The Efficacy of Selenium as an Alternative or Complementary Topical Treatment of Oral Lichen Planus (Randomized Clinical Trial)

Aim of study: to evaluate the therapeutic impact of topically applied selenium as an Alternative or Complementary treatment of Oral Lichen Planus. Background: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic, non-contagious inflammatory condition that affects the mucous membranes, often linked to oxidative stress caused by an immune response targeting basal cells. It’s more common in middle-aged adults, especially women, and can appear in different forms, with symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain that disrupts daily life. If left untreated, it may raise the risk of cancer, making regular check-ups important. Because of its unpredictable nature and the lack of a cure, managing OLP can be a challenging task. Methodology: Fifty patients were split into five groups of ten patients. Group A: used topical triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% oral gel. Group B: used topical tacrolimus 0.1% oral gel. Group C: used selenium oral gel, Group D: used triamcinolone acetonide with selenium, and Group E: used tacrolimus with selenium. Treatment lasted six weeks, with check-ups at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months. Pain was measured using a visual analogue scale. Salivary glutathione peroxidase enzyme levels were estimated at baseline, 1, and 3 months of evaluation periods. Results: There was a highly significant reduction in signs and symptoms across all treatment groups. Pain scores significantly decreased in all study groups at every treatment period, with groups B and E showing the most improvement. All groups also showed a reduction in lesion sites, which was more pronounced in group E compared to the others. Additionally, there was a highly significant increase in salivary glutathione peroxidase enzyme levels at 1 and 3 months in all groups, with group E showing the greatest increase. Conclusion: The results highlight the efficacy of selenium nanoparticles gel, which shows promising results in treating OLP. However, further well-designed studies with large sample sizes and adequate follow-up periods are necessary.