Background: Oral lichenoid lesions (OLLs) resemble oral lichen planus (OLP) but develop secondary to various underlying causes. The role of contact allergy in precipitating and/or perpetuating OLL is well documented but remains controversial.
Objective: To help elucidate the association of contact allergy and OLL, we reviewed patch-test readings in patients diagnosed with OLP-like lesions.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients diagnosed with OLP-like lesions who had patch tests performed between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2007.
Results: Patch tests were performed on 24 patients with a histopathologic and/or clinical diagnosis of OLP. Of these, 16 (67%) had positive patch-test readings. At least eight (50%) of these patients had clinically relevant reactions. Ten of the 16 patients (63%) had reactions to metals. In most of these patients, troublesome areas tended to localize adjacent to metallic dental restorations. Of the nine patients (56%) who had reactions to fragrances, flavorings, gallates, and/or diallyl disulfide, the majority improved after avoiding these allergens.
Conclusion: Our findings support the notion that contact allergy may underlie the pathogenesis of OLL and that allergen avoidance may result in amelioration of disease.