Prophylactic topical acyclovir for frequent recurrent herpes simplex infection with and without erythema multiforme

Abstract

Reactivation of herpes simplex virus infection may cause cold sores, sometimes so frequently as to be distressing. A few patients suffer the disabling skin complication of erythema multiforme after each episode of reactivation. We have reported successful prophylactic use of topical acyclovir in one such patient and have now evaluated this form of treatment in a double blind controlled crossover trial.