USMLE Exam Prep

Answer: D - Linchen planus is caused by cytotoxic cell-mediated hypersensitivity. There are two types of this disease: reticular and erosive. Reticular is the most common type. It is asymptomatic and it displays Wickham’s striae or white lesions from epithelial thickening. Erosive is rare, the lesions are painful, and lead to erythematous gingiva. There is no treatment for asymptomatic lesions, but systemic steroid are used for symptomatic lesions.