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What Causes A Small Red Patch And A White Streaky Pattern On The Inside Walls Of The Mouth?

Posted on Fri, 13 Dec 2024

Question: H see something in side my mouth is it some sort of infection or cranker sore or herpese? I tested for Herpese 4 years back and it was negative for HSV1 and HSv2 on IGG test. I don't have multiple sex partners or any encounter with herpese patients.

I am worried can you take a look ?

Attached the image and it is the cheek area inside mouth .

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Oral lichen planus

Detailed Answer:

Hello!

I am Dr kakkar (Dermatologist and Venereologist). I have noted your concern and I have viewed the image.

I can see a small red patch and a white streaky/lacy pattern on buccal mucosa. This is oral lichen planus. It doesn't seem like herpes or aphthous ulcer/canker sore

Do you have any associated symptoms like burning sensation to spicy food? or pain?

Awaiting your response for further assistance.

Regards,
Dr. Kakkar S.
Dermatologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (57 minutes later)

no pain or anything. I don't feel anything when I eat spicy food. Is it any bad condition or anything to worry ?

When i read about it it says it can lead to cancer really? I looked for images and mine doesn't match to the one I see on the web.

Are you sure it is oral lichen planus?

Attaching a picture which I took now.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Oral lichen planus

Detailed Answer:

Hi.

Yes. The lacy reticular pattern/white streaks is typical of oral lichen planus.

Risk of malignancy is very less and that is only with erosive type of oral lichen planus. Not with the type of lichen planus you have.

So not to worry.

Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Kakkar S.
Dermatologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (3 hours later)

What would be the next steps how can I cure this state? Should I go see any doctor? or will it get healed by itself ?

I went to my GP today and he did a physical examination of the area, and he doesn't think it is OLP. He asked me to watch it for couple of weeks. I had a dentist appointment last week and I did dental cleaning and I am not sure if that triggered it.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:

Regarding oral Lichen planus

Detailed Answer:

Hi.

You have oral LP - lacy reticular pattern. Dental filling can cause oral LP but not dental cleaning. If you don't have any symptoms then there is no need for any treatment.

Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Kakkar S.
Dermatologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (43 hours later)

I took new pictures now , can you check and tell me how they are Please ?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (22 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Oral mucosal LP

Detailed Answer:

Hi.

I have viewed the images.

I can see the same reticular lacy network. It is more clearly visible on the left side buccal mucosa. Nothing to worry though.

Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Kakkar S.
Dermatologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 hours later)

you still think it is Lichen planus? I went to a doctor and he did a through diagnosis and clinical exam and he ruled out LP. So I am not sure if the image you see might be misleading?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:

Regarding oral LP

Detailed Answer:

Hi!

Ok. Show your doctor one of the images that you showed me. IMG-0266.JPG. It clearly shows a lacy reticular pattern. Perhaps the appearance is due to camera flash light shinning over the mucosa but it doesn't seem so.

Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Kakkar S.
Dermatologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (5 hours later)

He did a physical examination. So I am not sure why I have to show him the picture.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding oral LP

Detailed Answer:

Hello!

Right but sometimes a picture can show the details more clearly.

You definitely have a subtle lacy, reticular patterm, however, it is not a serious issue at all. So don't worry. Nothing needs to be done for this.

Hope I have answered your question.

Regards,
Dr. Kakkar S.
Dermatologist

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D