“Can I get psoriasis in my mouth?”
Dr. Allison Truong: Psoriasis may sometimes exhibit itself in the mouth, although this is quite unusual. Because of how uncommon oral psoriasis is, medical professionals often disagree on how to identify it. People with severe pustular psoriasis flares often have a whole body covering of pustules, including the mouth.
Oral psoriasis symptoms have been described by some patients:
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- A painful mouth.
- Their gums have begun to flake.
- Consuming spicy meals might cause discomfort.
However, other possible causes might result in symptoms that are quite similar. Some people, for example, may be affected by both psoriasis and Behcet’s syndrome, which is a condition that may lead to recurrent sores in the mouth.
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What Else Could It Be?
Oral psoriasis is most often misinterpreted as burning lips and geographic tongue, two conditions that are quite common.
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You may have burning mouth syndrome if there is no obvious cause for the pain or burning feeling that you are experiencing in your mouth. In addition, several individuals said that they had experienced a peculiar taste in their tongues, either bitter or metallic, as well as excessive dryness. It’s possible that eating spicy food can make your symptoms worse.
Consuming any of these vegetables may cause a painful and uncomfortable burning feeling in the mouth in those who are sensitive to the chemicals that are found in tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and white potatoes. If you want to receive some respite from the pain in your mouth, avoiding these meals is your best bet.
Geographic tongue is a condition that develops when tiny patches emerge on the surface of the tongue. These patches give the tongue the impression of islands when seen on a map. These regions, the borders of which are occasionally colored white or yellow, are subject to arbitrary appearance and disappearance.
In the vast majority of situations, you will not feel any symptoms. Nevertheless, at the point where the islands meet, some people can have wounds or fissures in their tongues. That might potentially cause some discomfort or agony in that area.
How Else Can Psoriasis Affect The Mouth?
Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes inflammation. One such ailment is known as gingivitis, which refers to inflammation of the gums (the part of your gum around the base of your teeth). If gingivitis is not treated, it might lead to the loss of teeth in the long run. Because of this, those who suffer from psoriasis should make getting regular dental exams a top priority. Your dentist may examine your gums for any symptoms of gum disease and provide guidance on how to maintain good oral health.
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How Do I Manage Mouth Symptoms?
If your psoriasis is giving you oral discomfort, your dermatologist may recommend a mouthwash known as “magic mouthwash,” which is a mouthwash that has a combination of numbing properties and steroids. Given that you need a prescription to get this mouthwash, the only place you can obtain it is at this compounding pharmacy. You are free to alter the potency of the mouthwash to correspond with your threshold for discomfort.
Orabase, which contains the medication Kenalog (triamcinolone), is one example of a dental paste available only with a prescription that your physician may recommend using to apply to inflammatory areas of the mouth.
If your symptoms do not improve or continue to become worse, your primary care physician or dermatologist may refer you to an oral medicine specialist for further evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Psoriasis
You can learn more about oral psoriasis by reading answers to some common questions below.
How long does it take for oral psoriasis to go away?
Oral psoriasis typically heals quickly and does not cause permanent damage. However, since psoriasis is a chronic condition, symptoms may come and go unpredictably. Working with a healthcare professional can help you develop a treatment plan to manage flare-ups and keep symptoms under control.
Does oral psoriasis cause external mouth sores?
No, oral psoriasis affects areas inside the mouth, including the tongue and the inner cheeks and lips. While some sores may be visible when you look in the mirror, they are located within the mouth and not on the outside. However, oral psoriasis often appears at the same time as external psoriasis outbreaks on the skin.
Do outbreaks of oral psoriasis occur at the same time as skin psoriasis?
Yes. Oral psoriasis outbreaks almost always occur alongside flare-ups of skin psoriasis. If you’re experiencing symptoms inside your mouth, you may also notice increased psoriasis activity on your skin.
Is oral psoriasis contagious?
No. Oral psoriasis is an inflammatory autoimmune condition and is not contagious. It cannot be passed from person to person.
What triggers oral psoriasis?
Triggers for oral psoriasis can vary from person to person. It may take time and observation to identify your specific triggers. Common triggers for psoriasis in general include stress, infections, certain medications, and dietary factors.
