How to manage my allergy due to tooth fillings?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am having lots of problems with my mouth, and the clinic is struggling to help me. I am a 36-year-old male and have no significant health issues besides this. I am really struggling because my lips are constantly raw, peeling, and swollen. They also burn and hurt almost always. I have had one amalgam filling in my mouth for 15 years or longer. I also have a bit of resin or composite fillings in my mouth. I am trying to make connections and remember.

I had a bad skin reaction to an artificial football field turf a few years ago, and it was where the plastic field pellets were stuck to my skin. I also had path testing done at the clinic, and they found I was allergic to Sesquiterpene lactones, cobalt, and nickel, as well as other metals. Is it possible that the materials in my mouth are keeping me in a constant state of misery?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I saw your clinical picture (attachment removed to protect patient identity). If I just look at your lips, it looks like severe cheilitis. Considering the history, I would like to rule out oral lichen planus. Amalgam is known to cause lichen planus. Check in your mouth for a whitish-lacy pattern. I suggest you meet your dermatologist for a detailed oral examination. Warm compresses will be helpful till you meet your doctor.

Avoid licking your lips; saliva further aggravates the condition. I suggest using Bioline jelly, apply to the lips four times a day. These are all symptomatic treatments, not specific. If the diagnosis of lichen planus is confirmed after a detailed examination by your doctor, then you will be prescribed topical Tacrolimus, topical corticosteroids, and oral corticosteroids if needed.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.