RA and Oral Lichen Planus

[Susanbet]

Hi everyone. Have had RA since 2010. Last two years seem to be remission. I just take 2 sulfasalazine tablets a day and apart from occasional stiff fingers have been well. 6 months ago developed an ulcer in month that wouldn’t heal. My GP arranged a biopsy which thankfully was benign. Since then had various ulcers under top lips with swelling making eating drinking and brushing teeth very painful. GP seems to think its oral Lichen Planus. Does anyone else suffer from this or have any information/remedy to help this. Thank you listening. Sue

[Hattie23]

Ditto...I can only use oral b toothpaste as long as actual paste is white not blue..that aggravates.eating pineapple is good it takes very slight layer off don’t panic you won t know ! It’s the bromelin in it. I also have a special mouthwash just for when it’s bad benzydamine.

I think pro enamel toothpaste was ok too. Go see your dentist not GP. My dentist is a mine of good information. It gets better.

[Susanbet in reply to Hattie23]

Thanks for your reply. I use Biotine toothpaste the only one I can use without crying with pain I will try the pineapple. Not something I normally eat. Today ulcers so bad that I look as if I have had Botox that has gone wrong! My dentist wasn’t very helpful. Gave me a prescription for cold sores which did nothing. Have RA consultant appt next month which I hope might help. Regards

[Hattie23 in reply to Susanbet]

Id change dentists. With this it needs monitoring and regular help..... Thats, bad. Good luck. Xx

[Fra22-57]

I have had it.It was white spots in mouth .It was noticed by dentist.I was sent to mayo facial unit at hospital who assured me was lichen planus.I wssgiven oral cream.it did clear up .I googled it and realised how lucky I was to have it so mild as photos showed people severely with it

[Susanbet in reply to Fra22-57]

I seem to have it quite severe unfortunately. I had the biopsy at the max fax clinic. They never gave me anything for it. Hoping things will improve. Thanks for replying.

[Desilou in reply to Fra22-57]

Can you please tell me the cream they gave you for oral lichen planus.

Thank you much.

[Fra22-57 in reply to Desilou]

I am so sorry but this was few years ago and I cant remember

[Desilou in reply to Fra22-57]

Thank you for your reply. If you happened to remember at a later time, please let me know. Thank you.

[MissMinto]

Does any of this ring a bell?

nhs.uk/conditions/behcets-d...

[Susanbet in reply to MissMinto]

Will check this out. Thanks

[Emily50]

I have had oral Lichen planus for approx 3 years. I saw my dentist 3 months ago he prescribed a steroid mouthwash as my upper gums had been inflamed for 6 weeks (I have lengthy flare ups then it settles but never completely disappears. ) Local pharmacists were unable to obtain it as suppliers were out of stock, I was advised to try an anti inflammatory called Difflam. This helped for a while but the inflammation returned. By this time I was able to get the steroid mouthwash and used it without success. I have a dentist appointment tomorrow to see if he can suggest anything else as brushing my teeth is difficult. For the past few weeks I have used Corsydol toothpaste as Sensodyne irritated.

My gums look red and shiny, I don’t notice white patches but maybe I just can’t see them. I am sorry your gums are so swollen, mine don’t feel or look swollen just red and sore. I will let you know what my dentist suggests.

[Susanbet in reply to Emily50]

Hi Emily 50. Have improved since my post 4 months ago. I am still using Biotine toothpaste. Also my hygienist suggested Curasept gel to rub on my gums and inside lip. This has improved the ulcers and swelling. Can now drink cuppa without too much pain! Might be worth a try for you.

[Susanbet in reply to Emily50]

Also meant to say I tried the Curasept mouthwash which did nothing at all but the gel seems to work for me

[Emily50 in reply to Susanbet]

Hi Susanbet. My dentist has prescribed a 2nd course of Betamethasone which is a steroid. He will refer me to a dental hospital if it doesn’t help but I will see if I can find the Curasept gel first. Thank you for your suggestion.

[Hidden]

My husband has suffered for years he has been prescribed every thing nothing works. He has to list what he eats as certain things can be a trigger. Anything with tannin in sets him off also any spirits. Manuka honey on ulcer helped a little and bicarbonate soda mixed with water as a mouth wash helped a little for him.

[Susanbet in reply to Hidden]

Hi J1707. I replied to Emily 50 with what I am using. Might be worth a try (if you haven’t used these before). It is such a painful condition.

[Emily50 in reply to Hidden]

Hi j1707. Thank you for your suggestions. It is good to know what helps other people.

[bear4ble]

Investigate Allicin.

[Calerine]

Hello Susanbet. I have had lichen planus for more 29 years. Oranurse toothpaste was recommended by max fax consultant. It's unflavoured and doesn't contain sodium laurel sulphate. I was also prescribed flixonase nasule drops, to add to 5 mls water and swish round my mouth. Yes, they worked for me. First thing ever..

[Susanbet in reply to Calerine]

Hi. Good to read your post. It had been under control for some time now But last few weeks has been rearing it’s ugly head!! The nasal drops is an interesting idea. Will look into it. Hope it keeps working for you.