Lichen Planus cured by CPAP?

[twoextrahours]

Recently diagnosed with moderate apnea, on CPAP now for a bit over a year, quite transformational as in more energy, way less daytime napping, as advertised.  

One big transformation however was not advertised, and I thought I should tell the forum about it to see if anyone else has this experience.  

Maybe five years ago I was diagnosed with erosive oral lichen planus, an autoimmune disease of unknown origin that causes open sores inside cheek and on gums.  Steroids were prescribed (dexamethasone rinse, and fluocinonide for flareup) and helped me get it under some control.  But with CPAP it seemed that I needed the steroids less and less, and today I am practically symptom free after three months of no steroids at all.  Not bad for what is supposed to be a chronic disease with no cure.  

My question, could this be CPAP, or is that just coincidence?

[Beej]

From Medscape: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/10...ew#showall
"Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory disease. The lesions of cutaneous lichen planus typically resolve within 1-2 years, whereas the lesions of oral lichen planus are long lasting and persist for 20 years or longer. Resolution of the white striations, plaques, or papules is rare. Symptomatic oral lichen planus (ie, atrophic or erosive disease) characteristically waxes and wanes, although the associated white patches do not resolve. Patients with atrophic (erythematous) or erosive (ulcerative) disease commonly have significant local morbidity. "

[trish6hundred]

Hi twoextrahours,
WELCOME!to the forum.!
It’s great to hear that you are doing better since you started CPAP therapy, I hope this continues.
I wish you good luck on your CPAP journey.