Publication:

Management of erosive/ulcerative oral lichen planus by diode laser therapy with corticosteroid or topical therapy: a randomized controlled trial

Background Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory mucosal disorder, with erosive and ulcerative forms causing significant pain, discomfort and impaired quality of life. Although topical corticosteroids are considered first-line therapy, recurrence and adverse effects remain common. Low-level laser therapy has emerged as a promising adjunctive modality due to its anti-inflammatory and biostimulatory effects. This study evaluated the effectiveness of diode laser–assisted combined therapy compared with topical corticosteroid therapy alone in symptomatic OLP.

Methods This randomized controlled clinical trial included 60 patients (45 females, 15 males; age 35–65 years) diagnosed with erosive or ulcerative OLP attending two dental centers in Dhaka between 2019 and 2025. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups (n=30 each). Group 1 received combined therapy comprising low-level red diode laser (630 nm, 1.5 J/cm², 10 mW, 120 seconds, 15 sessions) with 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide, while group 2 received topical corticosteroid alone. Pain was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS). All patients were followed for 12 months. Data were analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 25.

Results Combined therapy produced superior outcomes, with 100% of patients reporting nil pain, complete healing and no recurrence. In the topical therapy group, 60% achieved nil pain while 40% reported mild pain and recurrence. Mild adverse effects occurred in 10% of patients receiving corticosteroids alone.

Conclusions Diode laser–assisted combined therapy is a safe and more effective treatment modality than topical corticosteroid alone for managing erosive and ulcerative OLP, providing better pain relief, faster healing and reduced recurrence.