Topical acyclovir in the management of recurrent herpes labialis

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Abstract
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 5% acyclovir ointment was carried out for 31 episodes of herpes labialis in 13 patients experiencing severe, frequent recurrences. These patients continued to use acylclovir ointment or placebo for the treatment of 22 further episodes. Treatment was initiated by the patients as soon as possible after onset of prodromal symptoms, and continued 5 times for 5 days. It was found that acyclovir ointment shortened the duration of lesions only by .apprx. 1 day, but it greatly increased the number of abortive lesions resulting from early application. Acyclovir ointment is well tolerated and appears to modiofy the course of severe recurrent herpes labialis when therapy is initiated by the patient during the prodrome.