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Evidence summaries

Sunscreens for the Prevention of Recurrent Herpes Labialis

Sunscreens may be effective in preventing recurrent herpes labialis. Level of evidence: "C"

A topic in Clinical Evidence 1 summarizes the results of 2 small cross-over RCTs on the prevention of recurrent herpes labialis. The first RCT (n=38) found that sunscreen reduced recurrence at 6 days (0/35 vs 27/38). The second RCT performed in experimental laboratory conditions found that sunscreen reduced recurrence at 6 days (11/19 with placebo vs 1/19 with sunscreen).

Comment: The quality of evidence was downgraded by sparse data and some uncertainty of directness.

    References

    • Worral G. What are the effects of interventions aimed at preventing attacks. Herpes labialis. Clinical Evidence 2005;13:2106-2112.

Primary/Secondary Keywords