Diclofenac in hyaluronic acid gel: an alternative treatment for actinic cheilitis

Objective

Actinic cheilitis (AC) is a precancerous lesion of the lip vermillion caused byprolonged exposure to ultraviolet light. The aim of this study was to evaluate theeffect of 3% diclofenac in 2.5% hyaluronic acid gel in the treatment of AC.

Methods

Thirty-four patients with chronic AC were treated twice a day with topicaldiclofenac during a period of 30 to 180 days. The individuals were followed upevery 15 days by means of clinical examination and digital photographicdocumentation.

Results

Of the 27 patients that completed the study, 12 (44%) showed complete remission ofthe whitish plaques and exfoliative areas, and 15 (56%) had partial remission ofthe clinical picture of cheilitis. The latter group was submitted to excision ofthe leukoplakic areas which diagnosis varied from mild to moderate epithelialdysplasia.

Conclusion

The results suggest a promising role for diclofenac in hyaluronic acid gel in thetreatment of AC. This treatment has the advantages of not being invasive andshowing few side effects.