Resolution of Recurrent Oro-facial Herpes Simplex Using a Topical Botanical Gel: A Case Report

Yale J Biol Med. 2020 Jun 29;93(2):277-281. eCollection 2020 Jun.

Abstract

Oral herpes labialis, more commonly known as cold sores, are a common encountered viral infection involving herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1). Although relatively benign, these lesions can be both unsightly and clinically difficult to manage. Prescription standards of care and over-the-counter agents, such as docosonal, have often shown only limited efficacy in both decreasing lesional pain and reducing duration of lesional symptomology and are not without potential side effects. Despite some success with acute remediation, recurrent episodes often occur, with seemingly no imparted protection or suppression against future outbreaks. This case report involves the successful treatment of oro-facial herpes labialis with a synergistic botanical blend with marked reduction in symptoms, pain score, and lesion duration. Monitoring and evaluation post-treatment and application during future prodromal symptoms was also performed demonstrating additional reduction in the frequency of subsequent outbreaks. This case report supports the use of this treatment for prodromal and acute treatment of oro-facial herpes infection and appears to impart a reduction in the frequency of future outbreaks.

Keywords: HSV; Herpes labialis; alternative; botanical; cold sore.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analgesics / pharmacology
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
  • Drug Compounding
  • Eleutherococcus*
  • Female
  • Gels / pharmacology
  • Glycyrrhiza*
  • Herpes Labialis* / diagnosis
  • Herpes Labialis* / physiopathology
  • Herpes Labialis* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Hypericum*
  • Lavandula*
  • Melissa*
  • Sarraceniaceae*
  • Secondary Prevention / methods
  • Simplexvirus / drug effects
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wound Healing / drug effects*

Substances

  • Analgesics
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Gels