Leukoedema Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Leukoedema is a condition where there is a change in the inner layer of the skin to become whitish and like a membrane. This disorder is often found on both sides of the inner cheek skin, and sometimes at the border of the tongue. Leukoedema is more common in people who actively smoke.
Symptom
When a person has leukoedema, they will experience a discolored lining in the mouth to appear whitish that spreads, with lots of surface folds. This is due to the shrinkage of the inner layer.
The new tissue that appears can not be peeled off but will disappear or fade when the layers of skin are stretched.
Leukoedema usually presents without pain and occurs most commonly on the inner cheeks, on both the right and left sides and can occasionally be found on the soft tissues of the lips, roof of the mouth, and floor of the mouth.
Reason
The cause of leukoedema is a variation of the normal condition of the lining of the mouth. In other words, leukoedema is not a disease. Even so, factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and bacterial infections are thought to trigger leukoedema.
Diagnosis
Leukoedema can be identified through clinical examination and supported by an examination of skin tissue in the laboratory. The hallmark of leukoedema is a thickening of the skin and thickening of the body’s surface tissue.
Treatment
The condition of leukoedema does not require treatment because this condition is a normal condition and there are no complications.