Griseofulvin in the treatment of three cases of oral erosive lichen planus.

We report three cases of erosive oral lichen planus treated with griseofulvin, 500 mg. twice a day. Subjective improvement was noticed in 3 weeks by two patients and at 6 weeks by the third patient. Objective improvement, however, was delayed and became apparent at 6 to 10 weeks. Continued improvement or remission without exacerbation was noted in all patients. There were no significant hematologic, hepatic, or other side effects in any patient, and complete blood count and blood chemistries remained normal at 1-month as well as 6-month intervals during therapy. All patients did, however, report mild, transient gastrointestinal discomfort during the first 2 days of therapy, and one patient mentioned a mild headache. These remitted after approximately 2 to 4 days. We believe that these preliminary findings warrant additional trials of griseofulvin therapy in the treatment of severely symptomatic oral lichen planus. The adverse effects of this agent appear considerably less than those of systemic steroids.