This study investigated the effectiveness of a low-dose
cyclosporine rinse used in the treatment of oral erosive
lichen planus. Fourteen patients with oral erosive
lichen planus provided seven experimental sites treated with
cyclosporine and seven control sites treated with a placebo. Participants rinsed with 5 ml (500 mg) of
cyclosporine or 5 ml of a placebo for 5 minutes each day over a period of 4 weeks.
Cyclosporine blood levels as well as complete blood cell counts with differential and serial multiple analysis were monitored throughout the study. Weekly quantitative measurements of lesion size and character (ulceration,
erythema, and reticulation) were recorded with the use of an intraoral grid. Healing was defined as the transition from ulceration to
erythema to reticulation or to complete resolution.
Pain assessment with the use of a visual analogue scale and a questionnaire pertaining to any side effects of treatment were completed each week. At 4 weeks, a statistically significant difference was observed in lesion healing between the
cyclosporine and placebo groups. All experimental sites demonstrated progressive healing with evidence of reduced
erythema and ulceration, increased reticulation, and decreased
pain scores. In contrast, control sites exhibited minimal change in lesion size or character, and patients reported unchanged or increased
pain scores. No significant side effects were reported. Within the parameters of this investigation, topical
cyclosporine proved to an effective alternative
therapy to currently available medications used in the treatment of
oral lichen planus.