Hairy leukoplakia

Oral hairy leukoplakia

The oral hairy leukoplakia (oral hairy leukoplakia, OHL ) is characterized by whitish, streaky changes, especially at the lateral edges of the tongue in the mouth that cause no subjective complaints. The resulting by oral hairy leukoplakia stripes on the tongue edges can not be removed by wiping.

The oral hairy leukoplakia occurs in the context of HIV infection, but can also accompany other immunosuppressive conditions. Therefore, oral hairy leukoplakia can be pushed back or disappear during antiretroviral therapy or appropriate treatment of immunosuppression.

The triggering agent of oral hairy leukoplakia is usually the Epstein- Barr virus.