High-intensity laser and photodynamic therapy as a treatment for recurrent herpes labialis

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to report the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (RHL) using a high-intensity laser or methylene blue (MB)-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) in combination with low-level laser therapy (LLLT).

Materials and methods: Four clinical cases of patients diagnosed with RHL are described in this report. Two patients were subjected to high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) followed by LLLT, and two patients received MB-mediated PDT, again followed by LLLT. LLLT was conducted at 24, 48, 72 h, and 7 d after HILT or PDT. Patients were followed up after 6 mo.

Results: Throughout the follow-up period, all patients reported pain relief and did not show any signs or symptoms of RHL. A favorable healing process was observed in all cases. None of the patients reported pain as a consequence of the treatment.

Conclusion: These results suggest that HILT and MB-mediated PDT, in combination with LLLT, may constitute a benefit when treating vesicles in RHL.