Abstract
The efficacy of topical interferon-β (IFN-β) treatment was assessed in 25 patients with herpes of the lips or genitals who completed a 2-year follow-up in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. IFN-β gel (105 U/g) 4 times daily (about 2 × 104 U) applied locally during eruptions (about 10 days) reduced the mean number of recurrences (p<0·007) and the duration of eruptions (p <0·007): in the placebo group these indices did not change significantly. Reduction of symptoms and severity was noted in 11 of 12 patients on IFN-β and in only 1 on placebo. No important side-effects were recorded. Topical IFN-β may therefore be advantageous as a time-limited local treatment of recurrent herpes simplex virus infections of the genitals and lips.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 150-152 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | The Lancet |
Volume | 331 |
Issue number | 8578 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 23 Jan 1988 |
Externally published | Yes |