DESQUAMATIVE GINGIVITIS: VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY?

Abstract

Desquamative gingivitis is a generic condition with gingival scaling that can be a manifestation of autoimmune diseases such as lichen planus, pemphigus, and pemphigoid, etc. Diagnosis is based on biopsy of the lesions, hematoxylin and eosin staining (HE), and direct immunofluorescence, and the treatment of choice is the use of corticosteroids. A 59-year-old white female presented with areas of intense erythema and extensive ulcerations spread throughout the gingivae on both arches and on the hard palate, which stopped her from adequately feeding due to pain and bleeding. An incisional biopsy was taken and direct IFD confirmed the diagnosis of lichen planus. The treatment was based on corticosteroids and colchicine, without success. Vitamin D dosage was requested, which was low, and after increasing levels of vitamin D, the lesions began to decrease, resulting in total remission of the disease. Desquamative gingivitis is a generic condition with gingival scaling that can be a manifestation of autoimmune diseases such as lichen planus, pemphigus, and pemphigoid, etc. Diagnosis is based on biopsy of the lesions, hematoxylin and eosin staining (HE), and direct immunofluorescence, and the treatment of choice is the use of corticosteroids. A 59-year-old white female presented with areas of intense erythema and extensive ulcerations spread throughout the gingivae on both arches and on the hard palate, which stopped her from adequately feeding due to pain and bleeding. An incisional biopsy was taken and direct IFD confirmed the diagnosis of lichen planus. The treatment was based on corticosteroids and colchicine, without success. Vitamin D dosage was requested, which was low, and after increasing levels of vitamin D, the lesions began to decrease, resulting in total remission of the disease.