Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory cutaneous and mucosal disease mostly affecting middle-aged individuals. The etiology of lichen planus is unknown, but current literature suggests that it is an altered immune response characterized by dysregulated T-cell activation and subsequent inflammation which can be associated with conditions like allergic contact dermatitis and hepatitis C. Additionally, heavy metals like lead, tin, arsenic, and bismuth can create inflammatory and allergic reactions that can predispose to the formation of lichen planus. This report examines the case of a 64-year-old female with longstanding oral lichenoid lesions with superimposed Wickham's striae, allergic skin reactions to several medications, and a history of receiving gold-containing dental implants. As a result of her history and subsequent allergy testing, she was found to have a gold allergy. The constant mucosal irritation from her dental implants likely was associated with the development of her oral lesions, which were confirmed to be oral lichen planus. She was recommended to apply triamcinolone 0.1% ointment to her oral lesions and to follow up with her dentist for evaluation of her filings. Further, it was recommended she replaces the dental crowns with compounds lacking gold to decrease the persistent irritation. This case represents the first such instance of gold dental fillings directly having an appreciable role in the development of oral lichen planus.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an ulcerating dermatosis associated with various chronic medical conditions. Its exact etiology is unknown but likely a function of inflammation and immune dysregulation. Treatment of PG generally follows a stepwise approach which involves extensive testing, biopsies, and potentially systemic therapy. However, patients with presumptive PG in an unsheltered homeless (USH) environment require a different approach, especially in a resource-limited setting. Our 65-year-old USH patient with an extensive medical history presented with an initial, irregular salmon-colored plaque measuring approximately 10 cm × 6 cm that eventually ulcerated with pain and purulent discharge. The consistent and judicious management of his wound in terms of gentle irrigation and appropriate dressing was performed over the course of seven months starting in April 2021. In November 2021, his wound margins shrunk by roughly 1 cm circumferentially, and the ulcer had scant serosanguinous discharge, a noticeable improvement from baseline. The previously impaired wound healing may have been due to pathergy, which was indirectly addressed by protective wound dressings. Management of chronic wounds and ulcers in patients otherwise lacking access to reliable care should avoid systemic immunosuppressants due to the inherently high-risk conditions on unsheltered streets.