‘Hairy’ leukoplakia of the mouth ...

[MadisonTeddy]

I just discovered a very small growth of this on the side of my tongue...What should I do. The PA gave me antibiotics....Thanks  UD and 310 CD4

[Jeff G]

Here is some useful information . http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/leukoplakia/basics/causes/con-20023802

Usually, you don't need treatment for hairy leukoplakia. The condition often causes no symptoms and isn't likely to lead to mouth cancer.

If your doctor or dentist recommends treatment, you may take a pill that affects your whole system (systemic medication), such as the antiviral medicine acyclovir (Zovirax) or antiretroviral medicine zidovudine (Retrovir). Or you may use a medication solution that you apply directly to the lesions in your mouth (topical medication), such as podophyllum.

Once you stop treatment, the white patches of hairy leukoplakia may return. Your doctor or dentist may recommend follow-up visits every three months to monitor changes to your mouth or ongoing therapy to prevent leukoplakia patches from returning.

I still get this sometime and it usually resolves on its own . If Im run down or drinking too much I might see a bit of it .

[MadisonTeddy]

Thanks Jeff...I don't drink, have good oral hygiene, but am under some extreme stress as I am home and seeing a US ASO and will be telling some of my family about my diagnosis..Why did the PA prescribe Bactrim??

[Jeff G]

Thanks Jeff...I don't drink, have good oral hygiene, but am under some extreme stress as I am home and seeing a US ASO and will be telling some of my family about my diagnosis..Why did the PA prescribe Bactrim??

Im not sure why bactrim was prescribed ... I am sure some others will chime in with more info that may can help .

[TabooPrincess]

I had multiple white patches over my tongue a couple of years ago.  My doctor wouldn't diagnose me with hairy leukoplakia as my CD4 count wasn't low enough to suggest it was that.  However, they were identical with pictures I've seen.

I went through months of freaking out (I smoke and drink!) and had to have a biopsy of one of the white patches, that was really painful.

Results came back as nothing sinister.  Funnily enough after the results and an improvement in my overall health the patches just went away, it was the weirdest thing.

Perhaps check you're not lacking in any vitamins - I started taking B6 and B12 which I believe may have helped.

[MadisonTeddy]

Thanks Taboo...Started a multi for +50 with over 1000 of D as I am on Atripla..The ASO took over 20 vials of blood to check EVERYTHING as well....Still not sure why I am on bactrim....

[AusShep]

OHL usually goes away with improved CD4 counts.  I've had it before, but declined the biopsy required for a confirmation.  My only guess on the Bactrim is that due to the OI they're putting you on prophylactics as part of their protocol vs. directly for the OHL.  I've also seen anti fungals (fluconozale) Rx'd with OHL since there could be thrush involved as well.

[Shayne504]

I had HL the first time I saw my Dr after Dx as well. Mine cleared up within the first 3 months of meds.

As far as Bactrim goes, my first Cd4 came back as 104, then dropped to 80, before I even saw my Dr his nurse called me to get me started on the bactrim to prevent pneumonia. I have to take it until I have 2 continuos results of Cd4 over 200. Unfortunately for me mine have dropped back down to 130. I guess I should have told you I started Truvada and Isentress in July 2013. He recently switched me off both the Truvada ( went to Epzicom) and the Bactrim (switched to Dapsone) as they both "can" depress Cd4 counts in Old Farts (53) like me!

I've been UD since October 2013 (from VL 104,000) but my Cd4's don't want to cooperate, but I did have a mild case of pneumonia in January. My Dr assures me that graphically my counts are improving percentage wise, so even though I'm freaking out about it, I trust my Dr implicitly!