Background: Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory, autoimmune, mucocutaneous condition which commonly involves the oral mucosa. Management of oral lichen planus (OLP) is important as it is an oral potentially malignant disorder. Corticosteroids have been the mainstay of treatment; however, their usage is associated with potential side effects. Phytochemicals, such as curcumin, have been used extensively for centuries, owing to its numerous therapeutic properties. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical curcumin in the management of OLP.
Materials and Methods:The research group consisted of 27 adult OLP patients, who were randomly divided into two groups. The control group (n = 12) was treated with triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% and the study group (n = 15) with commercially available topical curcumin ointment each to be applied thrice daily for 2 weeks. The patients were reviewed every week. Statistical analysis: Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, paired samples t-test, and repeated measure ANOVA were performed. Results: The research groups showed a significant reduction in all the parameters measured. The comparison showed significant improvement in the erythema (P = 0.002), but non-significant reduction in pain (P = 0.697), and ulceration (P = 0.291) in the study group as compared to the control group. Conclusion: Curcumin fared better in reducing pain, erythema, and ulceration. Thus, curcumin can be used as an alternative to steroid in the management of signs and symptoms of OLP with minimal side effects as compared to steroids with similar efficacy.