Are there any treatments for herpes labialis?
Primary Infection: All children diagnosed with HSV gingivostomatitis should be treated with oral acyclovir 15mg/kg (to a maximum dose of 200mg) five times a day for five days. No studies have been done to determine the best dose for adults. Recurrent infection: Two approaches to treatment may be taken: 1) Episodic treatment is used when symptoms begin. 2) Prophylactic treatment requires use of the medicine before symptoms occur to prevent or lessen the impact of an episode. Both approaches are recommended only if the medicine used has antiviral activity. Most episodes of herpes labialis are preceded by a prodromic phase. Prodromes may consist of signs or symptoms such as tingling, itching, or redness. These can last for up to 24 hours before lesion development. It is best to begin therapy at the earliest sign or symptom, preferably before skin disruption. However, regardless of the stage of disease, antiviral therapy may be beneficial in shortening the episode. Topical Therapies: Many
