Oral Psoriasis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnose and Treatment

April 03, 2024

Oral psoriasis is a rare form of psoriasis that can affect the inside of the mouth. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes skin inflammation and symptoms such as itching, redness, and peeling. Oral psoriasis is a rare type of psoriasis that affects the inside of the mouth and can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

Mouth sores or ulcers that may be painful or uncomfortable
Patches or pustules on the tongue, gums, or inside the cheeks
Gum peeling or bleeding
Dry mouth or throat
Difficulty swallowing or speaking

Most people who develop oral psoriasis already know they have psoriasis, as it typically occurs along with an outbreak of another type of psoriasis, such as plaque psoriasis or guttate psoriasis. Oral psoriasis can be challenging to diagnose, as it can easily be mistaken for other conditions, such as thrush or oral lichen planus. If you suspect you may have oral psoriasis, it’s important to see your doctor or dentist for a proper diagnosis. Treatment for oral psoriasis typically involves managing the underlying psoriasis condition, as well as addressing any specific symptoms in the mouth. Your doctor or dentist may recommend topical or oral medications, such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, to help manage inflammation and other symptoms. It’s also important to practice good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly, to help prevent further irritation or infection in the mouth.

What Is Oral Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin problem that shows up on spots that everyone can see, like your elbows, knees, and scalp. But symptoms of this disease may happen in places you don’t expect, like inside your mouth. It’s important to note that while it may not be a serious medical problem, it can still be uncomfortable and difficult to diagnose due to its rarity. While psoriasis most commonly affects the skin, it can rarely affect organs, joints, and even the inside of the mouth. When psoriasis affects your mouth, it typically develops on the cheeks and tongue. This is called oral psoriasis. Oral psoriasis is rare. Most cases of oral psoriasis are linked to pustular or erythrodermic psoriasis, which are both uncommon forms of psoriasis. The most common type of psoriasis, plaque psoriasis, doesn’t cause oral psoriasis. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional if you are experiencing any symptoms or concerns related to psoriasis, including those that may occur inside the mouth. They can help provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan to manage any discomfort or symptoms you may be experiencing.

How Can You Tell If It Is Oral Psoriasis?

It’s important to note that it typically only affects people who already have psoriasis, particularly those with severe pustular psoriasis. It’s also important to be aware of the symptoms that may occur inside the mouth, which can vary from person to person. If you are experiencing any symptoms or concerns related to psoriasis, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms Of Oral Psoriasis

There are a lot number of symptoms that can be seen as an indication of oral psoriasis. It’s important to note that symptoms can be mild and may vary from person to person. Some possible symptoms of oral psoriasis may include:

patches with raised yellow or white borders
itchy patches
raised and scaly lesions on the inside of your cheeks
mouth ulcers
redness of the lining of your mouth
pustules
peeling gums
a burning feeling on your lips
sensitivity after eating spicy or acidic foods
red patches on the top of the tongue
grooves or furrows on the top of the tongue

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. They can help determine if you have oral psoriasis or another condition causing similar symptoms.

What Causes Oral Psoriasis And Who Is At Risk?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age or skin color. While the exact cause is unknown, genetics and environmental factors are believed to play a role in its development. If you are experiencing any symptoms or concerns related to psoriasis, it’s best to consult with healthcare. Psoriasis usually begins in young adulthood, with symptoms often starting between ages 15 and 25. Men, women, and children of all skin colors can get psoriasis.

As of now the exact cause of this disease is not fully understood, there are several risk factors with which psoriasis is linked such as:

a family history of psoriasis
smoking
heavy alcohol consumption
exposure to pollution
certain medications
prolonged infections
damage to the oral cavity

Psoriasis symptoms can occur in patterns of flare-ups and remissions, and treatment can help manage symptoms and keep someone in remission longer. It’s also important to be aware of psoriasis triggers, which can include environmental factors such as smoking, stress, illness, and medication changes. It’s interesting to note that oral psoriasis flare-ups seem to be similar to skin psoriasis flare-ups. If you are experiencing any symptoms or concerns related to psoriasis, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

How Do Doctors Diagnose Oral Psoriasis?

In many cases, oral psoriasis can be diagnosed through a visual exam by a healthcare professional. However, in some cases, a biopsy may be needed to help confirm the diagnosis. This involves removing a small tissue sample from one of the lesions and sending it to a lab for further testing. This can help rule out other conditions and provide a more accurate diagnosis. If you are experiencing any symptoms or concerns related to psoriasis, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Even to ask the cause for your symptoms the doctor may ask you several questions such as:

Ask you questions about your medical history (and your family’s)
Take a small sample of skin from inside your mouth to check under a microscope
Do genetic tests

As the case, the doctor would like to rule out other conditions that cause similar conditions such as:

Candida infection
Leukoplakia
Lichen planus
Reiter’s syndrome
Problems caused by smoking, dentures that don’t fit well, and other issues

What Is The Treatment For Oral Psoriasis?

while many people with oral psoriasis may not need treatment, some may experience discomfort or pain. In those cases, simple steps like rinsing the mouth with a mixture of lukewarm water and salt, avoiding spicy foods during flare-ups, and quitting smoking can help manage symptoms. However, if symptoms persist or become more severe, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. They can help determine the best course of action to manage symptoms and improve overall oral health.

As in various cases these home remedies are proven not to be enough by a certain person then one must consult the doctor about the other options such as:

Mouth rinses that lower acidity in your mouth and help with pain
Medicines you can put on the sore areas in your mouth, such as steroids
Pills or capsules (like cyclosporine) for severe symptoms

Apart from the above, Biologic therapies are one possible treatment option, but they are typically used for skin or joint involvement rather than oral psoriasis. Other treatment options for oral psoriasis may include topical medications, oral medications, and light therapy. In some cases, a combination of treatments may be recommended as part of an overall treatment plan. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations based on individual needs and circumstances.

Does Oral Psoriasis Cause External Mouth Sore?

Oral psoriasis refers specifically to psoriasis inside the mouth, including the tongue, inside of the cheeks, and lips. While sores on the inside of the lips may be visible in a mirror, they will still be inside the mouth rather than surrounding it. It’s also important to note that oral psoriasis typically occurs at the same time as external psoriasis outbreaks, so someone with oral psoriasis may also experience external mouth sores during a flare-up.

How Long Does It Take For The Oral Psoriasis To Go Away On The Own?

Oral psoriasis typically heals on its own quickly and does not cause permanent damage, psoriasis is a chronic condition that can come and go unpredictably. It’s important to work with a healthcare professional to develop a treatment plan that can manage symptoms and flare-ups. This may include lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding triggers, as well as medication and other therapies. With proper management, it is possible to minimize the impact of psoriasis on daily life and improve the overall quality of life.

Now since oral psoriasis is a rare form of psoriasis, there is still much to be learned about who may be affected and how to best treat it. Additionally, because dermatologists who treat psoriasis may not routinely check inside the mouth, it’s important for patients to communicate any symptoms they may be experiencing in this area to their healthcare provider. This can help ensure that appropriate treatment is provided and can also help improve understanding of this condition among healthcare professionals. If you have psoriasis on your skin and notice symptoms in your mouth, be sure to inform your doctor as soon as possible to receive the treatment you need and help contribute to a better understanding of this condition.