Abstract
Background and aims. Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory disorder with unspecified etiology, appearing as a result
of stress, genetic predisposition and immunologic factors. Erosive type of the disease is more important because of its clinical
symptoms of pain, irritation and malignancy risk. Despite various medications used, a definite cure for lichen planus is unknown.
Regarding the effect of zinc on healing of ulcers, the aim of this study was to compare the effect of a mouthwash with
and without zinc and fluocinolone on healing of erosive oral lichen planus.
Materials and methods. Twenty randomly-selected patients with erosive oral lichen planus were divided into two groups
of 10. One group received zinc mouthwash with fluocinolone ointment and the other group received placebo with ointment.
The largest dimension of the ulcers was measured by digital calipers and the intensity of pain was determined by visual analogue
scale. Data was analyzed with Mann-Whitney U test.
Results. Pain, irritation and lesion surface area decreased in both groups. Decrease in pain severity was identical in both
groups (P = 0.11). However, decrease in surface area with zinc mouthwash plus fluocinolone was more than that with only
fluocinolone (P = 0.037).
Conclusion. 0.2% zinc mouthwash plus fluocinolone and only fluocinolone were both effective in decreasing pain, irritation,
and surface area of OLP. However, decrease in surface area with zinc mouthwash plus fluocinolone was more than that
with fluocinolone alone.