Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Lichen planus is frequently occurring muco- cutaneous disease. The present study was conducted to compare triamcinolone acetonide and oral methotrexate in the management of oral lichen planus. Materials & Methods:40 cases of lichen planus of both genders were divided into 2 groups. Group I was given 0.1% topical triamcinolone acetonide thrice daily and group II was given oral methotrexate thrice daily. Visual analog scale (VAS) was used for pain assessment. Results: Group I had 7 males and 13 females and group II had 6 males and 14 females. Duration of symptoms in group I was 2.4 years and in group II was 3.1 years. Difficulty in eating and/or drinking was seen in 32 in group I and 35 in group II. The mean clinical severity score (CSS) at baseline was 5.9 in group I and 4.8 in group II and at 4 months was 2.5 in group I and 2.1 in group II. A significant difference between groups was observed (P<0.05). The baseline VAS was 6.5 in group I and 6.7 in group II. At 4 months was 2.3 in group I and 1.6 in group II. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Both drugs were effective in relieving symptoms in patients with oral lichen planus.