LINEAR LICHEN-PLANUS IN THE REGION OF THE MANDIBULAR NERVE CAUSED BY AN ALLERGY TO PALLADIUM IN DENTAL METALS

We observed a case of linear lichen planus extending from the right ch eek to the jaw, which was accompanied by itching and an unusual sensat ion in the mouth. The eruption was located along the mandible and alig ned with the mandibular nerve. The right molars of the patient contain ed metal compounds and these were considered to be the cause of his di sease. Patch testing with various dental metals showed positive reacti ons to palladium and platinum. a biopsy specimen showed a lichenoid re action in the lesional tissue, and dermal contact dermatitis was noted at the palladium patch test site. His dentist reported that palladium -silver-gold or nickel-chrome alloys without platinum had been used in the crown and bridge of his molars. After removal of the dental alloy s, the skin eruption resolved with some residual hyperpigmentation. In addition, the peculiar mouth sensation disappeared dramatically withi n 2 months.