@zinnia55
Hi, I have OLP also. It tends to flare up and down. I always have a level of rawness in the tissue. It feels like the inside of my mouth was rubbed down with sand paper. At times my lips sting too. I also break out in lesions. Often there are lesions in the same areas each time.
I completely avoid citrus fruit and absolutely anything I think may be spicy., also mint. I'm very careful with salt too. There are days when even banana, avocado and soft foods you wouldn't expect would cause discomfort. The things that sting and are painful etc....can cause a flare up in my mouth. I want to say, it's very important you take in enough nutrients your body needs. I was taken to the hospital with serious symptoms which turned out to be a very critically low level of sodium. I lost consciousness. People don't realize how important sodium is to the body. Coma and brain damage can occur. I had no idea it was my sodium level making me so sick. Unfortunately my doctor's office had done blood tests a few days prior showing my sodium level was critically low and they failed to notify me.
Unfortunately I also have Esophageal Lichen Planus which is extremely rare. In addition I get Lichen Planus on my skin.
Although, the OLP is what really can make it hard for me to eat. Now if I can't hardly eat I will mix a protein powder with milk and drink that. If I ever suspect my sodium level is compromised I will put some salt in my hand and lick it. This is the fastest way to get salt in your other than drinking electrolytes which I also keep on hand and carry with me when I go out. I buy single serving packages on Amazon.
Also, I choose not to take steroids. If I got to a critical point with lesions I would have to.
FYI....many people don't realize that OLP, ELP etc...is an autoimmune disease. Your body is attacking the mucus membranes.
I want to mention that stress can definitely cause flare ups too. Stress and emotional upsets can definitely effect your compromised immune system.
I hope this helps you.
Take care ❤️