Alternative management of oral lichen planus

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease that appears in about 1-2% of the general population and it is characterized by a clinical course with periodic remissions and reactivations. In contrast to cutaneous lichen planus, the oral form may persist for up to 25years. Oral lesions may coexist with lesions of the genital mucous membranes or with lesions of cutaneous lichen planus. It affects woman more than men in a ratio of 2:3. Till date, no cure for OLP or its dermal counterpart exists. The treatment goal is always twofold: (1) alleviation of symptoms and (2) monitoring for dysplastic changes. The aim of the current OLP therapy are to eliminate mucosal erythema and ulceration, alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of oral cancer.