Efficacy of Acyclovir in Combination With a Glucocorticosteroid on UV-Induced Herpes Labialis

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 18 years or older
• A history of reactivation of recurrent herpes labialis with overexposure to sunlight in the last 12 months, or 2 or more cold sore lesions in the last 12 months
• Generally healthy as determined by medical history and verbal interview
• Females who were still able to conceive were to have had a negative pregnancy test on enrolment
• Fritzpatrick skin type category of I to IV

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous inclusion in this study

  • Participation in clinical investigational drug studies in the 4-week period prior to enrolment
  • Participation in any herpes UVR reactivation study within the previous 3 months
  • Previous herpes vaccination at any time
  • Occurrence of herpes labialis (end of episode) within one month prior to enrolment
  • Inflammatory, congenital or iatrogenic underlying immunodeficiency disorders
  • Use of topical steroids in or near the face or on the forearms, systemic steroids (within 30 days from enrolment) or anti-inflammatory drugs (within 10 days from enrolment)
  • Women who were pregnant, lactating or breast feeding
  • Women of child bearing potential not using adequate contraception as judged by the investigator
  • Recent history of alcohol or drug abuse which in the opinion of the investigator could interfere with compliance
  • Significant skin disease such as atopic dermatitis or eczema, that would interfere with the assessment of lesions
  • Allergy or hypersensitivity to steroids, acyclovir, penciclovir and/or other nucleoside analogues
  • Administration of any drug commonly associated with photosensitivity (tetracycline, Retin A) within one week of UVR exposure
  • Any antiviral therapy within 14 days prior to enrolment
  • History of allergy or sensitivity to sunscreen
  • History of herpes keratitis