Treating Herpetic Lesions With Laser Therapy

Globally, an estimated 3.7 billion people younger than 50 have herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 infection, which primarily affects the lips, producing what are commonly called cold sores or fever blisters. Oral herpes infections are often asymptomatic, but can cause mild to severe symptoms for many, with painful blisters or ulcers at the site of infection. Oral ulcers have been associated with infections, autoimmune diseases, and inflammation. Antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir, available as tablets, capsules, and topical ointments, are the most commonly prescribed and effective medications. These medications can help reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms, but cannot cure the infection.
An alternative treatment for herpes labialis infection is the diode laser. This treatment option alters cell and tissue function, and decreases healing time.
The laser energy kills the surface virus, thus inactivating the lesion. In this process, nerve endings are cauterized, allowing the patient’s symptoms to resolve. The reduction in healing time is due to the process of photo biomodulation (PBM), a form of infrared light therapy at a specific wavelength that stimulates cells to produce natural healing and reduce pain.4 Wound healing is increased by the formation of fibroblasts, motility of human keratinocytes, promotion of early epithelization, and enhancement of neovascularization.5
Laser therapy should be conducted at the first sign of an HSV-1 outbreak. With laser therapy, the healing time for a herpes lesion may be reduced by 10 days to 14 days and the resultant pain/discomfort should decrease.6
EFFECTIVENESS OF LASER THERAPY
Evidence demonstrates the efficacy of laser use in the treatment of herpetic lesions. In a study, results showed a reduction of healing time for participants receiving laser treatment for a herpes labialis lesion. Patients reported less pain and a reduction in lesion size after treatment resulting in faster healing. The use of laser can be done in a short amount of time and little to no discomfort at all. No downtime at all. You can go on your day like normal.
For any questions or concerns, you may call the office of Kimberly A. Rosen, DDS @ (661)255-2545.