ORAL HAIRY

 

 

LEUKOPLAKIA

 

Oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL), caused by Epstein-Barr virus, presents as asymptomatic, corrugated, white plaques with accentuation of the vertical folds along the lateral border of the tongue. OHL occurs predominantly in HIV-infected individuals and rarely in organ transplant recipients and patients on chemotherapy. Candida infection co-exists in half the cases. OHL responds to acyclovir and cidofovir (an antiviral agent used to treat cytomegalovirus), topical retinoids, and podophyllin, but recurrences are common. Administration of antifungal agents may be helpful. Since initiation of highly active antiretroviral treatment, OHL is rarely seen.