Desquamative gingivitis as a manifestation of chronic mucocutaneous disease.
Desquamative gingivitis (DG) is a clinical descriptive term indicating "peeling gums". DG is usually the result of a disease process that causes separation of the epithelium from the underlying connective tissue in the oral masticatory mucosa. DG may be a manifestation of several mucocutaneous diseases, most commonly cicatricial pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris and lichen planus. Correct diagnosis of the underlying disease in DG patients requires careful clinical observation, detailed examination of medical history, biopsy and histopathological examination of the lesions as well as more specialized tests such as direct and indirect immunofluorescence. Treatment of DG consists of treating the underlying disease and often requires the use of immunosuppressive agents, such as corticosteroids. Elimination of local gingival irritants, such as dental plaque and calculus, can significantly improve the treatment outcome.
Department of Dermatology, National and Kapodistrian University, Athens, Greece. egagari@gmail.com
Eleni
E
Gagari
Petros D
PD
Damoulis
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000473:pathology*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents