A Systematic Review of Management of Oral Lichen Planus

Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is a relatively common chronic inflammatory disorder with a low risk of associated malignancy. A genetic predisposition linked to Th1 cytokine polymorphisms may predispose to the T-cell-mediated immunological response to an induced antigenic change that is supposed to cause OLP lesions. Topical immunomodulators such as corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors may control OLP lesions, but their long-term effects need to be better explored and understood. A systematic review of published data on oral lichen planus is presented with special reference to its treatment modalities. Typically, different medical and surgical modalities and newer therapeutic options are considered that contribute to symptomatic relief and palliative functional improvement to the patients. Eventually, the magnitude of the illness as a pre-malignant disease in a considerable size of patients signifies the need for promising treatment options.