Contact hypersensitivity to mercury in amalgam restorations may mimic oral lichen planus.
Oral lichenoid lesions caused by hypersensitivity to mercury in amalgam fillings may mimic oral lichen planus on clinical and histologic examination. A positive patch test reaction to more than one mercurial allergen increases confidence in the diagnosis and justifies the removal and replacement of all amalgam fillings with those made of other materials. A complete remission may be expected about 3 months after the last amalgam filling is removed.
Camisa
C
C
Section of Clinical Dermatology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio, USA.
Taylor
J S
JS
Bernat
J R
JR
Helm
T N
TN
D003723:Dental Amalgam / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017676:Lichen Planus, Oral / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D008628:Mercury / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010328:Patch Tests
D003723:Dental Amalgam; D008628:Mercury