Objective: To determine the effectiveness of aloe vera gel in the treatment of oral lichen planus when compared with triamcinolone acetonide. Method and Materials: A randomized, double-blind, clinical trial was designed. The study sample constituted 40 patients (23 males and 17 females) who were randomly divided into two equal groups. Group A patients received aloe vera gel, while group B patients received triamcinolone acetonide. Results: Forty patients were included in the study. Most of the sample presented with erosive (n = 18) and atrophic (n = 14) variants of oral lichen planus. When clinical signs and symptoms were observed after 8 weeks of therapy, it was determined that aloe vera gel was more effective than triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of oral lichen planus. Conclusion: Aloe vera gel can be considered a safe alternative treatment for oral lichen planus. (Quintessence Int 2012;43:793–800)

Key words: aloe vera gel, burning sensation, healing, oral lichen planus, triamcinolone acetonide