Oral Skin Conditions

Symptoms depend on the type of condition and which part of the mouth is affected. Common signs include:

• red, white, or mixed patches on the tongue, cheeks, gums, or lips

• burning, pain, or discomfort in the mouth

• persistent ulcers or sores that do not heal within 3 weeks

• cracked or dry lips

• swelling of the lips or mouth lining

• bleeding gums (unrelated to gum disease)

• difficulty eating or swallowing

• changes in taste or loss of taste

If you have a sore, patch, or ulcer that lasts longer than 3 weeks, it’s important to get it checked by a specialist, as it could be a sign of a more serious problem, including early mouth cancer.

The causes of oral skin conditions vary widely. Some are local irritations, while others are immune-related or due to infections.

Common causes include:

• infections – such as fungal (oral thrush), viral (cold sores, HPV), or bacterial infections
• allergic reactions – to dental materials, mouthwash, toothpaste, or certain foods
• autoimmune diseases – such as lichen planus, lupus, or pemphigoid, where the immune system attacks the body’s tissues
• trauma or irritation – from biting the inside of your cheek, sharp teeth, braces or dentures
• nutritional deficiencies – such as iron, folate, or vitamin B12 deficiency
• smoking and alcohol – these increase the risk of chronic oral irritation and leukoplakia
• medication side effects – such as from chemotherapy or antibiotics

Some oral skin conditions have no known cause but are thought to be triggered by stress, hormonal changes, or other health conditions.

Our specialists will begin by talking to you about your symptoms before carrying out an examination of your mouth. In some cases, a physical examination will be enough to diagnose an oral skin condition, but other diagnostic tests may sometimes be needed.

Depending on your symptoms, your consultant may also perform:

• a biopsy – taking a small tissue sample for microscopic examination

• swab or culture tests – to check for bacterial or fungal infections

• blood tests – to identify autoimmune diseases or deficiencies

• patch testing – if an allergic reaction is suspected

• imaging scans – such as ultrasound or MRI, for deeper tissue concerns

In many cases, a diagnosis can be made during your consultation, allowing for early treatment to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.

While not all oral skin conditions can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk or avoid flare-ups:

• maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing regularly

• avoid tobacco and limit alcohol intake

• eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

• avoid foods or products that irritate your mouth, such as spicy foods or strong mouthwashes

• use alcohol-free mouthwash or toothpaste designed for sensitive mouths

• keep dentures and dental appliances clean and well-fitted

• manage stress with regular exercise and relaxation techniques

For patients with known autoimmune or allergic oral diseases, following your specialist’s care plan and attending regular reviews is important to prevent recurrence.

Most oral skin conditions are benign and treatable, but if left untreated, they can lead to complications such as:

• chronic pain and discomfort when eating or speaking

• secondary infections, particularly if ulcers or cracked skin become infected

• difficulty eating or swallowing, which may lead to weight loss

• psychological distress, especially when symptoms affect speech or appearance

• precancerous changes, as seen in leukoplakia or chronic lichen planus (rare, but important to monitor)

Regular follow-up with your consultant helps to monitor any changes and reduce your risk of complications.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of your condition. Common options include:

• topical corticosteroids – to reduce inflammation and soreness

• antifungal medication – for conditions like oral thrush

• antiviral medication – for viral infections such as herpes simplex

• immunosuppressive drugs – for autoimmune conditions such as oral lichen planus or pemphigus

• pain relief gels or mouth rinses – to reduce discomfort while healing

• vitamin or iron supplements – if deficiencies are identified

• lifestyle and diet advice – to manage triggers and support oral health

Your consultant will discuss all suitable treatment options, explain what to expect, and tailor your plan to your individual needs.

At Welbeck, our specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Can changes in the mouth’s appearance be linked to skin disease elsewhere on the body?

Yes. Many skin-related conditions also affect the oral mucosa (lining of the mouth). If you have skin rashes, blistering, or recurrent sores on the body and then notice new mouth symptoms (such as ulcers or white patches), it’s worth mentioning this to your specialist.

How can I tell the difference between a harmless mouth change and one that needs specialist attention?

Some mouth changes, like temporary white patches or mild sensitivity, are common and benign. However, you should see a specialist for investigations if a patch lasts longer than 2 weeks, changes colour or texture, causes pain or bleeding, or appears alongside skin or nail changes.

Will treatment for skin or oral mucosal conditions affect my dental care?

Treatment often requires collaboration between your oral specialist, dermatologist, and dentist. For example, medications like immunosuppressants may impact dental procedures, healing or infection risk. Always tell your dentist about any skin or oral diagnoses and treatments before having any dental work done.

Are there lifestyle or home-care measures I can use to support oral and skin conditions in the mouth?

Absolutely. Simple measures include:

• keeping your mouth moist if you have dry lips or mucosa (use saliva substitutes or lip emollients)

• avoiding known irritants like spicy foods, alcohol, strong dental products, or tobacco, which can trigger flare-ups

• protecting lips from sun exposure (when lip skin is affected) by using SPF lip balm or hats

• maintaining good oral hygiene with gentle brushing and avoiding trauma to fragile mucosa