A randomised double-blind study comparing the effect of 1072-nm light against placebo for the treatment of herpes labialis.
BACKGROUND
Previous research demonstrated that 1072-nm narrowband laser light is effective in the treatment of cold sores.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of an over-the-counter cold-sore treatment device (Virulite CS) incorporating 1072-nm light-emitting diodes.


METHODS
A randomised, prospective, double-blind, self-reported study was performed to compare the efficacy of at least six 3-min treatments of 1072-nm narrowband light against placebo, in the treatment of herpes labialis.


RESULTS
The 1072-nm light-emitting diode device reduced cold-sore healing time to 6.3 days compared with 9.4 days for placebo (P=0.048). The time the cold sore took to form a crust was also reduced from 2.00 days for those treated with 1072-nm light, compared with 2.88 days for placebo (P=0.059)


CONCLUSIONS
The significant difference between the mean healing times in the two groups demonstrates that the Virulite CS device is an effective means of treating herpes labialis.
Hargate
G
G
Newlands Medical Centre, Borough Road, Middlesbrough, UK. g.hargate@ntlworld.com
D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006560:Herpes Labialis / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D010789:Phototherapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies