[Successful combination of topical corticosteroids and trichloroacetic acid for the treatment of verrucous lichen planus]

Ann Dermatol Venereol. 2020 Apr;147(4):293-297. doi: 10.1016/j.annder.2019.10.025. Epub 2020 Mar 9.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Background: Verrucous or hypertrophic lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by extremely pruritic thick hyperkeratotic plaques and is resistant to topical treatment.

Patients and methods: Herein, we report three clinical cases of hypertrophic lichen planus successfully treated with a combination of topical steroids daily in occlusion and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) 50% with peeling every week.

Discussion: TCA is involved in regulating inflammation and scarring. Through its keratolytic properties it enhances the efficacy of topical steroids, whose action is hindered by hyperkeratosis.

Conclusion: The combination of TCA and topical steroids offers a good alternative for the treatment of hypertrophic lichen planus.

Keywords: Acide trichloroacétique; Dermocorticoïdes; Hypertrophic lichen planus; Lichen plan hypertrophique; Lichen plan verruqueux; Topical steroids; Trichloroacetic acid; Verrucous lichen planus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Clobetasol / administration & dosage
  • Clobetasol / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertrophy
  • Keratolytic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Keratolytic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Lichen Planus / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pruritus / etiology
  • Trichloroacetic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Trichloroacetic Acid / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Keratolytic Agents
  • Trichloroacetic Acid
  • Clobetasol