What medication would you prescribe for a patient with lichen planus showing Civatte bodies and basal layer degeneration on histopathology?

Correct answer: C. Clobetasol (topical corticosteroid)

• A. Clotrimazole is an antifungal; it treats candidiasis, not lichen planus.
• B. Acyclovir is an antiviral for herpes infections; not indicated for lichen planus.
• C. Correct. Civatte bodies (dyskeratotic keratinocytes) and basal cell liquefaction degeneration are histopathological hallmarks of lichen planus (or lichenoid reactions). First-line treatment is a high-potency topical corticosteroid such as clobetasol propionate 0.05%.
• D. Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic with no role in lichen planus management.