Photodynamic therapy can be effective as a treatment for herpes simplex labialis.
OBJECTIVE
Herpes is a common infectious disease that is caused by human herpesviruses. Several treatments have been proposed, but none of them prevent reactivation of the virus. This article describes the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a treatment for herpes lesions, and reports on four cases.


METHODS
PDT was used as an adjuvant therapy for the treatment of herpes labialis in four patients. A special type of 0.01% (m/V) of methylene blue solution was applied to the vesicular stage of herpesviral disease and the lesions were irradiated with laser energy (wavelength 660 nm, energy density 120 J/cm(2), output power of 40 mW, 2 min per point, 4.8 J of energy/point, at four points). After 24 h the patients returned and phototherapy was repeated with the same equipment, this time with 3.8 J/cm(2) and 15 mW, for a total dose of 0.6 J. The same procedure was repeated 72 h and 1 wk later.


RESULTS
Treatment with low-level laser therapy can be considered as an option in the treatment of herpes labialis, and decreases the frequency of vesicle recurrence and provides comfort for patients. No significant acute side effects were noted and the lesions healed rapidly.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment of herpes labialis with PDT was effective, had no side effects, and when associated with laser phototherapy, accelerated the healing process.
Marotti
Juliana
J
Department of Prosthodontics, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Aranha
Ana Cecília Correa
AC
Eduardo
Carlos De Paula
Cde P
Ribeiro
Martha Simões
MS
D000328:Adult; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006560:Herpes Labialis / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D008297:Male; D008751:Methylene Blue / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008875:Middle Aged; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D055815:Young Adult
D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D008751:Methylene Blue