Use of Iontophoretically Applied Acyclovir on Recurrent Herpes Labialis

摘要

A randomized, double-blind placebo controlled study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of iontophoretically applied acyclovir in the treatment of herpes simplex labialis. Twenty-five patients participated in the study; however, only eleven actually reported any herpetic lesions. All lesions were treated within twenty-four hours of onset. Treatment consisted of a single iontophoretic application of acyclovir or the placebo, sodium bicarbonate. Healing of the lesions was monitored at several subsequent visits until complete. Clinical parameters statistically analyzed included change in lesion size twenty-four hours following treatment, time to the loss of lesion crust, and time to complete healing. Statistical analysis revealed no differences among the groups when comparing initial lesion size and change in lesion size after twenty-four hours. There was no difference in duration of healing between the acyclovir-treated lesions and the placebo-treated lesions. However, both acyclovir and the placebo demonstrated some efficacy when compared to untreated lesions. It appears that the iontophoretic application of acyclovir provides only limited clinical benefit in treating herpes labialis. Keywords: Antiviral agents, Ointments, Theses. (aw)