Management of oral lichen planus based on the existing clinical practice guidelines

Abstract

Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disorder that affects oral and genital mucous membranes, skin, nails, and scalp. Oral lichen planus (OLP) is the mucosal counterpart of cutaneous Lichen planus. Clinical practice guidelines (CPG) are statements that include recommendations intended to optimize patient care. These guidelines are formulated by using a systematic review of evidence and an assessment of the benefits and harms of alternative care options. Diagnosis and management of patients with OLP continue to challenge even the most experienced clinician. To provide optimum care to the patients a decision tree algorithm needs to be formulated. This article compares the existing clinical practice guidelines available in the literature and a formulated decision tree algorithm.