Treatment of Herpes Labialis by Photodynamic Therapy

Lesions of herpes labialis are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and cause pain and aesthetic compromise. It is characterized by the formation of small vesicles that coalesce and rupture forming extremely painful ulcers, that evolve to crusts, dry desquamations until their complete remission. Currently, the treatment of these lesions is done with acyclovir. Although it diminishes the symptomatology, it causes viral resistance and does not prevent the recurrence of the lesions. It is known that photodynamic therapy (PDT) has numerous advantages, among them: the reduction of the time of remission, and does not cause resistance.

A total of 30 patients with herpes labialis in the prodromal stage of vesicles, ulcers, and crusts will be selected to participate in the study and randomized into two groups: G1 control and G2 experimental. After signing informed consent, patients in group G1 will undergo the standard gold treatment for cold sores with acyclovir and simulated PDT treatment. Patients in the experimental G2 group will be treated simulating the gold standard treatment of herpes labialis (placebo) and PDT.

Lesions of herpes labialis are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and cause pain and aesthetic compromise. It is characterized by the formation of small vesicles that coalesce and rupture forming extremely painful ulcers, that evolve to crusts, dry desquamations until their complete remission. Currently, the treatment of these lesions is done with acyclovir. Although it diminishes the symptomatology, it causes viral resistance and does not prevent the recurrence of the lesions. It is known that photodynamic therapy (PDT) has numerous advantages, among them: the reduction of the time of remission, and does not cause resistance.

Materials and methods: A total of 30 patients with herpes labialis in the prodromal stage of vesicles, ulcers, and crusts will be selected to participate in the study and randomized into two groups: G1 control and G2 experimental. After signing TCLE and TA, patients in group G1 will undergo the standard gold treatment for cold sores with acyclovir and simulated PDT treatment. Patients in the experimental G2 group will be treated simulating the gold standard treatment of herpes labialis (placebo) and PDT. In all patients will be collected saliva samples for analysis of cytokines, and will be performed exfoliative cytology in the lesions. The pain will be assessed through a pain scale and a questionnaire of quality of life-related to oral health (Ohip- 14) will be given to them. Patients will continue to be followed up after 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year and, if there is a recurrence of the lesion, they will contact the researchers.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

- Patients of both sex,

* with no predilection for race or socioeconomic status,
* negative medical history

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with a herpes infection in the dry desquamation stage will be excluded.
* Participants in continuous use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and continued corticosteroid therapy for less than 1 week.
* Diabetic participants, smokers
* who need immunosuppressants,
* pregnant women and/or nursing mothers.
* HIV positive,
* hepatitis B or C.