International Oral Lichen Planus Support Group

Less than two percent of the general population suffers from oral lichen planus, an uncomfortable and chronic condition characterized by lesions that form in the mouth and skin.  It’s not unusual for lichen planus sufferers to know no one else with the disease. 

That’s one reason for the popularity of Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry’s online International Oral Lichen Planus Support Group, a web-based support group that brings together sufferers from throughout the world.  The online organization, found at www.bcd.tamhsc.edu/outreach/lichen, serves as a resource for patients, family members and practitioners.

The site also features periodic live online discussions that link lichen planus sufferers with faculty in HSC-BCD’s Stomatology Center and guest faculty from other dental schools around the world.

New Research Study for OLP Announced

Salivary Biomarkers for Oral cancer in Lichen Planus Patients

Are you a patient with oral lichen planus?
If so, you may be eligible for a research study!

Download the details of the study to see if you are eligible: Salivary Biomarkers Study (PDF)

New Live Discussion Session Announced

Live Online Discussion: Wed Nov 18, 2009; 2:00p.m. C.T.

Dr. Nancy Burkhart and Dr. Terry Rees will host a session for the International Oral Lichen Planus Support Group on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. C.T. or 3:00 p.m. EST. Please join us for this session with your questions regarding lichen planus.

Our Guest for the session will be: Dr. Yi-Shing Lisa Cheng.

Dr. Cheng earned her DDS degree at the School of Dentistry, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan. She finished her master and PhD training in Biomedical Studies in Baylor University, in Texas, and subsequently completed her specialty training in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology in Texas A&M University Health Science Center -Baylor College of Dentistry.

How Dr. Cheng's research will benefit OLP patients

"Currently the only way to determine whether a lesion is cancerous is through a painful biopsy," says Cheng. "Therefore, lichen planus patients often need to endure repeated oral biopsies in the effort to catch any malignancy in its beginning stages."

Witnessing patients in this cycle of inflammation and biopsies made Cheng curious if a non-invasive method could determine the early stages of oral cancer for these patients. Her hoped-for solution is to measure biomarkers present in saliva.

Cheng will lead a team of researchers on the project, including co-investigator Dr. Terry Rees, director of the college's Stomatology Center, and co-founder of the International Oral Lichen Planus support group.

The sessions are open to all those with an interest in lichen planus. To logon: Go to Live Discussions.

Join the discussion announcement mailing list

By joining our announcement mailing list, you will receive periodic announcements concerning the online discussions, and other information about the group.

Philosophy of The Support Group

The Oral Lichen Planus web site began in 1997 with the formation of the site and an email address for Dr. Burkhart to correspond with patients and practitioners. Since that time, we have added other features to enhance the site and we have increased our discussion sessions.

The philosophy of the site is to provide educational materials and individual support to patients with the disorder through a self-help concept. The individual patient is perceived as a member of the larger group that comprises the worldwide oral lichen planus patient population.

Purpose of the Web site

The educational material provided on the site is intended to assist the patient, family members and the practitioner in obtaining currect information regarding oral lichen planus. The information provided on the IOLPSG is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her physician.

Confidentiality:

All material received on our web site is treated as confidential and is not shared with any third parties. Only those directly involved with the web site have access to the e-mails, addresses or any other personal information. Both Dr. Terry Rees and/or Dr. Nancy Burkhart review and answer e-mails directly.

In the event that an e-mail is shared with another party, such as a healthcare provider, permission is first obtained from the person who contacts us. Information in the form of e-mails and surveys are moved into separate files and treated confidentially.

Advertising Policy:

The IOLPSG is a non-profit organization and we do not operate through advertising or promotion of any specific products. Any products that are recommended are based solely on proven data of the success of the product and its use in the treatment of oral lichen planus. Our recommendations are subject to change based on new research and on new products that may become available or those that may assist more fully in treatment. We do not accept advertising or sponsorship of any dental products in exchange for advertising or promotion of a particular product.

GOALS FOR THE INTERNATIONAL ORAL LICHEN PLANUS SUPPORT GROUP

• To serve as a resource for patients, family members and practitioners
• To address concerns and to offer emotional support individually as well as through a group effort
• To serve as a central resource by providing accurate, current information
• To promote significant research efforts
• To serve as a referral system world-wide for other university based dental schools and facilities that are knowledgeable in the treatment of oral lichen planus

OLP Information & Live Discussions

We will be having periodic discussion room dates which will be listed on the page as they are scheduled. Additionally we will publish new information on oral lichen planus as well as other health-related materials. Please check this page periodically for new dates and new educational materials.

Your Input is Very Important

Above all, we would like to hear from you. Please let us know of any new procedures, medications or life-style changes which may have had a positive or negative effect regarding your condition. This site is dedicated to gathereing and sharing beneficial information with our visitors.

We hope that you find this resource beneficial. Please continue to make suggestions to us and let us know how we can meet your needs.

About Self-Help Research

Research on self-help groups has shown positive conclusions about patient recovery rates and has provided insight on the social and psychological benefits to the patient. Self-help programs provide several key functions:

• Participants receive information about the disease through printed educational materials, research articles, referrals to facilities within their area and counseling.
• Self-help groups provide a sense of community for the participants.
• Self-help groups serve as a central resource for the patients and the practitioners. An established self-help group is concerned with the sharing of current information and the continuation of research efforts.
• Patients establish a social support system with others who share similar characteristics and concerns.

Please feel free to participate with us in this online process, as well as with others interested in this important topic, by emailing questions or comments to Dr. Nancy W. Burkhart.

Dr Nancy W. Burkhart is an adjunct associate professor and educational consultant in the Department of Periodontics Baylor College of Dentistry. BCD is a component of The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center.