The surface may become so thick that hairlike projections appear. HIV-positive patients with OHL will often develop AIDS within 24 months, if they haven t already. Treatment of OHL is not necessary, because the lesion is painless, nontransmittable, and nonneoplastic. Acyclovir may be used if the patient wants the lesion removed, but it will usually return when treatment is stopped. It is a safe topical regimen with minimal side effects.
Diagnosis is made from biopsy.
The presence of oral lesions indicates systemic CMV involvement that necessitates intravenous therapy with gancyclovir. NUP is characterized by rapid localized destruction of alveolar bone and periodontal tissue. Petechiae-like patches on the attached gingiva often are associated with spontaneous gingival bleeding. Necrotizing gingivitis has a clinical appearance of localized cratering and necrotic ulceration of interdental papillae and marginal gingiva. In the actue stage, the alveolar bone is not involved.