ABSTRACT
Background: Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disease. The anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and wound healing properties of aloe vera suggest its possible use in the management of oral lichen planus. Objectives: To clinically determine the effect of aloe vera juice and gel in the management of symptomatic oral lichen planus. Study Design: 30 subjects with symptomatic oral lichen planus and were randomly assigned into group A (n=15) and group B (n=15). Group A patients were instructed to drink 30ml of aloe vera juice twice daily before food and to apply aloe vera gel over the lesion twice daily for 8 weeks. Group B patients were instructed to apply aloe vera gel over the lesion twice daily for 8 weeks. The parameter assessed was burning sensation / pain and the size of the lesion. The follow up was done at intervals of 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 8 weeks Results: The mean VAS scores of both the groups showed a statistically significant reduction (P<0.001). The reduction in the mean VAS scores of group A was more when compared with that of group B. No difference was observed with respect to the size of the lesion Conclusion: The study concluded that aloe vera is effective in the management of symptomatic oral lichen planus with minimal side effects.