Publication:

Assessment of griseofulvin in the management of lichen planus

Background Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a common mucocutaneous disorder that affects 1-2% of the adult general population and slight predominance in females has been observed. The success rate is not satisfactory with these modalities of treatment, so there is a clear need for alternative therapy. This study was done to evaluate the efficacy of griseofulvin in the treatment of lichen planus.

Methods The present study was conducted in the department of dermatology in the medical institution for the period of one year. The study included the initial assessment of 60 patients who were diagnosed with lichen planus (LP). Patients with both sexes and age between 15-60 years who agreed to come on follow up examination were included. All patients were treated with griseofulvin 500 mg/day for 6 months. Response of treatment was assessed by clinical examination at each subsequent visit (every two weeks).

Results Among patients with OLP, there was complete response in 27%, moderate improvement in 51%, and no response in 22% of cases. Complete clinical response of cutaneous LP was seen in 18% cases, no response was found in same number of patient, 64% no. of cases showed moderate response.

Conclusions Griseofulvin gives complete improvement in 27% cases and moderate improvement in 51% cases in OLP and it gives complete improvement in 16% cases in cutaneous LP after treatment of 6 months. This study was done on a small scale and without any control group, so conclusive comments could not be passed.