Griseofulvin therapy of lichen planus

Thirty-one patients who had lichen planus treated with griseofulvin were randomly selected for review from a group of patients with lichen planus seen at the Mayo Clinic between January 1976 and June 1980; two patients were excluded because of lack of adequate follow-up. Of the 11 patients with only oral lesions, 6 showed a marked improvement or complete remission. Of the 18 patients with lichen planus involving one or more sites with or without oral lesions, 15 had cutaneous lesions. Three of the 15 had improvement of their cutaneous lesions; however, 1 of the 3 continued to develop new lesions, although old ones were improving. In patients with recalcitrant, symptomatic oral lichen planus, a trial of griseofulvin would seem justified. Success in patients with cutaneous lichen planus is less likely; however, griseofulvin may afford relief in selected patients. This study indicates that further prospective studies are needed to clarify the efficacy of griseofulvin in lichen planus.