Background Oral lichen planus is an autoimmune disease in which topical steroids are the first line of treatment. The adverse effects of systemic corticosteroids prescribed for resistant oral lichen planus cases advocate alternative modalities. Lycopene is an antioxidant with a wide range of beneficial properties. This trial aimed to evaluate the effect of pure lycopene as compared to systemic corticosteroids (Prednisolone) on the symptoms, signs and oxidative stress in patients with erosive oral lichen planus recalcitrant to topical steroids. Methods Twenty patients were randomly divided into the test (lycopene) and control (corticosteroids) groups. Numeric rating scale and Escudier et al. (Br J Dermatol 4:765–770, 2007. 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2007.08106.x) lesion scores were assessed at baseline and weeks 4 and 8 from baseline. Serum levels of 8-isoprostane were measured in all patients at baseline and at the end of treatment (week 8). Results There was a significant reduction in signs and symptoms after the end of treatment in each group. However, no significant difference was found between the lycopene and the corticosteroids group. Moreover, a significant reduction in 8-isoprostane levels was observed in the lycopene group from baseline and as compared to the control group. Conclusions Based on the study results, lycopene is a safe and effective therapeutic modality for resistant oral lichen planus. 8-isoprostane is a biomarker of lipid peroxidation that can be reduced by lycopene. Trial registration ID: PACTR202003484099670. 'Retrospectively registered on 11/3/2020'.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the pandemic of major global concern that has been causing several tragic events ever since December 2019. Infection with COVID-19 varies from being asymptomatic or mild with general unwellness to severe with difficulty in breathing and even mortality. Recently, several reports signified the persistence of symptoms or the development of new ones for weeks or months after the virus has gone, the so-called “post-acute COVID-19 syndrome.” This article presents a 31-year-old female with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome showing parosmia, dysgeusia, and tongue feature changes as simultaneous newly developed manifestations after the viral clearance. Follow-up revealed complete remission of manifestations after one month. Post-acute COVID-19 syndrome can show oral manifestations. Despite the lack of evidence regarding the etiology, risk factors, and consequences of post-COVID-19 syndrome, it is important to monitor COVID-19 survivors to avoid complications during their recovery period.

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Background Riga–Fede disease is a rare begnin disorder of the oral tissues, it can be associated with congenital anomalies and neurological disturbances. Lesch–Nyhan syndrome is a rare X-linked recessive disorder characterized by neurological and behavioral manifestations. A patient can rarely be diagnosed with both diseases in a lifetime. Therefore, reporting manifestations from such disorders is important to avoid misdiagnosis and help in timely intervention. Case presentation This case report presents an 8-months-old male infant with traumatic oral ulcers from deciduous teeth. A diagnosis of Riga–Fede disease was made. Teeth grinding was performed and the oral lesions were healed. At the age of 2.5 years, the patient presented with neurological manifestations as well as facial tissue and premature teeth loss from self mutilation. Genetic sequencing revealed a variant of uncertain significance in the Hypoxanthine Phosphoribosyltransferase 1 gene. He was diagnosed with Lesch–Nyhan syndrome. Cleft palate, ventricular septal defect, congenitally undescended testis and ectopic left iliac kidney were also reported. The patient was scheduled on psychiatric treatment and after about six months of follow-up, both the behavioral and neurological symptoms were improved. Conclusions Riga–Fede disease can be an early manifestation of Lesch–Nyhan syndrome. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case with the incidence of all the mentioned entities in one pediatric patient.

INTRODUCTION:Oral lichen planus is an autoimmune disorder of unknown etiology. It is believed that oxidative stress plays an important role in its pathogenesis. Topical corticosteroids are the gold standard treatment for oral lichen planus. However, for resistant and severe lesions systemic corticosteroids are indicated. The side effects of oral steroids necessitate searching for safer lines of treatment. Lycopene is an antioxidant with promising effects on human health. It is also found to play roles in the treatment of various oral mucosal diseases especially oral lichen planus. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral lycopene and systemic steroids in the treatment of erosive oral lichen planus and compare between the two therapeutic modalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients were recruited and randomly assigned in one of two groups, the test (lycopene) and control (corticosteroids) group. Subjective assessment using Visual Analogue Scale and objective assessment using Thongprasom et al. lesion scoring were taken at baseline and after one, two and five months from baseline (three months after treatment termination). RESULTS: In both study groups, there was a significant decrease in the scores of objective and subjective outcomes after one, two and five months. The mean score values of both outcomes were in favor of the test group after two and five months. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the test and control groups throughout the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Lycopene is an effective therapeutic modality for erosive oral lichen planus.