Varsha Bandal, Ashwinirani SR, Ajay Nayak, Neelima Malik, Abhijeet Sande and Suresh KV
Background: Lichen planus is a relatively common mucocutaneous disorder that affects approximately 0.1% to 2.0% of the population. Etiology of lichen planus involves cell mediated immunologically induced degeneration of basal cell layer of the epithelium. Stress, diabetes, drugs, and graft verus host reactions are the other factors in the development of lichen planus. Studies have showed a relationship between Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) and daily intake of medicine. Oral Lichenoid reactions related to long-term drug intake are referred to as lichenoid drug reactions (LDR). Drugs like anti-malarial, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory [NSAIDs], antihypertensive agents, angiotensin enzyme inhibitors and diuretics cause lichenoid reactions. Since drugs have got role in affecting the oral mucosa either directly or indirectly, the present study was designed to investigate whether systemic medication contributes to the development of oral lichen planus (OLP) lesions. Objective: To evaluate whether systemic medication contribute to the development of oral lichen planus lesions. Materials and Methods: The study group comprised of 50 patients including 40 females and ten males with oral lichen planus reporting to the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Karad (Western Maharashtra). Complete medical and drug history of the patients were recorded. Clinical examination of oral cavity was done, type and site of lichen planus was noted. The data obtained was statistically analyzed using SPSS software version 15. Results: In our study group 80% of patients were females, with an age group between 31-50 years. The common site was buccal mucosa with reticular pattern as predominant type. Only ten patients were having history of intake of antihypertensive, hypoglycemic, drugs for thyroid disorders.Conclusion: The use of systemic medication does not lead to significant increase in the incidence of oral lichen planus lesions in the study group.
