COVID-19 and its possible association with oral lichen planus: An institutional experience

Abstract

Introduction: Lichen planus is a chronic mucocutaneous disease that may affect the skin or any other mucosal surface. Although the etiology is largely unknown, role of stress in initiation or aggravation of the disease is a well-known fact. Apart from respiratory distress, COVID-19 has also been found to be associated with triggering autoimmune reactions such as oral lichen planus (OLP). Apart from its direct ill effect on health, the confusing nature, and the unknown course of COVID-19, the psychological stress of the lockdown and quarantine tremendously increased the stress levels. All this could be a trigger for the onset or exacerbation of existing OLP lesions. Objective: The primary outcome is to understand the likely association between OLP and COVID-19. The secondary outcome is to understand the role of COVID-19 in the pathogenesis of OLP if it is present. Materials and Methods: It was a unicentric cross-sectional study conducted on 57 patients suffering from OLP who had reported to the dental outpatient department of our tertiary health care center from September 2021 to April 2022. The clinical sign and symptoms associated with the OLP was recorded. A detailed history of COVID-19 exposure, vaccination status, and history of hospitalization were recorded. Results: The mean age of study participants was found to be 36.8 years the male:female ratio was found to be 1:2. Out of 57 patients, 45 patients had given a positive history of COVID-19 exposure. Conclusion: Apart from the immune dysregulation, the tremendous increase in stress levels due to COVID-19 has impacted everyone’s life very badly. The sudden increase in cases of OLP in post-COVID patients may be attributable to a combination of factors such as low Vitamin D levels COVID-19 and other comorbidities.

Keywords

• covid-19
• immune dysregulation
• oral lichen planus
• stress
• vitamin d