It is an uncommon inflammatory disease affecting the skin and oral mucosa. It affects middle-aged adults and is less frequent in children.
Its origin is unknown, although it may be related to an allergic or immune reaction. There are risk factors that may favor its appearance, among them are stress, exposure to certain medications, dyes and other chemicals and diseases such as hepatitis C.
Lesions in the mouth are characterized by being painful, located on the sides of the tongue or inside the cheeks or on the gums, in the form of pimples or bluish-white spots, which gradually increase in size and sometimes form painful ulcers. Skin lesions are found on the inner areas of the wrist, legs, torso or on the genitals, are itchy, may be covered with fine white lines or linear scratch marks, are shiny or scaly in appearance, dark purple in color and may form blisters or ulcers. Other symptoms may include dry mouth, hair loss, metallic taste in the mouth and/or ridges or ridges on the nails.
Diagnosis is made by clinical history and physical examination. It is confirmed with a biopsy of the skin or mouth lesion.
Treatment is based on symptom control. Medications often included are antihistamines, lidocaine mouthwashes, topical, oral or intralesional corticosteroids, vitamin A cream or oral vitamin A, immunosuppressive drugs and/or ultraviolet light therapy.
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