HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Severe Dryness In The Mouth And A Red Patch On The Lips?

I have very dry mouth. It s getting a little better (stopped Zyrtec). But I have a red patch on inside of lower lip by bottom teeth. Had it for months! It has grown smaller with use of a dental paste (prescribed steroid) in one week. It used to hurt with hot beverages. . I also have a hard small white bump on upper gum line. This I ve had for 3?weeks. I have never used tobacco, I don t drink alcohol. I m 60. I m a little scared oral cancer. But also have lichen planus so I m thinking that s what all this is? Will be returning to ENT 4 weeks (he prescribed paste). Oral MaxFacial dr saw me briefly (my dentist referred for the red patch and out of control cankor sores. Said I could return for biopsy after he prescribed round of steroid for the painful lichen planus. But he referred me to ENT bec of bump near tonsils. ENT confirmed planus diagnisis and said tonsil area normal. He gave me paste and also Valtrex for cankor sores. That did help. But now this white bump! Should I freak out?
Mon, 1 Jun 2015
Report Abuse
Dermatologist,  's  Response
Hello respected,

I have read your question and what I feel is that you are having oral ulcerative/erosive lichen planus.

And it requires oral steroid/cyclosporin to control the disease process and than hydroxy chloroquine or dapsone for maintenance therapy.

Topical steroid gels, tacrolimus 0.1% gel will also help.

so need to consult a dermatologist and get steroid/cyclosporin ( I will prefer cyclosporin because side effect profile is better than steroid and equal efficacy) prescibed,

and don't worry about cancer..it s very very rare with lichen planus.
I find this answer helpful
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Severe Dryness In The Mouth And A Red Patch On The Lips?

Hello respected, I have read your question and what I feel is that you are having oral ulcerative/erosive lichen planus. And it requires oral steroid/cyclosporin to control the disease process and than hydroxy chloroquine or dapsone for maintenance therapy. Topical steroid gels, tacrolimus 0.1% gel will also help. so need to consult a dermatologist and get steroid/cyclosporin ( I will prefer cyclosporin because side effect profile is better than steroid and equal efficacy) prescibed, and don t worry about cancer..it s very very rare with lichen planus.