Table of contents:
- Who is prone to oral psoriasis
- Symptoms of psoriasis in the mouth that need to be watched out for
- Treatment options for oral psoriasis
- Tips to reduce the risk of developing psoriasis in the mouth
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that lasts a lifetime and cannot be cured. Although generally attacking the outer skin of the body, this disease can also attack the mouth. Here are various things about psoriasis in the mouth that you need to know.
Who is prone to oral psoriasis
Quoted from the National Psoriasis Foundation in the United States, about 10 percent of people are born with one or more genes that make them more susceptible to psoriasis. However, only about 2 to 3 percent of people who will grow up have this condition.
Psoriasis can develop when this gene mutation is exposed to the trigger. The various triggers for psoriasis, namely:
- Excess stress
- Certain drugs
- Infection
- Injury to the skin
Symptoms of psoriasis in the mouth that need to be watched out for
Psoriasis of the mouth is one of the most difficult to identify. The reason is, according to research in the Journal of Dermatology in 2016, it is stated that various symptoms can resemble other, more common oral problems, such as thrush and chronic eczema.
In order to recognize it, here are the various symptoms of oral psoriasis that usually appear, namely:
- The appearance of red patches with yellow or white borders.
- Sores in the mouth accompanied by cracked tongue.
- Bleeding in the gums.
- The presence of blisters in the mouth accompanied by pus.
- Pain or burning, especially when eating spicy food.
- There is a change in perceived taste.
These symptoms are also usually accompanied by other conditions, such as:
- Fissured tongue, the surface of the tongue tends to be indented or cracked.
- Geographical tongue, a red patch on the tongue with a white border that looks like a cluster of islands on a map.
- Gum infection
In addition, people who have psoriasis of the mouth usually also tend to have the same symptoms on their body skin. This condition is characterized by the appearance of red patches with a raised silvery crust on the skin. Psoriasis makes the skin look scaly and not as smooth as it used to be.
Even so, psoriasis is not contagious, so you shouldn't be afraid to touch or kiss people who have this condition.
Treatment options for oral psoriasis
Some people with oral psoriasis don't need special treatment because it doesn't bother you at all.
However, some others need special care and the doctor will usually prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs or topical anesthetics (topical). These drugs will later help reduce inflammation and pain, making it easier for you to eat or drink.
If you experience various discomfort due to this one disease, you can do the following ways such as:
- Gargle with a mixture of warm water and salt to relieve pain.
- Do not eat spicy foods when symptoms are severe.
- Do not smoke because it can worsen symptoms.
- Using a doctor-prescribed mouthwash such as Xylocaine Viscous (lidocaine) and a hydrochloride solution.
- Take anti-inflammatory drugs that fall into the corticosteroid class if prescribed.
- Take medications such as cyclosporine, methotrexate, and acitretin.
Tips to reduce the risk of developing psoriasis in the mouth
Even though it is an autoimmune and genetic disease, you can reduce the risk of its appearance by always maintaining oral hygiene.
Try brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing. Don't forget to clean the tongue with a special cleaning tool or the wavy back of your toothbrush.
In addition, Estee Williams, MD., A dermatologist in New York states that rinsing with alkaline mouthwash will also help keep your mouth clean. You can make your own mouthwash from a solution of water and baking soda.
If you experience one or more of the symptoms as mentioned, immediately consult a doctor to find out the exact condition.
