Therapeutic Management of Oral Lichen Planus: A Review for the Clinicians

Abstract

ABSTRACT Lichen planus is a chronic, noninfectious, inflammatory disease of skin and mucous membrane. Intraorally the buccal mucosa, tongue and gingiva are the sites commonly involved. It affects women more often than men in a ratio 3:2. It has well-recognized clinical signs and symptoms, the symptoms may range from none, through mild discomfort to severe burning sensation. In comparison with cutaneous form, the oral lesions are more resistant to therapy and are less likely to undergo spontaneous remission. Treatment is administered mainly to resolve symptoms and discomfort. Choice of treatment may vary from patient to patient depending on the severity of the lesion and systemic condition of the patient. A variety of agents have been employed to treat oral lichen planus, but corticosteroid remains the mainstay of treatment. However, in the recent past, newer drugs like Tacrolimus have shown promising results. In view of fact that there is a risk of malignant transformation of atrophic and erosive forms of oral lichen planus, the patients need to be actively treated and kept on long-term follow-up. This article highlights various agents used in treatment of oral lichen planus, their mechanism of action, dosage and untoward effects.