CLINICAL AND THERAPEUTIC APPROACH TO PATIENTS WITH ORAL LICHEN PLANUS:
NARRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22491/2764-2860.2025.7904Keywords:
oral diseases, oral lichen planus, drug therapy, corticosteroids, photodynamic therapyAbstract
Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease of uncertain etiology that requires clinical management focused on symptom remission, inflammation control, and continuous monitoring. This article presents a narrative review of the literature on the clinical and therapeutic approach to OLP. This review was conducted using the PubMed and SciELO databases, using the search terms “oral lichen planus” and “treatment” and their respective Portuguese translations “íquen plano bucal” and “tratamento” without any time restriction. Original articles, systematic reviews, narrative reviews, case reports, and clinical guidelines were included to provide an up-to-date overview of the topic. The results suggest that asymptomatic patients do not require intervention, whereas symptomatic patients with atrophic or ulcerated lesions should receive treatment aimed at reducing inflammation, controlling symptoms, promoting healing, and preventing functional complications. Topical corticosteroids seem to be the first-line treatment, while severe or refractory cases may require systemic corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, immunomodulators, biological therapies, or surgical treatments – of which have limitations and require cautious use. Periodic clinical follow-up is essential for the early detection of potential malignant transformation. Managing OLP is challenging and demands an individualized approach with continuous follow-up for therapeutic adjustment and clinical monitoring. Further studies are needed to develop safer therapies with fewer adverse effects. Given the clinical and psychosocial impact of the disease, multidisciplinary care involving dentists, physicians, dermatologists, pathologists, psychological care providers, and nutritionists is essential to ensure comprehensive treatment.
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