Customized Oral Night Guard Appliance Loaded with Tacrolimus for Management of Oral Lichen Planus A Case Report

Abstract

Tacrolimus being a steroid-sparing immunosuppressant has recently replaced the first-line of drugs, i.e., steroids. This report presents a case of a 65-year-old male patient with the chief complaint of a burning sensation in his mouth. On basis of clinical examination and histopathological evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of oral lichen planus. For treatment, topical application of 0.1% tacrolimus powder mixed in orabase, to be applied locally 3-4 times daily using an oral soft splint and intralesional dexamethasone injection, for 2 months. Over a follow-up period of 6 months, the patient showed complete remission of the lesion with no evidence of recurrence. Tacrolimus is a potent and effective drug in the treatment of OLP and can be used either alone or in conjunction with steroids.