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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffThe cause of oral lichen planus is unknown. The lesions that appear are the result of inflammation controlled by specific white blood cells called T lymphocytes. Normally, these cells are active at the site of disease or injury.
Doctors and researchers don't know what prompts T lymphocytes to be activated in oral lichen planus. However, certain diseases, medical conditions or other factors may act as triggers of the inflammatory disorder in some people.
Factors that may act as triggers of oral lichen planus:
- Hepatitis C infection and other types of liver disease
- Hepatitis B vaccine
- Certain types of flu vaccines
- Allergy-causing agents (allergens), such as foods, dental materials or other substances
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, others) and naproxen (Aleve, others)
- Certain medications for heart disease, high blood pressure or arthritis
Factors that may complicate the condition or worsen symptoms include:
- Tobacco products
- Alcohol
- Rough dental work
- Poorly fitting dentures
- Poor oral habits, such as biting the lip or cheeks
- Buildup of dental plaque or tartar
- Stress
- Lichen planus. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec10/ch116/ch116g.html. Accessed May 21, 2010.
- Eisen D. The clinical manifestations and treatment of oral lichen planus. Dermatologic Clinics. 2003;21:79.
- Lehman JS, et al. Lichen planus. International Journal of Dermatology. 2009;48:682.
- 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.
- Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 31, 2010.
- Psoriasis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Psoriasis/default.asp. Accessed April 18, 2010.
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