Looking Beyond the Cyclosporine “Swish and Spit” Technique in a Recalcitrant Case of Erosive Lichen Planus Involving the Tongue

Abstract

Oral lichen planus is a relatively common autoimmune disease affecting the middle-aged population. Although no treatment is necessary for a benign asymptomatic case, in case of erosive lichen planus, topical corticosteroids form the mainstay of treatment. In case of failure, apart from tacrolimus, cyclosporine, using the “swish and spit” technique, is a valid therapeutic intervention. In our case, though, this therapeutic option had to be replaced by the systemic use of cyclosporine with gratifying results.

Keywords

• Cyclosporine
• Lichen planus
• Oral mucosa