Efficacy of aloe vera gel in the treatment of vulval lichen planus.

OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy of aloe vera gel and placebo in the topical management of vulval lichen planus. STUDY DESIGN Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY Department of Dermatology, Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad, from January 2007 to January 2008. METHODOLOGY Thirty-four female patients were randomized into two groups to receive aloe vera gel or placebo for local application for 8 weeks. Clinical data and treatment response was graded according to Thongprasom criteria. Z-test was used for comparing response between the groups. RESULTS Thirty-four consecutive patients participated in the study. We found erosive and ulcerative lesions in 83% and 17%, respectively. The most common site of vulval lichen planus was the labia minora. Fourteen (82%) out of 17 patients treated with aloe vera had a good response i.e. clinically improved by at least 50% after 8 weeks of treatment, while one (5%) of 17 placebo-treated patients had a similar response (p < 0.001). Furthermore, one patient (5%) treated with aloe vera had a complete clinical remission. No side-effects were found in both groups. CONCLUSION Aloe vera gel was a safe and effective treatment for patients with vulval lichen planus.