A Comparative Evaluation of Low-Level Laser and Topical Steroid Therapies for the Treatment of Erosive-Atrophic Lichen Planus.
BACKGROUND
Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes bilateral white striations, papules, or plaques on the buccal mucosa, tongue, and gingivae. Erythema, erosions, and blisters may or may not be present. Several empirical therapies have been used in the treatment of (OLP).


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of low level laser therapy (LLLT) versus topical steroids for the treatment of erosive-atrophic lichen planus.


METHODS
Twenty-four patients with erosive-atrophic (OLP) were categorized into two groups. In the first group patients were treated with 970 nm diode laser irradiation, while, in the second group patients used topical corticosteroids (0.1% triamcinolone acetonide orabase). The gender, medical history and pain score were recorded. The pain score was measured before and after treatment by visual analogue scale (VAS).


RESULTS
Steroid-treated group (0.1% triamcinolone acetonide orabase) show reduced pain score than laser group.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical steroids are more effective than LLLT. LLLT may be used as an alternative treatment for symptomatic OLP when steroids are contraindicated.
Orodental Division Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt.
Hanaa M
HM
El Shenawy
Orodental Division Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt.
Amany Mohy
AM
Eldin
low level laser therapy (LLLT); oral lichen planus (OLP); steroids; visual analogue scale