Lichen Planus Flashcards
what is reticular lichen planus
lacey pattern of white lines across mucosa
what is atrophic lichen planus
where there is atrophy of the tissues
what is erosive lichen planus
where there is no epithelium at all. Yellow fibrous covering over the base of connective tissue
what is lichen planus on histology
T cell infiltrate to basement membrane of connective tissue
lymphocytic band hugging the membrane
what is characteristic of the lichenoid reaction on histology
chronic inflammatory cell infiltrate
saw tooth rete ridges
basal cell damage
patchy acanthosis
parakeratosis
what is the immunological reaction of lichen planus
lymphocyte activation after Langerhans cells present antigen
then attempt to remove chronic irritation
what are the potential causes of lichen planus
overreaction to normal triggers
external triggers - medicines e.g.,
genetic predisposition
physical and emotional stress
injury
localised skin diseases - herpes zoster
viral infection - hep C
contact allergy
what are the symptoms of lichen planus
none
sensitive to hot/spicy food
burning sensation in mouth
what sites is lichen planus common in
buccal mucosa
gingivae
tongue
lips
palate
where is the most common site for lichen planus
buccal mucosa
what is gingival lichen planus often termed
desquamative gingivitis
what does desquamative gingivitis look like
similar to gingival pemphigoid
very erythematous
patchy and reticular
what can settle desquamative gingivitis
oral hygiene
if you need to take a gingival biopsy where would you take it from
a good distance from the cervical margin
what is used to treat lip lichen planus
regular use of sunblock in addition to topical medication
