Topical Clobetasol (0.025%) and Tacrolimus (0.1%) in the Management of Oral Lichen Planus: A Comparative Study.

Oral lichen planus (OLP), an autoimmune disorder is notorious for its recurrences and recalcitrant cases. Recent clinical trials show Clobetasol 0.025% to be as effective as 0.05% concentration which is the usual concentration used to treat OLP. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of topical Clobetasol 0.025% (concentration less than that is used clinically) and topical Tacrolimus 0.1% in a mucoadhesive base for the management of symptomatic OLP in the South Indian population. Forty patients (26 females and 14 males) clinically and histologically diagnosed with oral lesions consistent with OLP were recruited. The patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1: Clobetasol 0.025% and Group 2: Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment and were treated for 4 weeks and then followed up for 6 months. At the end of the treatment period, symptom, and grading scores were less in both the groups. However, when both the drugs were compared statistically, no significant difference was found between the two groups. Within the limitations of the present study, it can be concluded that topical Clobetasol 0.025% is as effective as 0.1% topical Tacrolimus ointment.