Oral Lichen Planus

Treatment

Treatment for OLP depends on the severity of symptoms and what is causing the condition. Mild symptoms may require only periodic observation by a health care provider. Special mouthwashes can temporarily numb or soothe a painful mouth. More bothersome symptoms may be treated with ointments or creams (topical corticosteroids and topical immune-modifying medicines) to reduce inflammation and pain, or with oral medications that modify immune response. Skin lesions, which may sometimes accompany this condition, may also need treatment. OLP improves in most cases, usually within three months.

Additional treatment may be recommended if any of the following appear to trigger symptoms:

• Medication — medications may be switched.
• Allergies — patients may need to eliminate allergens (for example, remove certain dental materials or change the diet).
• Infections — infections sometimes associated with OLP (such as thrush or hepatitis C) may be treated.
• Medical conditions — diabetes, hypertension, or other conditions may be treated.
• Dental problems — sharp teeth or broken restorations or protheses that cause trauma or erosion should be repaired.
• Psychological factors — patients may be treated with medication, psychiatric therapy, stress management or a combination of these therapies.