Thiersch grafting in recurrent herpes-induced lip depigmentation

Recurrent herpes induced lip-depigmentation is an uncommon condition observed rarely in patients suffering from recurrent herpes labialis. Patients usually belong the age group between 20 and 40 who have had herpes labialis for 4--12 years. These patients do not respond to available methods of treatment such as psoralens and phototherapy because there is reactivation of the virus. Ten cases of recurrent herpes-induced lip depigmentation (HILD) were successfully treated with a combination therapy of acyclovir 400 mg twice a day for one year with Thiersch grafting six months after starting therapy.