Oral lichen planus: a preliminary clinical study on treatment with tazarotene

Abstract

Objective: The rationale for using tazarotene in oral lichen planus (OLP) is its regulatory action on the growth and differentiation of keratinocytes and on inflammation. This randomized, placebo-controlled study addresses evaluation of the effects of topic tazarotene in the treatment of OLP.

Design: The degree of lesions before and after treatment scored by a 6-score scale in six cases treated with tazarotene was statistically compared with those of six controls treated with placebo.

Subjects: Twelve patients with hyperkeratosic OLP were randomly allocated to treatment with tazarotene gel 0.1% b.i.d. or with placebo for eight consecutive weeks.

Methods: The statistical comparison was executed by means of Wilcoxon analysis for paired data.

Results: Patients treated with tazarotene presented a significant reduction of their lesions as compared with the control group. Among transitory side-effects, burning sensation and taste abnormalities were observed.

Conclusion: Topical tazarotene may be a valuable therapeutic tool in the treatment of hyperkeratotic OLP.