Oral lichen planus

北海道歯学会

北海道歯学雑誌

We report a case of intractable lichen planus that was temporarily responsive to 0.1% Tacrolimus but flared up again, and that was ultimately improved by long-term complete oral care.　A 66-year-old female presented with haphalgesia on the palate since about two years. She was diagnosed with lichen planus by her dental practitioner and treated with a local application of a steroid ointment for several months without obvious improvement. She then consulted a dermatologist at our hospital and was prescribed with 0.1% Tacrolimus ointment. Soon after its application, the lesion showed significant improvement. However, the condition recurred, and different treatments were repeatedly attempted for almost 2 years after cessation of Tacrolimus treatment. Meanwhile, we employed all possible techniques to keep the oral cavity clean to eradicate the chronic inflammation. Finally, the lesion resolved completely, with no recurrence even 4 years after the last application of Tacrolimus. Our results indicate that chronic oral lesions play a potential role in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus.