Home > Medical Articles > Articles beginning with L > Leukoplakia > Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Medical References
Diseases & Conditions
Women's Health
Mental Health
Men's Health
Healthy Choice News
Site Map Links
Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news
Leukoplakia
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Leukoplakia is a white patch, often inside the mouth, that will not rub off.
What is going on in the body?
Leukoplakia is caused by irritation of a body surface. This surface can be the tongue, lips, skin, genitals, or other places. Over time these areas of irritation may create slightly raised, thickened whitish areas. These are known as leukoplakia.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Repeated, long-term irritation of the surfaces in the mouth is the most common cause of leukoplakia. This may be from:
Other less common causes are inherited conditions and infections.