Oral lichen planus and contact allergy to mercury.

Author: Finne K, Goransson K, Winckler L.

Source: Int J Oral Surg.

Year: 1982

Comment:

Mercury allergies are related to oral lichen planus in this study, and in such cases, removal of amalgam is suggested.

Abstract / Excerpt:

“29 patients with oral lichen planus and amalgam fillings were patch tested for contact allergy to dental materials. 18 of these patients (62%) had a contact allergy to mercury. In a control material, the frequency of mercury allergy was 3.2%. In 3 of the patients the lesions healed completely after removal of the amalgam fillings. On the basis of these findings it is recommended that all amalgam fillings be removed after a positive patch test to mercury, as a step in the treatment of oral lichen planus.”

Citation:

Finne KAJ, Göransson K, Winckler L. Oral lichen planus and contact allergy to mercury. International Journal of Oral Surgery.  1982; 11(4):236-239.