Oral lichen planus

Characteristic features:

• Immune-mediated T-cell but exact trigger isn't known

• features in 5 types : reticular, erosive, atrophic, bullous, plaque-like

• oral lichenoid drug reaction which mimics lichen planus but associated with drugs such as: ace inhibitors and beta-blockers

• increased risk of malignancy

• not curative only symptomatic treatment for reduction of inflammation and reduction of pain

• Wickham's striae

lichen planus

Differential diagnosis:

• oral hairy leukoplakia

oral hairy leukoplakia

• systemic lupus erythematosus

SLE

• oral thrush 'candidiasis'

oral thrush