The Efficacy of Topical Coconut cream Versus Topical Triamcinolone in The Management of Oral Lichen Planus

Abstract

Background: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic mucocutaneous disease. The cause of oral lichen planus is not well known and the successful management of OLP is still difficult to achieve. Aim:The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the therapeutic effects of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) preparation versus topical 50% coconut cream preparation in the management of atrophic OLP.Methods: 20 patients who had atrophic OLP were selected and randomly divided into two equal groups. (Group I) received topical 50% coconut cream, and (Group II) received topical 0.1% triamcinolone for a period of 4 weeks. Patients were evaluated at baseline before treatment and on days 14, 21 and 28. The following parameters were evaluated; visual analogue scale (VAS) score, degree of erythema and size of erosive area. Results:Our results showed a statistically significant reduction in both groups with a 64.1% reduction in VAS score and 68.5% reduction is the lesion size in the coconut group compared to 74.7% and 77% in the VAS and lesion size in the 0.1% TA group respectively. After 28 days follow up period there was a statistically significant difference between both groups.Conclusion: 50% coconut cream showed a significant reduction in the VAS, degree of erythema and lesion size with no signs of toxicity nor side effects informed during the treatment or follow-up period, thus proving to be a safe and promising medication for OLP.