Recurrent herpes labialis: efficacy of topical therapy with penciclovir compared with acyclovir (aciclovir)

This study compares the effects of topical acyclovir and penciclovir in the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis, The study patients were a populati on of 40 patients with in excess of five recurrences annually, and were sep arated into four homogeneous groups each of 10 subjects, The antiviral crea ms were used to achieve total lesional cover, every 2 h during waking hours . The effects on the time to lesion crusting and to resolution of pain, wer e assessed, The results not only confirmed that aciclovir is ineffective, b ut confirmed that penciclovir is effective, and that penciclovir is superio r to aciclovir.