Erosive OLP Treatment — ORE Part 1 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateOral MedicineErosive OLP TreatmentORE Part 1

A 55-year-old patient has symptomatic erosive oral lichen planus affecting the attached gingivae. The gingivae are erythematous and sore. Which topical treatment is most appropriate?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Topical corticosteroid

A topical corticosteroid is the first-line treatment for symptomatic erosive oral lichen planus. It suppresses the local inflammatory process and is used in preparations suited to oral mucosa, such as a corticosteroid mouthwash, gel or spray applied to the affected gingivae. Topical antifungals are not primary treatment; they are used if candidiasis develops, including as a potential complication of steroid therapy. Topical antibiotics have no role unless there is a separate bacterial infection. Retinoids have been studied but are not the routine first-line topical option. A topical anaesthetic may give short-term analgesia but does not treat the inflammatory disease and is therefore inadequate as the principal treatment.

Reference: Santonocito S, Polizzi A, Palazzo G, Isola G. Efficacy of Topical Treatments for the Management of Symptomatic Oral Lichen Planus: A Systematic Review. 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36673955/