Oral lichen Planus: What home remedies or medications help you?

I've had what we think is oral lichen planus for 5 months. Just got biopsy today to confirm.

@joybringer I am glad your PCP prescribes this. I have developed burning mouth syndrome from the constant erosive oral LP but most doctors shy away from those types of medications. Thanks for sharing

@steveandsteph I am so sorry to hear of your LP diagnosis. Please reach out for help if you have any questions. One thing my dermatologist didn’t tell me until I asked was about Magic Mouthwash which is so helpful if you have chronic open sores with your oral LP

Be careful with the magic mouth wash. If the pharmacist uses liquid Benadryl, it contains alcohol & can cause more burning. I have tried a mouse rinse containing clove oil & gotten some relief. I use lidocaine topical 2% solution & also I have one compounded with lidocaine/dexamethasone in it to apply topically. I am also on low dose prednisone 2.5 mg daily that keeps it from flaring. I had lost my high stress job during initial COVID outbreak & it has greatly improved since no more stress.

Thank you so much for the advice. I’m just learning about all the helpful things 🙂

That is great to know. I actually was prescribed this at the beginning of the sores by an urgent care NP. Only used it a couple times so if I need it again will be sure to specify no liquid Benadryl. Hoping not to have to use oral steroids as I’m diabetic and it soars sugars:(
Thank you

I used coconut oil to sooth sores. Swish & spit, especially before eating, that helped. Also used it for oil pulling. I was taking an NSAID called Mobic (it’s a once a day med, very strong, in the same class of drug as Motrin) which may have started the whole issue. I no longer take that & the erosive ulcers did improve. I don’t used toothpaste with mint. Cinnamon can cause flares. Stress is bad for OLP. Other products I’ve used: ‘Healthy Teeth & Gum Rinse’, lidocaine viscous 2%, then another lidocaine+dexamethasone rinse compounded at pharmacy, Silver containing products didn’t work. I also got relief from a product called Glutamed (a powder to mix). It also contained licorice root which is supposed to reduce inflammation like steroids. So right now steroid pills & lidocaine 1% solution are what I use. My oral surgeon gives me Lidex gel which is fluocinonide. I really haven’t used it much since the base is not made for use in the mouth. I’ve read where it has helped others though. Sounds like steroids are all there is to reduce severity & pain, number of ulcers, + flare ups. Stopping my high stress job helped immensely. I initially lost 30 lbs since I couldn’t eat anything. It’s better now. Another product that didn’t help was Gel-Clair (hyaluronic acid). It’s for cancer patients with mouth ulcers. Had to get an authorization my my PCP but no luck. Best to you.

@fancyrph My derm prescribes swish and spit that only has lidocaine and a Maalox type antacid. I can't have benadryl because of dry mouth and narrow angle eyes. I just met with my derm again a couple of hours ago and she is having the hospital pharmacist to see if they can compound a swish and spit that doesn't have a steroid that might act like one to heal. I have sagging inner cheeks from too many steroids products in my mouth.

@steveandsteph Please feel free to reach out at any time. I have navigated this disease for over 2 years and our teaching hospital told me I have the most diverse case they have seen. I have learned much through trial and error because they don't even think to tell you about some of the dangers of the treatments or your body.

If I could know one thing a long time ago it would be to be vigilant of your body. Any changes might be related to LP and the sooner you get it treated, the less damage it might do to your body, e.g. hair, nails, toenails, private areas, eyes, lips, ears, nose. You get the picture. Because I am so weird and notice every little chance I will most likely keep my vision, fingernails and 1/3 of my hair. I am lucky compared to others. In a year or two I might have lost all of these but at least I have them now.

@joybringer1 I have seen that doctors in India prescribe 10 mg daily of diazepam for people with LP. I think that is a great practice. I have noticed that when I take my alprazolam I have less outbreaks, and ones that happen are much less severe. Unfortunately benzo's are so vilified in our current medical culture.