Comparison between Low Level Diode Laser Therapy and Acyclovir Cream 5% in Treatment of Herpes Labialis

Abstract

Introduction: Recurrent Herpes Labialis (RHL) is a common infection and occurs in 20 to 40% of the general population. Risk for transmission exists in dental treatments. There are several different treatments for it. The purpose of this study is a comparison between low-level Laser therapy (LLLT) and acyclovir cream for the treatment of it.
 Materials & Methods: This performed study was a semi-blind clinical trial in the Oral Medicine Department, Dental School, Islamic Azad University Isfahan Branch (Khorasgan) in the year 2015- 2016. 30 patients got divided into 2 similar groups. Patients in LLLT group, treated in 3 sessions every other day, received 660 nm laser irradiation,100mW,4 J/cm2, continuous, located at a distance of 1 mm from the lesion for 40 seconds. Patients in the medication group treated with 5% acyclovir cream five times a day. In both groups severity of pain and lesion size during treatment and healing time recorded. The collected data were analyzed using statistical tests including independent T-test and Repeated Measures ANOVA ( p value < 0.05).
 Results: The laser group had better statistically findings for the median time for pain relief (p value < 0.001), and the median time for healing (p value < 0.001), the median lesions size two days after treatment (p value = 0.03), and four days after treatment (p value = 0.003).
 Conclusion: According to data analysis, laser 660 nm is more effective in pain relief and lesions size reduction and healing time than topical acyclovir in patients with herpes labialis.