Successful treatment of generalized lichen planus with recombinant interferon alfa-2b

Three patients with generalized lichen planus were treated with interferon alfa-2b. The therapy was tolerated well by all patients with only minor side effects. A response was observed within 2 to 3 weeks. Itching and erythema decreased first, followed by gradual flattening and disappearance of papules and plaques after 8 to 10 weeks of treatment. After 12 weeks, therapy was discontinued after stepwise dosage reduction. In two patients, minor lesions recurred during dosage reduction. Both flares were controlled by readministration of interferon.