Refractory erosive oral lichen planus associated with hepatitis C: response to topical tacrolimus ointment.
BACKGROUND
Erosive lichen planus is a painful and disabling disease that is frequently resistant to topical and systemic therapies. Current therapies are considered palliative rather than curative as many patients relapse after discontinuing treatment. An association has been reported between some cases of oral lichen planus (OLP) and chronic hepatitis C infection.


OBJECTIVE
We report on a 51-year-old hepatitis C-positive man with corticosteroid refractory erosive lichen planus of the lip who had a rapid resolution of his lesions following a two-week course of topical 0.1% tacrolimus ointment. The patient remains symptom-free at one year post-treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
This case supports the safety and efficacy of topical tacrolimus in patients with steroid-refractory OLP associated with chronic hepatitis C.
Donovan
Jeffrey C H
JC
Division of Dermatology, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Hayes
Robert C
RC
Burgess
Karen
K
Leong
Iona T
IT
Rosen
Cheryl F
CF
D000287:Administration, Topical; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017676:Lichen Planus, Oral / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000473:pathology; D009824:Ointments; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D009824:Ointments; D016559:Tacrolimus