[Therapeutic use of human leukocyte interferon in dermatologic disorders caused by herpes simplex virus. Multicenter...

A multi-institutional double blind study was performed in 66 patients in order to evaluate the action of human leukocyte interferon, type alpha (IFN) in lesions produced by herpes simplex virus. Lesions were localized in genital area in 34 cases and in facial area in 32 of them. From the total, 38 patients were treated with 7,000 Ul/gm. of interferon ointment and 28 with carbowax 4,000 as placebo. The symptoms pain, ardor, itching and paresthesia were evaluated asking to patients. Erythema, vesicles, crust, scale adenopathy were objectivated. Signs and symptoms were controlled on days 3 and 7 of treatment. In 42 patients, lesions specimens were taken for virus isolation. In 23 of them, cytopathic effect was detected (54.76%). Results showed a rapid relief from pain (p less than 0.05), ardor (p less than 0.01) and paresthesia (p less than 0.001) and also accelerated healing of vesicles in patients treated with interferon. Tendency to reduce the total time of the disease in those patients treated with IFN was observed.