Randomized clinical study comparing Compeed cold sore patch to acyclovir cream 5% in the treatment of herpes simplex labialis.
BACKGROUND
Hydrocolloid technology has been proven effective in treating dermal wounds. A previous study showed that a newly developed thin hydrocolloid patch [Compeed cold sore patch (CSP)] provided multiple wound-healing benefits across all stages of a herpes simplex labialis (HSL) outbreak.


METHODS
An assessment of CSP efficacy and safety was conducted in an international, multicentre, assessor-blinded study, which enrolled 728 subjects with a history of recurrent HSL. Of these, 351 experienced an HSL outbreak and were randomized to use CSP (n = 179) or acyclovir cream 5% (n = 172) at the onset of symptoms until the lesion healed, for a maximum of 10 days. The primary end point was the subject's global assessment of therapy (SGAT; 0-10 scale; 0 = no response, 10 = excellent response). Multiple secondary end points included clinician-assessed healing time and subject assessment of lesion protection, noticeability and social embarrassment.


RESULTS
CSP and acyclovir were highly effective (mean SGAT = 7.89 and 8.00, respectively), with no significant difference observed (P = 0.65). The difference in healing times between products was not significant (median, 7.57 days with CSP vs. 7.03 days with acyclovir, P = 0.37). Both treatments were well tolerated.


CONCLUSIONS
CSP using hydrocolloid technology provides an efficacious and safe alternative to topical antivirals in treating HSL as a wound while affording additional immediate benefits of wound protection, discretion and relief of social embarrassment.
Karlsmark
T
T
Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen NV, Denmark.
Goodman
J J
JJ
Drouault
Y
Y
Lufrano
L
L
Pledger
G W
GW
D000212:Acyclovir / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D047070:Bandages, Hydrocolloid; D005260:Female; D006560:Herpes Labialis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000212:Acyclovir