What is oral psoriasis? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Skin inflammation and scaly patches are common symptoms of psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune disease. While it is typically associated with skin lesions, it can also affect other body parts, including the mouth. Oral or intraoral psoriasis is a condition that affects the mucous membranes of the mouth, including the inside of the cheeks, the tongue, the lips,  and the gums.

What are the symptoms of oral psoriasis?

The symptoms of this condition can vary depending on its severity. In some cases, individuals may not experience any symptoms at all, while others may experience discomfort and pain. The most common symptoms include:

1. Redness and inflammation: The patient may experience redness and inflammation in the affected mouth area.
2. White or yellow patches: The inside of the mouth may exhibit patches of white or yellow scales.
3. Cracks or fissures: The skin inside the mouth may become cracked or fissured.
4. Soreness or burning: In some cases, people may experience soreness or burning sensation inside the mouth.
5. Difficulty swallowing: In severe cases, oral psoriasis can make it difficult to swallow or speak.

What are the causes of oral psoriasis?

It appears that an overactive immune system causes oral psoriasis, but the exact cause is unknown. In this condition, your immune system attacks healthy skin cells, causing scaly patches and inflammation.

In addition, mucous membranes in the mouth are attacked by the immune system, causing similar symptoms. Certain factors, such as stress, injuries, or infections in the mouth, may also trigger this condition. In some cases, medications designed to treat this condition can cause oral psoriasis as a side effect.

This dental condition can be triggered by a variety of other factors, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and using skin care products with irritating ingredients.

Treatment of Oral Psoriasis

There is currently no cure for oral psoriasis; however, several treatments can help manage the symptoms and reduce the severity of the condition; eliminating or reducing the triggers can help prevent this condition altogether. The most common treatments include:

1. Topical medications: Corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors effectively reduce inflammation and promote healing when applied to the affected area. However, you should consult your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medication.
2. Systemic medications: Systemic medications, such as methotrexate or cyclosporine, can be taken orally or injected to help suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation throughout the body.
3. Light therapy: Phototherapy is a method of treating inflammation and promoting healing through exposure to ultraviolet light. There are often other medications used along with this treatment.
4. Dental care: Maintaining good dental hygiene is vital for managing the symptoms of this dental condition. It includes using mouthwash to reduce inflammation, brushing and flossing regularly, and avoiding spicy or acidic foods that can irritate the mouth. In addition, visiting your dental healthcare provider at regular intervals is also very vital.
5. Stress management: Stress can trigger and cause flare-ups. Stress can make a bad situation worse and lead to the healing process taking longer than it should. By reducing stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga, symptoms of this dental condition can be reduced to a great extent.

Oral psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the mucous membranes of the mouth. While there is no cure for this condition, several treatments can help manage the symptoms and reduce the severity of the disease. 

Any time you experience one or more of the symptoms mentioned above, you must consult a dentist or other healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. With the proper treatment, most people with oral psoriasis can manage their symptoms and perform everyday activities efficiently.