Oral lichen planus arising after COVID-19 vaccine: report of 2 cases

Authors

  • Ana Laura Alexandre Santos
  • Carina David Lujan
  • Caroline Miranda Pernambuco
  • Marina Vinagre Cunha
  • Maria Tereza de Moraes Longhi
  • Carine Ervolino de Oliveira
  • João Adolfo Costa Hanemann
  • Leonardo Amaral dos Reis

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34119/bjhrv8n4-214

Keywords:

COVID-19, mouth diseases, lichen planus, stomatognathic diseases, oral pathology

Abstract

This study aims to present two clinical cases of oral lichen planus (OLP) treated at the Stomatology Clinic of the Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL) and to explore a possible association between lesion onset and COVID-19 vaccination, thereby contributing to the understanding of adverse mucosal reactions. Materials and Methods: Clinical data, physical examinations, incisional biopsies, and histopathological analyses were used, with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining for diagnostic purposes. Results: In both cases, the diagnosis of oral lichen planus was confirmed through biopsy and histopathological analysis. The onset of lesions coincided with COVID-19 vaccination. Treatment with prescribed corticosteroids was effective in relieving symptoms and resolving the lesions. These findings suggest a temporal relationship between COVID-19 vaccination and the manifestation of oral lichen planus. Conclusion: A cytokine surge triggered by COVID-19 vaccination may be associated with the onset of oral lichen planus. However, current scientific consensus maintains that such adverse effects do not constitute a contraindication for vaccination, as the benefits of immunization far outweigh the potential risks.

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Published

08/19/2025

How to Cite

SANTOS, A. L. A.; LUJAN, C. D.; PERNAMBUCO, C. M.; CUNHA, M. V.; LONGHI, M. T. de M.; OLIVEIRA, C. E. de; HANEMANN, J. A. C.; REIS, L. A. dos. Oral lichen planus arising after COVID-19 vaccine: report of 2 cases. Brazilian Journal of Health Review, [S. l.], v. 8, n. 4, p. e81586, 2025. DOI: 10.34119/bjhrv8n4-214. Disponível em: https://ojs.brazilianjournals.com.br/ojs/index.php/BJHR/article/view/81586. Acesso em: 19 oct. 2026.

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Section

Original Papers