Randomized clinical study comparing Compeed cold sore patch to acyclovir cream 5% in the treatment of herpes simplex labialis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Hydrocolloid technology has been proven effective in treating dermal wounds. A previous study showed that a newly developed thin hydrocolloid patch [Compeed cold sore patch (CSP)] provided multiple wound-healing benefits across all stages of a herpes simplex labialis (HSL) outbreak.

METHODS:

An assessment of CSP efficacy and safety was conducted in an international, multicentre, assessor-blinded study, which enrolled 728 subjects with a history of recurrent HSL. Of these, 351 experienced an HSL outbreak and were randomized to use CSP (n = 179) or acyclovir cream 5% (n = 172) at the onset of symptoms until the lesion healed, for a maximum of 10 days. The primary end point was the subject's global assessment of therapy (SGAT; 0-10 scale; 0 = no response, 10 = excellent response). Multiple secondary end points included clinician-assessed healing time and subject assessment of lesion protection, noticeability and social embarrassment.

RESULTS:

CSP and acyclovir were highly effective (mean SGAT = 7.89 and 8.00, respectively), with no significant difference observed (P = 0.65). The difference in healing times between products was not significant (median, 7.57 days with CSP vs. 7.03 days with acyclovir, P = 0.37). Both treatments were well tolerated.

CONCLUSION:

CSP using hydrocolloid technology provides an efficacious and safe alternative to topical antivirals in treating HSL as a wound while affording additional immediate benefits of wound protection, discretion and relief of social embarrassment.

• Authors: T Karlsmark, J J Goodman, Y Drouault, L Lufrano, G W Pledger, Cold Sore Study Group
• Journal: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV (J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol) Vol. 22 Issue 10 Pg. 1184-92 (Nov 2008) ISSN: 1468-3083 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 18462303 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Antiviral Agents
• Acyclovir

Topics

• Acyclovir (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Antiviral Agents (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Bandages, Hydrocolloid
• Female
• Herpes Labialis (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Male