Naproxen-induced lichen planus: report of 55 cases

BACKGROUND: Clinical and histopathological differential diagnosis is usually impossible in drug-induced lichen planus (LP) and idiopathic LP. Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, which is widely used for its analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects. To the best of our knowledge, two case reports on naproxen-induced LP have been reported. METHODS: Fifty-five patients with LP, and a history of naproxen intake before their eruption, were investigated. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (45.5%) had a history of naproxen intake prior to their eruption without any other medication. Twelve patients (21.8%) had a history of simultaneous use of naproxen with other drugs that were reported as inducers of LP. Eighteen patients (32.7%) had given a history of using naproxen together with drugs that had not been previously reported as inducers of LP. Moreover, in 42 patients, eruptive-type LP development after naproxen intake, is an interesting observation. New lesions were not observed after the cessation of naproxen intake in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: Naproxen might be accepted as an important inducer for LP, especially for the eruptive form.