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World J Clin Cases. Jul 16, 2014; 2(7): 253-256
Published online Jul 16, 2014. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v2.i7.253
Critical review of topical management of oral hairy leukoplakia
Cláudia B Brasileiro, Mauro Henrique NG Abreu, Ricardo A Mesquita
Cláudia B Brasileiro, Ricardo A Mesquita, Department of Oral Surgery and Pathology, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Pampulha, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte/MG, Brazil
Mauro Henrique NG Abreu, Department of Community and Preventive Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Pampulha, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte/MG, Brazil
Author contributions: Mesquita RA and Abreu MHNG were responsible for the concept and review of the manuscript; Brasileiro CB performed research and wrote the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Ricardo A Mesquita, PhD, Department of Oral Surgery and Pathology, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, sala 3202-D, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte/MG, Brazil. ramesquita@ufmg.br
Telephone: +55-31-34092499 Fax: +55-31-34092430
Received: January 28, 2014
Revised: April 2, 2014
Accepted: May 16, 2014
Published online: July 16, 2014
Abstract

Oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) is a disease associated with Epstein-Barr virus and human immunodeficiency virus infections. OHL is usually an asymptomatic lesion, but in some cases treatment is recommended to reestablish the normal characteristics of the tongue, to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms, to improve patient comfort and for cosmetic reasons. Proposed treatments for this condition include surgery, systemic antiviral treatment and topical management. Topical treatment is an inexpensive and safe therapy that is easy to apply, noninvasive, free of systemic adverse effects and effective over a long period of time. The aim of this study was to present a review of the literature for topical therapy for OHL. Gentian violet, retinoids, podophyllin, acyclovir and podophyllin associated with topical antiviral drugs were used to treat OHL. Reports with this focus are limited, and since 2010, no new studies have been published that discuss the efficacy of topical treatments for OHL. Podophyllin with acyclovir cream was found to be effective, causing regression of lesions with no recurrences. Additional searches are necessary to provide clinical evidence of topical management effectiveness.

Keywords: Oral hairy leukoplakia, Human immunodeficiency virus infection, Topical treatment, Topical agents, Recurrence rate

Core tip: This literature review was performed to assess the evidence for topical treatments for oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL). Although highly active antiretroviral therapy has reduced oral lesions associated with human immunodeficiency virus, prevalence studies revealed that OHL is still observed in patients with HIV infections. Knowledge about appropriate management of this condition is relevant, specifically regarding topical treatments that are less invasive, low-cost, easy to apply and free of systemic adverse effects.