Efficacy of adjuvant photobiomodulation therapy in recurrent herpes labialis, a randomized clinical trial study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (RHL), one of the most common herpes simplex virus type 1 infections. Material and Methods: In this randomized double blind controlled trial, Twenty-two symptomatic patients with RHL were enrolled. The patients were randomly allocated into one group (5 % acyclovir cream with 940±10 nm wavelength and 4 J/cm2 energy density and 100 mW output power) and another group (5 % Acyclovir 5 times/5 days and sham laser). Lesion size, and pain intensity were considered as the outcome at baseline, 1st 2nd and 3rd days postoperatively. Results: Pain intensity in PBM + Acyclovir group was significantly lower than Acyclovir without PBM group in both two and three days after intervention (p < 0.001). The lesion size in case group was significantly lower on 7 and 10 days (p < 0.05). Patients in the treatment group were significantly more satisfied with their treatment process (p = 0.008). Conclusion: PBMT can be used as an adjuvant tool to acyclovir cream, due to higher potential in reducing postoperative pain, lesion size and also patients satisfaction.

Keywords

• Herpes simplex virus
• Low-level laser therapy
• Recurrent herpes labialis
• PBMT