Rasha M. Refaat, Mohamed A. M. Ebrahem, Kareman S..Elsoudany And Ahmed Abdallah Khalil,

ABSTRACT
Background: Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) Is A Chronic Inflammatory Disease Of Oral Mucosa, With Immunological Origin. Atrophic/erosive OLP Needs Appropriated Treatment, Due To Pain. So, The Aim Of This Study Is To Evaluate The Effect Of Topical Application Of Propolis Versus Topical Steroids For The Treatment Of Active Oral Lichen Planus.

Materials and Methods: A Double Blinded Comparative Study Was Conducted On 24 Patients. The Patients Were Divided Randomly Into Two Groups: Group I: Include 12 Patients Has Active OLP And Were Treated By Topical Corticosteroids Every 12 Hours For 2 Weeks. Group II: Include 12 Patients Has Active OLP And Were Treated By Topical Propolis 2.4% Every 12 Hours For 2 Weeks. All Participants In Both Groups Were Examined At Baseline (at The Start Of Treatment), After 2, 4 And 12 Weeks. During Each Appointment, Oral Examination Along With Photography (complete, Partial Or No Remission) Was Performed And The Patient?s Response Rates Were Determined Using The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), And Overall Clinical Improvement Determined By A Lesional Score (LS).

Results: The Clinical Observation (photography) Results Demonstrated Complete Remission In Corticosteroids (control) And Propolis (study) Groups (25% And 50% Respectively), Partial Remission 58.3% In Control Group And 50% In The Study Group While The Control Group Showed 16.7% Of Cases With No Remission. Within Subjects? Effect Of VAS Over Four Different Times Has Significant Difference (F (2.142, 66) = 84.48, P<0.001, ?2p =0.793) Which Means Significant Difference Of VAS Between Pre, 2, 4 And 12 Weeks After Treatment. The Interaction Of VAS And Group Over Times Is Insignificant Meaning That The Rate Of Change For VAS Over Time Between Those Taking Steroid And Those Taking Propolis Is Not Different (F (3, 66) = 1,673, P= 0.297, ?2p = 0.054). Between Subject Effect Shows That The Effect Of Group (steroid, Propolis) On VAS Over Times Is Insignificant (F (1, 22) = 0.610, P= 0.422, ?2p = 0.027). Within Subjects? Effect Of LS Over Four Different Times Has Significant Difference (F=1.514, 66) = 6.889, P0.006, ?2p =0.238) Which Means Significant Difference Of LS Between Pre, 2, 4 And 12 Weeks After Treatment. The Interaction Of LS And Group Over Times Is Insignificant Meaning That The Rate Of Change For LS Over Time Between Those Taking Steroid And Those Taking Propolis Is Not Different (F (1.514, 66) = 2.443, P= 0.156, ?2p = 0.085). Conclusion: This Study Supported That The Topical Use Of Propolis Has Proved To Be Beneficial, Safe And Effective In The Management Of Symptomatic Oral Lichen Plans.