Erosive mucosal lichen planus: response to topical treatment with tacrolimus

Erosive mucosal lichen planus is a painful and disabling inflammatory skin disease that is highly resistant to topical treatment. We report on six patients with severe recalcitrant erosive mucosal lichen planus who benefited from topical application of tacrolimus ointment. After 4 weeks of treatment, complete resolution was observed in three cases, and substantial improvement was achieved in the other three patients. In these cases, prolonged treatment resulted either in further improvement or in complete healing. All patients reported rapid relief from pain and burning. No severe side-effects were observed.