Background and aim: Lichen planus is a common inflammatory disease of the skin, mucous membranes, nail and hair follicles. This study was performed to determine therapeutic efficacy of, oral metronidazole in generalized cutaneous lichen planus in patients referred to the dermatology clinic of Razi Hospital from 2003 to 2004.
Materials and Methods: Fifteen patients with lichen planus whose diagnosis was confirmed pathologicaly were treated with oral metronidazole 500 mg twice daily for 60 days and were followed up for 1 month after the end of treatment.
Results: Nine of fifteen patients (60%) had complete response, four patients (26.7%) partial response and two patients (13.3%) had no response.
Conclusion: Oral metronidazole may be useful in the treatment of generalized cutaneous lichen planus.