Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
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J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. · Dec 1999
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical TrialA double-blind, placebo-controlled study of topical tetracaine in the treatment of herpes labialis.
Before the September 1996 approval of 1% penciclovir cream for the treatment of herpes labialis, no other prescription topical therapy was approved for the treatment of this recurrent viral disease affecting approximately 20% of the adult population of the United States. Local anesthetics, such as tetracaine, have been used in over-the-counter topical products, but are only labeled for the relief of pain and itching associated with cold sores and fever blisters. ⋯ Our findings indicate that a 1.8% topical tetracaine cream, when applied frequently, significantly reduces the healing time of recurrent herpes labialis lesions. Additionally, it is perceived by the study subjects to reduce itching of the lesions and to have a beneficial overall effect.