Autoimmune diseases are caused by autoantibodies targeting structural
proteins present in the skin and mucosa. The oral mucosa is frequently affected in these
diseases, in particular by lichen planus, recurrent aphthous stomatitis, erythema
multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and pemphigus. Clinical symptoms are
heterogeneous and may present clinically with erythema, erosions and ulcers localized
on the oral mucosa, causing a plethora of local and systemic symptoms, including pain,
dysphagia, difficulty in eating and speaking and general malaise. The multiplicity and
similarity of the clinical manifestations of these pathologies make an accurate diagnosis
based only on the clinic extremely difficult. Therefore, to make a correct differential
diagnosis, the clinic must be accompanied by a histopathological examination. The
management of oral lesions accompanied by painful symptoms is challenging and
requires a multidisciplinary approach. The main purpose of treatment is usually
directed at reducing the pain and discomfort caused, controlling the worsening of the
disease, and preventing complications.
Keywords: Allergic labial disease, Aphthous stomatitis, Erythema multiforme, Exfoliative cheilitis, Immune-mediated diseases, Lichen planus, Lupus erythematosus, Pemphigus vulgaris, Vitiligo.
