Oral Lichen Planus food/drink triggers

@hem1959 after seeing many doctors and specialists, I finally was referred to an oral pathologist at a hospital department of dentistry. He prescribed Lyderm gel (off label) and it cleared the soreness in my mouth after about ten days. The gel should be used for just seven days, but my mouth was so bad it took me ten days to heal.

Lichen Planus is an autoimmune condition so cannot be cured unfortunately, but the Lyderm gel definitely helps and I still use it occasionally when I get a flare up.

In my case, I have found that mushrooms in anything can cause a Lichen Planus flare. Some people who obviously don’t understand, will suggest I “just remove the mushrooms” when offered something like a pizza or a salad, but even foods having mere contact with mushrooms can cause a flare.

@rashida I have requested my dentist call in Lyderm gel. No word yet.

For me it’s chemicals.
I use children toothpaste Tom
Dove for for sensitive skin
My shampoo comes from Australia
This is an auto immune and you will have periods of a flare then it will get better than it will flare again.
I have found by using products that have very limited chemical chemicals. I do better.. I have had many skin test and many great doctors helping me with this. I am in my middle 70s.
Also, I have to use cocktail toilet paper as it is the only one that comes from cotton. The rest of the toilet paper comes from trees and I have called the companies and they tell me we take whatever we could get so there is no way of figuring out what trees..
Sounds like you’ve been doing your homework. Keep it up. You will do it for the rest of your life.
Wish you the very best

@minnesota10 I too use children’s toothpaste - Kid’s mint flavoured (can’t stand fruity flavours!) Sensodyne. Anything else irritates my gums.

@minnesota10 sorry this thing on my computer changes word
What I said Cottonelle toilet paper, not cocktail
Sorry

@rashida I started Lyderm gel yesterday. Fingers crossed it works for me! My periodontist cautioned it should be used sparingly and for a short duration, otherwise it could cause oral thrush.

@hem1959 yes, it should be used sparingly and for just seven days. My mouth was so sore it took ten days to clear it. After that I have been using it only occasionally for flares. One application is usually enough now. I find a “drop” of the gel on a Qtip works better than applying the gel with my finger.

Let me know how you get on with the Lyderm.

Since I have backed off on Alcohol, citrus type cocktails, wines and only drink lighter bodied beers and I've stopped all spicy type foods and crunchy foods that scrape against the gums.. I've been much better.
My gums are always red, weird looking and sore to the touch. I use the triamcinolone or dexamethasone swish and spit when they start feeling more painful. I also use Tom's coconut oil toothpaste or Cleure toothpaste, not mint for me. somedays are better than others when brushing in regards to burning, and I rinse with a iodized salt, baking soda and water rinse. (when not using the meds)
I will be curious when summer comes, or vacations... where everything is not so managed and if I end up like I was last summer... when I first realized I was in trouble. So many bumps and open sores with lots of gum bleeding. These blogs have been a lifesaver.
So in response I have not narrowed down a real trigger food yet. But during Christmas I was doing okay and red wine evening sent be back to the meds.
Best to you all!

@rashida in the first few days that you used it, did you mouth actually get a little worse? That is what is happening to me, maybe it is irritating before it heals.

@hem1959 I don’t remember, but I don’t think so … all I remember is it took me ten days before my mouth cleared. If your mouth is getting worse, you should check with your periodontist. I hope you have been using just a drop of gel on the tip of your finger - or a Qtip!