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Related Experiment Videos

Oral acyclovir in herpes zoster.

M W McKendrick, C Care, C Burke

    The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
    |December 1, 1984
    PubMed
    Summary

    Acyclovir treatment for herpes zoster (shingles) reduced new lesion formation within the affected area. While other benefits weren't statistically significant, trends favored acyclovir for pain and healing.

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    Area of Science:

    • Virology
    • Dermatology
    • Infectious Diseases

    Background:

    • Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus.
    • The condition is characterized by a painful rash that develops in a specific dermatome.
    • Current treatments aim to alleviate symptoms and reduce complications.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the efficacy of acyclovir in treating herpes zoster.
    • To assess the impact of acyclovir on new lesion formation, healing time, and pain.

    Main Methods:

    • A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted.
    • Forty-one patients diagnosed with herpes zoster participated.
    • Participants received either oral acyclovir (400 mg five times daily for five days) or a placebo.

    Main Results:

    • Acyclovir significantly reduced the duration of new lesion formation within the affected dermatome (P = 0.049).
    • Trends favored acyclovir for reduced new lesion formation outside the dermatome, faster crusting and involution, and diminished acute pain.
    • No other statistically significant differences were observed between the acyclovir and placebo groups.

    Conclusions:

    • Acyclovir demonstrates a statistically significant benefit in limiting the progression of new herpes zoster lesions within the affected dermatome.
    • While not reaching statistical significance, acyclovir showed promising trends in improving other clinical outcomes, including pain reduction and healing.
    • Further research may be warranted to explore optimal dosing or patient populations for acyclovir in herpes zoster management.

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