:100.
  5. Brewer JD, et al. Lichen planus and cicatrical conjunctivitis: Disease course and response to therapy of 11 patients. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. 2011;25:100.
  6. Lichen planus. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/skin-conditions/dermatology-a-to-z/lichen-planus/lichen-planus. Accessed Feb. 4, 2013.
  7. Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 8, 2013.
  8. Bruce AJ (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 25, 2013.
DS00784 March 8, 2013

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