LICHEN PLANUS: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF 217 PATIENTS

Abstract

Lichen planus is an autoimmune inflammatory disease which effects primarily skin, nails and mucous membranes such as oral mucosa. The objective of this study was to find out the frequency, gender distribution and occurrence of unilateral or bilateral presentation of oral lichen planus among patients seen at Allied Hospitals of University College of Dentistry, The University of Lahore. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS (ver.23) for gender, age distribution and unilateral or bilateral presentation. Five years data revealed a total of 217 patients diagnosed with oral lichen planus. 146 (67.3%) patients were female while 71 (32.7%) were male. Most patients presented with bilateral lesion 135 (62.2%) while 82 (37.8%) presented with unilateral lesion. 165 (76%) patients reported that use of spicy food aggravates the condition, amongst them 50 (21.24%) were male and 115(78.76%) female patients. This study concluded that this disease effected females more than males with age group 31 to 40 years, with bilateral oral involvement predominantly. Mean age was found to be 36.78 and SD value 10.794. Spicy food was an associated factor that worsened the condition in almost 165 (76%) patients.