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

Parisa Hajian; Amir Mansour Shirani; Maryam  Khosravi

doi:10.18502/ijds.v17i2.6881

Parisa Hajian Graduated Dentist, School of Dentistry, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.
Amir Mansour Shirani Assistant Professor, Oral Medicine Department, School of Dentistry, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.
Maryam Khosravi Post Graduated Student, Department of Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijds.v17i2.6881

Keywords: Herpes labialis, Low-level laser therapy, Acyclovir

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.