*Reader, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Darshan Dental College, Ranakpur Road, Loyara, Udaipur (Rajasthan)
**Reader, Department of Periodontics, Darshan Dental College, Ranakpur Road, Loyara, Udaipur (Rajasthan)
1Address for Correspondence: Dr. Gopikrishna kolli, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology Darshan Dental College, Ranakpur Road, Loyara, Udaipur (Rajasthan). Email: gkolli@yahoo.com
Online published on 10 July, 2014.
Lichen Planus is a chronic inflammatory and often disabling mucosal disease manifested by persistent painful burning erythema and erosions. The etiology of OLP is multifactorial, with an immunopathogenesis involving T cells. Treatment is focused primarily on reducing the symptoms through immune response modulation by using steroids with wide known side effects. Tacrolimus is a prototype for the class of topical immunosuppressive agent with great potential in the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases with proved efficacy in atopic dermatitis. Studies done on the management of OLP using Tacrolimus are limited. The aim of the study is to determine the efficacy of Tacrolimus in management of Oral Lichen Planus.
The study consisted of 30 patients of Lichen Planus with diagnosis confirmed through histopathological examination based on WHO criteria. Patients were subjected to Topical application of Tacrolimus for a period of 45 days. The patients were followed up for 6 months. Pain and burning sensation was evaluated with VAS. Post treatment Biopsy was carried out after 1 week of cessation of treatment and the results were statistically evaluated.
There was significant improvement in relief of symptoms with Tacrolimus. Erosive Lichen Planus showed early response compared to other clinical forms. No significant adverse effects were observed, and recurrence was noted in only 2 patients in 6 months follow up.
Topical application of Tacrolimus in Oral Lichen planus has shown significant clinical response with least adverse effects.
Oral Lichen Planus, Tacrolimus, Treatment
