Therapeutic efficacy of steroids versus non-steroidal agents in the treatment of oral lichen planus: A randomised control study.

Background and objectives: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the mucous membranes with first-line treatment usually focused on corticosteroids for reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms. Unfortunately, corticosteroids can carry risks, and with contraindications. When corticosteroids are contraindicated, cannot be tolerated, or need to be replaced due to side effects or some other reason, many different treatment and treatment strategies exist depending on what type of underlying condition is being treated. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to compare the efficacy of steroid (prednisolone) versus non-steroid agent (dapsone) in patients with oral lichen planus.

Materials and methods: Thirty patients, diagnosed histopathologically with OLP, which failed to respond to topical treatments, were included in the study. The selected patients were divided into two groups. Group I (n = 15) received a systemic steroid, Prednisolone 10 mg twice daily, and Group II (n = 15) received a non-steroidal Dapsone 100 mg once daily. Both groups were also prescribed Benzocaine Gel and Benzydamine Mouthwash, and local irritants were removed before administration. The reduction in size of lesion and the intensity of burning sensation were recorded.

Results: The two groups demonstrated a substantial degree of remission at the end of their treatment dosages. Both the groups had a positive outcome and similar response rates in terms of reduction in lesion size (group I = 65%; group II = 62%) and reduced pain intensity (group I = 88%; group II = 91%).

Conclusion: Dapsone can be considered as alternate to steroids; it was equivalent to prednisolone in efficacy.