Clinical Management of Oral Lichen Planus: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Aim: The clinical management of OLP represents a considerable challenge for the oral physician. The aim of this review is to assess the main intervention used in the management of OLP and the efficacy of every type of treatment. Materials and Methods:We searched and analyzed PubMed database for articles on OLP management. Only randomized controlled trials, comparing an active treatment with placebo, or between different active treatments, were considered in this systematic review. Only patients with symptomatic OLP were included and interventions of all types were considered (topical treatment, systemic drugs, non pharmacological intervention). Results:A total of 25 randomized controlled trials were examined and included in this review. Steroids are the most frequently employed drug in the treatment of OLP and their efficacy and safety are demonstrated. Also calcineurin inhibitors and photo-dynamic therapy are used in different studies for OLP management, with positive results. Conclusion:Topical steroids remain the first-line treatment for symptomatic OLP, however, many different pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies would represent a valid alternative for its management, but, nowadays they require further investigations. atrophic-erosive type, but are rarely present in reticular forms [3].It is important to distinguish OLP from oral lichenoid lesions, which can be similar in appearance, but the latter represent a reaction to specific causal factors (e.g. dental materials, traumas, drugs) [5].Managing OLP is aimed at reducing symptoms and the manifestation of lesions, characterized by periods of exacerbation and quiescence. The first-line treatment is represented by the use of topical corticosteroids, although other effective therapies, like photodynamic therapy and the use of calcineurin inhibitors have recently been made available. MATERIALS AND METHODSWe examined the main publications related to OLP management, identified by searching the PubMed electronic database. We used the following search items: oral lichen planus, oral lichen planus management, oral lichen planus treatment, oral lichen planus therapy, randomized trial oral lichen planus, oral lichen planus placebo, oral lichen planus

Efficacy evaluation of photodynamic therapy for oral lichen planus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Presently, the most common treatment for OLP is topical corticosteroids [ 4 ]. We compared the efficacy of PDT to topical corticosteroids.…”

“…There is a large difference in the curative effect of the current treatments. In pharmacologic therapy, topical corticosteroids are usually prescribed, such as triamcinolone acetonide and dexamethasone [ 4 ]. However, long-term treatment with topical corticosteroids may cause obvious side effects, such as local pigmentation, oral candidiasis, and dry mouth [ 5 ].…”

Efficacy evaluation of photodynamic therapy for oral lichen planus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Presently, the most common treatment for OLP is topical corticosteroids [4]. We compared the e cacy of PDT to topical corticosteroids.…”

Efficacy evaluation of the photodynamic therapy for oral lichen planus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Currently the most common treatment for OLP is topical corticosteroids [4]. We compared the efficacy of PDT to the methods of topical corticosteroid.…”

“…There is a large difference in the curative effect of current treatments. In pharmacologic therapy, topical corticosteroids are usually prescribed, such as triamcinolone acetonide, dexamethasone, and so on [4]. However, long-term treatment with systematic corticosteroids may cause obvious side effects, such as local pigmentation, oral candidiasis, dry mouth and so on [5].…”