Clinical Evaluation of Dexamethasone Plus Gentamycin Mouthwash Use in Combination with Total Glucosides of Paeony for Treatment of Oral Lichen Planus without Fungal Infection: A Comparative Study with Long-Term Follow-Up

Background: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the oral mucosa and considered a potential malignant disease, for which a method for complete cure is lacking. The dexamethasone and gentamicin mouthwash, combined with total glucosides of paeony (TGP), was tested in the treatment of OLP patients without fungal infection, with a view to provide evidence that may assist in resolving the dilemma. Methods: A randomized and single-blind clinical trial of 48 non-erosive and erosive OLP patients was conducted, with the patients divided into two groups. Group A was treated with dexamethasone plus gentamycin mouthwash and Group B received an additional TGP capsule together with the aforementioned mouthwash. All the patients were followed up with four times, at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. The clinical manifestations, sign score, and VAS scale were recorded. The total effective rate (%) was defined as (cases of complete resolution + cases of partial resolution)/total cases observed x 100%. Results: A total of 43 patients completed all follow-up appointments. Among the 21 patients in Group A, the total effective rate was 61.9%. Of the 22 patients in Group B, the total effective rate was 89.66%. The clinical manifestation, sign score, and VAS of the two groups all indicated improvements, and there were significant differences between the two groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Dexamethasone plus gentamycin mouthwash combined with TGP treatment for OLP patients is a safe and effective treatment of OLP.

Automated summary

This study investigated the efficacy of combining dexamethasone and gentamicin mouthwash with total glucosides of paeony (TGP) in the treatment of non-erosive and erosive oral lichen planus (OLP) patients. The results showed that TGP significantly improved the cure rate and clinical manifestations in OLP patients. Therefore, the combination of dexamethasone, gentamicin mouthwash, and TGP can be considered a safe and effective treatment for OLP.