A Y Büyük1, M Kavala. 1. Division of Dermatology, SSK Göztepe Educational Hospital, IStanbul, Turkey.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Oral metronidazole has been reported to be effective in some patients with idiopathic lichen planus (LP) who did not have concomitant protozoal infections of the intestinal or genital tracts. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to evaluate the efficacy of this drug in the treatment of generalized LP. METHODS: Nineteen patients with LP who were free from intestinal and genital protozoal infections were treated with oral metronidazole, 500 mg twice daily, for 20 to 60 days and were followed up for a period of 5 to 36 months. RESULTS: Fifteen patients (78.9%) improved with metronidazole treatment. Complete response was observed in 13 patients (7 women and 6 men). Two patients responded partially. Worsening of the lesions was observed in 1 of the 4 nonresponding patients. CONCLUSION: Metronidazole may be an alternative therapy for the treatment of generalized LP. Its immunomodulatory activity seems to be a possible mechanism of action besides its antimicrobial activity.
BACKGROUND: Oral metronidazole has been reported to be effective in some patients with idiopathic lichen planus (LP) who did not have concomitant protozoal infections of the intestinal or genital tracts. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to evaluate the efficacy of this drug in the treatment of generalized LP. METHODS: Nineteen patients with LP who were free from intestinal and genital protozoal infections were treated with oral metronidazole, 500 mg twice daily, for 20 to 60 days and were followed up for a period of 5 to 36 months. RESULTS: Fifteen patients (78.9%) improved with metronidazole treatment. Complete response was observed in 13 patients (7 women and 6 men). Two patients responded partially. Worsening of the lesions was observed in 1 of the 4 nonresponding patients. CONCLUSION:Metronidazole may be an alternative therapy for the treatment of generalized LP. Its immunomodulatory activity seems to be a possible mechanism of action besides its antimicrobial activity.