Honey in orabase and triamcinolone acetonide for the treatment of atrophic/erosive oral lichen planus: a randomized, blind, controlled, clinical trial

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of an innovative preparation, honey in orabase (50% in 1:1), for treating atrophic/erosive oral lichen planus compared with triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% ointment. METHOD AND MATERIALS: The study involved a total of 60 patients who were randomly divided into three groups: Group I (honey in orabase 50%, 1:1 paste), Group II (triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% ointment), and the control group, Group III (orabase paste). The primary outcome measure was pain, measured on a visual analog scale, and the secondary outcome was the evaluation of the clinical manifestation through an oral lichen planus reduction score assessment. RESULTS: Compared to Group III, Groups I and II experienced significant reductions in their pain visual analog scale scores and oral lichen planus scores. Participants in Groups I and II reported minimal to no discomfort, with Group I demonstrating the most substantial pain relief. CONCLUSION: In comparison to triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% ointment and the control group, the study showed that honey in orabase 50% paste is effective in the reduction of pain and lesion size in patients with atrophic/erosive oral lichen planus. Therefore, as an alternative to utilizing the traditional triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% ointment to treat atrophic/erosive oral lichen planus, honey in orabase 50% paste may be an effective treatment option.