Oral lichenplanus: Etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management

Abstract

Oral Lichen planus (OLP) is a common chronic mucocutaneous disorder with an immune mediated pathogenesis. Its appearance may vary from presence of keratotic to erythematous areas. Etiology of OLP is unknown, but it is thought to be the result of an autoimmune process with an unknown predisposing factor. Oral lichen planus is a complex and poorly understood clinical condition with periods of remissions and exacerbations. Management of the OLP is diversified with few lesions requiring treatment for years and few others are mild, requiring no treatment.

Keywords: Mucocutaneous disease; Lichen planus; Oral lichen planus; Autoimmunity; Corticosteroids

Core tip: Oral Lichen planus (OLP) is frequently encountered by the dermatologists and oral physician. Even though, lot of research is carried out on this disease, still the precise etiopathogenesis and treatment is controversial. As there is a risk of malignant potential reported with this disease, early diagnosis and proper management of the patient is necessary. The present article reviews the OLP briefly about its etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and various treatment aspects available.