Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disease, affecting 0.1%–4% of populations (Hegarty et al, 2002; Al-Hashimi et al, 2007; Nico et al, 2011). It commonly involves the oral mucosa but extraoral sites may be affected including the skin, scalp, genital area and nails. Oral lesions have been reported to occur in 50-70% of patients with skin lesions (Hegarty et al, 2002; Nico et al, 2011).
Oral lichen planus (OLP) can present with white, red and/or ulcerative lesions of the oral mucosa. They typically occur bilaterally and are usually symmetrical. The lesions may be asymptomatic or painful, reducing quality of life and causing difficulty in eating, speaking and/ or tooth brushing.
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