Lichen Planus: Modern Diagnostic Techniques and Therapeutic Strategies

Abstract

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease characterized by a relapsing course, pain, and a substantial impact on patients' quality of life. The aim of this study was to present the current state of knowledge on the diagnosis and contemporary treatment methods of OLP, with particular emphasis on emerging therapeutic strategies. The manuscript was prepared as a narrative review of the literature. The analysis was conducted primarily using the PubMed database and included publications from 2019-2025 concerning the treatment of lichen planus. Thirteen studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of topical therapies, photobiomodulation, photodynamic therapy, laser therapy, biological treatment, probiotic therapy, and other adjunctive approaches were included in the final analysis. The findings indicate that topical corticosteroids remain the first-line treatment, effectively reducing symptom severity and improving patients' quality of life. Promising results have also been reported for photodynamic therapy, photobiomodulation, and laser therapy, which may constitute valuable alternatives or adjuncts to standard treatment. Increasing importance is being attributed to therapies targeting the IL-17/IL-23 pathway, particularly in patients with treatment-resistant forms of the disease. Beneficial effects have also been observed for probiotic therapy, topical mycophenolate mofetil, lycopene, and ozone therapy. Despite advances in the treatment of OLP, high-quality studies with long-term follow-up remain lacking. Further multicenter clinical trials are required to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of novel therapeutic modalities and to develop optimal treatment strategies.