Valacyclovir Prophylaxis for Herpes Simplex Virus Infection or Infection Recurrence Following Laser Skin Resurfacing

Background. The CO2 laser for cutaneous resurfacing has been associated with the reactivation of herpes simplex virus (HSV), causing delayed reepithelialization and scarring. Antiviral agents appear to be effective in reducing reactivation, however, the optimal therapeutic regimen has yet to be clea...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Dermatologic surgery 2002-04, Vol.28 (4), p.331-336
Main Authors: Beeson, William H., Rachel, John D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acyclovir - analogs & derivatives
Acyclovir - therapeutic use
Adult
Aged
Antibiotics. Antiinfectious agents. Antiparasitic agents
Antiviral agents
Antiviral Agents - therapeutic use
Biological and medical sciences
Dermatologic Surgical Procedures
Face - surgery
Female
Herpes Simplex - etiology
Herpes Simplex - prevention & control
Herpesvirus 1, Human - growth & development
Herpesvirus 2, Human - growth & development
Humans
Laser Therapy - adverse effects
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Pharmacology. Drug treatments
Prodrugs - therapeutic use
Prospective Studies
Recurrence
Skin plastic surgery
Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases
Valacyclovir
Valine - analogs & derivatives
Valine - therapeutic use
Virus Activation
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Summary:Background. The CO2 laser for cutaneous resurfacing has been associated with the reactivation of herpes simplex virus (HSV), causing delayed reepithelialization and scarring. Antiviral agents appear to be effective in reducing reactivation, however, the optimal therapeutic regimen has yet to be clearly defined. Objective. To assess the reactivation rates of HSV after CO2 laser resurfacing in patients who received prophylactic valacyclovir for either 10 or 14 days. Methods. One hundred twenty patients received valacyclovir 500 mg twice a day for either 10 or 14 days starting the day prior to facial laser resurfacing. Serology levels and consecutive Tzank preparations were obtained to determine past exposure to HSV and the presence of virus. Results. No patients in either group developed an HSV infection or had a recurrence. Conclusion. These results support the use of valacyclovir in a 10‐ or 14‐day regimen as a preventive agent against HSV outbreaks following facial laser resurfacing.
ISSN:1076-0512
1524-4725
DOI:10.1046/j.1524-4725.2002.01155.x