Oral Lichen Planus-Treatment Planning

Lichen planus, a chronic autoimmune disease, affects the skin and mucous membrane. It is believed to represent an abnormal immune response in which epithelial cells are recognized as foreign, secondary to changes in the antigenicity of the cell surface. It is characterized by alternating periods of symptomatic remission and exacerbation. It has various oral manifestations, the reticular form being the most common. The erosive and atrophic forms of OLP are less common, yet are most likely to cause symptoms. Different treatment modalities have been tried with limited success. Topical corticosteroids constitute the mainstay of treatment for symptomatic lesions of OLP. Recalcitrant lesions can be treated with systemic steroids or other systemic medications. However, there is only weak evidence that these treatments are superior to placebo. The main objective of this paper is to review the current literature regarding the treatment of OLP.