Erosive and generalized lichen planus responsive to azathioprine

Abstract

Systemic corticosteroids are of value in severe lichen planus which interferes with the patient's life or is ulcerative or where there is nail destruction. Azathioprine has been shown to be effective steroid sparing treatment for generalized lichen planus. We report two patients with severe lichen planus who responded to azathioprine alone and suggest it may be an alternative therapy, especially when there are risk factors against corticosteroid use. Lichen planus accounts for approximately 1% of new presentations to a dermatology unit. It can affect all body areas and markedly interfere with a patient's life. Mucous membrane lesions are common (30-70%) but ulcerative lesions in the mouth are uncommon. Lichen planus seems to be immunologically mediated with evidence favouring a lymphocytotoxic process described in the literature. Treatment is mainly symptomatic and can be difficult. Systemic corticosteroids are of value in treating severe cases where the disease is interfering with a patient's life or when ulcerative mucous membrane lesions have occurred or if there is severe nail destruction. Relapse can occur on cessation of steroids. Azathioprine has been shown to be effective steroid sparing therapy for generalized lichen planus. However, the use of azathioprine alone has not been described. We report two cases of generalized, erosive lichen planus that responded well to azathioprine alone.