Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

What is the preferred treatment for lichen planus?

1. Antibiotics

2. Corticosteroids

3. Antifungals

4. Analgesics

The correct answer is: Corticosteroids

Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory condition that commonly affects the skin and mucous membranes, including the oral cavity. The preferred treatment for lichen planus is corticosteroids, which are effective in reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms. Corticosteroids work by suppressing the immune response that contributes to the inflammatory processes seen in lichen planus. This helps to minimize discomfort, promote healing of lesions, and control the condition's progression. In the context of treatment choices, antibiotics target bacterial infections and are not suitable for a condition that is immune-mediated like lichen planus. Antifungal medications are beneficial for fungal infections but do not address the underlying immunological aspects of lichen planus. Analgesics can help manage pain associated with the condition, but they do not treat the inflammation or the lesions themselves. Thus, corticosteroids are specifically chosen for their anti-inflammatory properties, making them the most appropriate treatment for lichen planus.