Glutamine With Topical Corticosteroids for Lichen Planus Treatment

Lichen planus (LP) is an inflammatory skin disease of unknown etiology. Recently, increased oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of erosive oral lichen planus (EOLP). Glutamine is a source of energy for fibroblasts, immunocompetent cells, and intestinal epithelial cells involved in collagen production. It promotes protein and collagen synthesis, imparts immunity, and maintains the alimentary canal mucosa structure.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Glutamine combined with topical corticosteroid in the treatment of oral erosive LP.

Thirty patients with a confirmed clinical and histopathologic diagnosis of OLP recruited in this study and divided into 2 equal groups, each consisting of 15 subjects. Group 1 consists of patients treated with topical steroids plus antifungal (conventional therapy); Group 2 consists of patients treated with Glutamine combined with topical steroids plus antifungal.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients clinically and histopathologically diagnosed to be suffering from EOLP.
• Patients who had symptoms i.e. pain and/or burning sensation secondary to EOLP.
• Patients under stressful life conditions as evidenced by ISMA-UK Stress Questionnaire
• Males and Females with an age ranging from 30-60years

Exclusion criteria

• Patients suspected to have a lichenoid drug reaction or lichenoid contact allergy.
• Patients suffering from any systemic diseases (such as diabetes, cardiovascular, liver disorder, renal dysfunction)
• Patients with findings of any physical or mental abnormality which would interfere with or be affected by the study procedure.