Mucosal lichen planus: an evidence-based treatment update.
BACKGROUND
Mucosal lichen planus (MLP) is a chronic mucosal disorder that often poses a therapeutic challenge to dermatologists, dentists, and gynecologists. To relieve patients' pain and discomfort, improve their quality of life, and achieve clinical improvement, various therapeutic approaches can be considered for this disease. Based on the current literature it is difficult to define any particular treatment as the main therapeutic modality.


OBJECTIVE
We aimed to systematically review the current literature for the effectiveness of available treatment modalities for MLP.


METHODS
All of the randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews of MLP were collected by searching Pubmed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Health Technology Assessment Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Meta-analysis was performed, if possible.


RESULTS
Topical betamethasone valerate, clobetasol-17-propionate, and fluocinonide are effective in the treatment of oral lichen planus (OLP) when compared with placebo. Calcineurin inhibitors and topical retinoids are also beneficial treatment options.


CONCLUSIONS
The review does not include therapies with a lower level of evidence.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical corticosteroids are the mainstay of therapy for OLP. High-quality evidence is lacking for the treatment of lichen planus.
Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, 3301 C Street, Suite 1400, Sacramento, CA, 95816, USA.
Parastoo
P
Davari
Hui-Hua
HH
Hsiao
Nasim
N
Fazel
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008010:Lichen Planus / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D017676:Lichen Planus, Oral / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000473:pathology; D011788:Quality of Life
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids