Oral Lichen Planus

Abstract Lichen planus is an inflammatory mucocutaneous disease that can affect the skin, hair, nails, and mucosal surfaces. Mucosal sites of involvement include oral, genital, ocular, otic, esophageal, and less commonly, bladder, nasal, laryngeal, and anal surfaces. Oral lichen planus is a mucosal variant of lichen planus, which tends to affect women more often than men, with a typically more chronic course and potential for significant morbidity. Treatment can be challenging, however, therapeutic benefits can be obtained with various topical and systemic medications. Clinical monitoring is recommended to assure symptomatic control. There is a potential low risk of malignant transformation while increasing awareness and recognition of this entity have continued to fuel advances in therapy and in our understanding of the disease.