Atypical stomatitis

[Answerstat]

I have painful gums when I clench my teeth together, tender nodules on the lower lip, atrophy of my lower lip externally. I get very soft bumps about the size of sand in the lower inner lip which come and go.I have been to a dermatologist, ENT, periodontist, and dentist. All are puzzled. My CBC, c reactive protein, sed rate, ana, RA levels are normal. I was initially diagnosed with burning tongue syndrome but the physicians later feel this is not the case. They are recommending Lyrica and I am waiting for a rheumatology consult.  They are wondering if there is an automimmune component to my symptoms. They don't notice any gum disease, cancer, etc.  Any suggestions?

[krndhn]

Google lichen planus.  It sure sounds like what I have, and that was my diagnosis.  A dermatologist would biopsy your inner lip to be sure.  My dermatologist took one look at a tiny lesion on my chest and diagnosed me.  He biopsied it and he was right.  You can also get it orally - that's where mine started - kind of like thrush only worse, because of the leasions on the inner lip.  Mine began with the roof of my mouth feeling like sandpaper and burning.  Then a tiny lesion on my lip that wouldn't ever heal, then dry burning lips, and a burning in my mouth  all the time.  It's an auto-immune disease - no cure,  But it does go into remission, usually takes 12-18 months before remission,  My dr. prescribed a "magic mouthrinse" a nystatin.dexamethisone compound which helps,  Ultravate  5% cream for the skin, and for the lips a Nystatin and Triamcinolone ointment, which really helps the lips a lot.  I had recently completed 12 mo. treatment for Hep C, and also had Sjogrens Syndrome, so another AI diagnosis wasn't surprising!

Karen