[Symptomatic treatment of lichen planus of the attached gingiva]

Lichen planus is a chronic systemic disease which is probably caused by a disorder in the immune system. The erythematous or erosive form is usually seen on the attached gingiva. It can produce complaints and interfere with effective oral care. Both local and systematic application of corticosteroids can reduce complaints. The local application of corticosteroids is difficult and its therapeutic effect is therefore limited. For a longer-term local application of corticosteroids, a protective plate of resin with a reservoir of corticosteroid ointment can be employed. It appears that a rapid reduction in complaints can be achieved in this way, provided that the patient makes frequent use of the protective plate and his or her oral care is up to standard. By means of this method, the total quantity of corticosteroids which the patient receives can be drastically reduced, while the local application is optimized, providing a relatively rapid reduction in complaints.