Topical tretinoin therapy and oral lichen planus

The treatment of severe forms of oral lichen planus is still relatively unsatisfactory. In this controlled study, 0.1% tretinoin in an adhesive base was used in 23 patients. Fifteen other control patients were similarly treated with the vehicle alone. In the tretinoin-treated group, 71% of the atrophic-erosive lesions improved while 29% improved from the vehicle (P<.05). Reticular-plaque lesions improved in 74% from tretinoin and in 15% from the vehicle (P<.001). Irritation from tretinoin occurs and thorough usage information is mandatory. (Arch Dermatol115:716-718, 1979).