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

Welcome, @lindaadel. I moved your message to this helpful discussion:
- Oral lichen Planus: What home remedies or medications help you? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/oral-lichen-planus-3/

I did this so that you can read previous posts and connect easily with members like @maryz @frane1939 @fdixon63 @spruceriver @artist01 @jkh7 @rashida @moylandavis and many other helpful members.

Another discussion that may help:
- Erosive oral lichen planus https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/erosive-oral-lichen-planus/

What suggestions has your dentist offer you?

It believe I've read somewhere that some lichen planus may (in some cases) have some connection to dopamine or how it is metabolized. That doesn't provide you with any practical advice, though.

@lindaadel in my experience, natural remedies did not work. Neither did going to dentists. I eventually was referred to an oral pathologist at a hospital dental clinic who first tried Nystatin oral suspension (ghastly stuff you rinse with, then swallow), which did nothing, then a Prednisolone rinse which didn’t work, and finally Lyderm (generic name Fluocinonide) gel, and about ten days after using that my mouth cleared up completely. I was told to stop using it then, and to use it only when the lichen planus recurred, which I do, once in a while now.

If you live in Canada you need a referral to an oral pathologist by your doctor. I don’t know if in the States you can just look up the name of an oral pathologist. If so, call and make an appointment. A referral to one known by your doctor or dentist may be better, however, if only because medical professionals know who is a good specialist.

rashida thank you so very much for giving me all that excellent information!!! I will save it all and refer to it at the right time. Because oral lichen planus it’s so rare most doctors have no idea what to do. your information is priceless and I really really really appreciate all of it!!! thank you so much!!!

Thank you so very much for your excellent information about treatments for oral lichen planus!!! I appreciate it so so much!!!@lindaadel

@lindaadel that’s true! It took a few years before I found the right specialist for treatment. Lichen planus still is not known to most oral specialists. I was even referred to a maxillofacial specialist once and even he didn’t know what to do about it.

By the way, Lyderm gel is prescribed off label, so if your doctor says that cannot be used internally point that out to him/her. I was a bit concerned when I saw that it was a topical gel, but my pharmacist told me it can be prescribed as an off label treatment.

Making friends with your local pharmacist (if one is not friendly, move to another!) helps, because they know more about medications than doctors and even specialists. They can put your mind at ease when you have any concerns about a prescription.

Now … if I can find the right dermatologist to help clear this horrid, itchy-24/7-patch of psoriasis on my scalp …! 🙄

Hi @lindaadel. Where to start... I suffered with OLP for several years until I was finally referred to a dental teaching facility and was diagnosed. At that time I was told "no known cause--no known cure." Was recommended different rinses which burned so badly that I could not use. Toothpaste always contained mint or something that burned. I finally began using baking soda and diluted hydrogen peroxide. Years later it exhibited in my vagina. Then I began getting places on arms, legs, face that developed into squamous cell cancer. (The doctors say there is no correlation but I'm not convinced. I go again this Wednesday for Mohs surgery # ?? I'm 78 and looks like this is my lot in life from now on. Wishing/praying there will be some research that can come up with something to help. One thing I'll throw out there. I've been going to the dentist every 4 months for 4-5 years, then in March this year I lost 3 natural teeth and two bridges. So, a total of 5 teeth in one week. They just broke off. No warning. Now, I had the two original covid vaccines in 2021, got covid in Sept. 2022 and was an inpatient for 8 days. Makes me wonder. I did get dental surgery and after 3 months got a partial. My gums look like pure blood they are so red. Thankfully the pain has gotten better but my concern is with such inflammation, what can it lead to? I'm sure I left something out but hope this experience will help some. Blessing. Faye

I have had OLP for many years. A dermatologist recommended Lyderm gel and it worked great for me. She also suggested that I mix 50% liquid children's Benadryl and 50% liquid Gaviscon together and use it as a mouthwash two to three times a day, as needed. It was amazing. It calmed the pain and I didn't have to use the Lyderm gel so much. Do not swallow it, just rinse and spit it out. She also recommended that I use an electric round toothbrush and a water pic instead of floss, so as not to irritate the gum tissue. I hope this helps and keep smiling. It is always better when you smile.

Oh my God I'm so sorry to here that you suffer with this,I have lichen planus in between my but cheeks and my anus I have glossitis on my tongue I also have since 2 bouts with covid and 2 vaccines thyroiditis, barretts, 2 ulcers,diverticulosis, constipation, nodules on both thyroids,my lynchen planus seems to get better with my diet but never goes away, I put cream on it from doctor looks like we now have autoimmune problems from hell .

Hi there.... I was wondering as someone said this is what might be wrong with my mum for her very sore burning sensation tongue. However her B12 is not low ..... her Iron is low though. I am wondering if i am barking up the wrong tree here and if someone might be able to help me on this one