Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a long-standing inflammatory disorder of uncertain origin that primarily affects the oral mucosa. Clinically, it manifests in several forms, ranging from the usually asymptomatic reticular type to the atrophic–erosive variant, which is often accompanied by pain, a burning sensation, and difficulty eating. Since the underlying cause of OLP remains unclear, management focuses on symptom relief through the use of various topical and systemic medications aimed at reducing inflammation and discomfort. Topical corticosteroids are considered the standard first-line therapy for symptomatic cases, while systemic corticosteroids are reserved for severe or resistant lesions unresponsive to local treatment. Nonetheless, inconsistent therapeutic outcomes and the adverse effects associated with conventional treatments have prompted interest in exploring alternative therapies. Emerging options include tacrolimus, efalizumab, dapsone, interferon, retinoic acid, psoralen combined with ultraviolet A photochemotherapy (PUVA), aloe vera, antimalarial agents, and certain antibiotics. Although these treatments provide varying degrees of benefit, none fully satisfy the criteria of efficacy and safety, underscoring the ongoing need for research into more effective and well-tolerated therapeutic approaches.
