Photodynamic therapy for the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis: preliminary results

This study sought to evaluate the clinical outcome of patients who had been diagnosed with recurrent herpes labialis (RHL) after treatment with photodynamic therapy (PDT) associated with low-level laser therapy (LLLT). PDT has shown great effectiveness for treating already-established RHL vesicles, compared to ordinary treatments involving antiviral compounds. Two patients with vesicles on their lips were treated with PDT, followed by irradiation with LLLT. Both patients reported pain relief immediately after the procedure; at a six-month follow-up, neither patient showed signs or symptoms that related to RHL.