Oral lichen planus‐like lesions in skin of color: a review

Abstract

AbstractIn dermatology, lichenoid describes lesions with a violaceous hue that is a clinical reflection of basal cell damage in the epithelium and dense mononuclear infiltrate in the sub‐epithelium. The violaceous color results from pigment incontinence due to basal cell damage and the Tyndall effect. Although classically described in lichen planus, a lichenoid hue is noted in the oral mucosa in several other disorders that often lead to diagnostic dilemmas. Early and accurate diagnosis is important for the appropriate management of the underlying condition and prognostication. Dermatologists play a central role in managing such patients since, apart from the oral mucosa findings, the cutaneous features also help to significantly differentiate various conditions. Mimickers of oral lichen planus include nicotine stomatitis, oral submucous fibrosis, oral lichenoid lesions, mucosal discoid lupus erythematosus, pemphigus vulgaris, paraneoplastic pemphigus, mucous membrane pemphigoid, fixed drug eruption, plasma cell cheilitis/gingivitis, and erythema multiforme. While a detailed history and clinical examination can help reach a diagnosis in most cases, histopathology, immunofluorescence, and other relevant investigations help establish the diagnosis.