acyclovir and Cheilitis

Topics: Acyclovir; Adult; Cheilitis; Herpesviridae; Humans; Male

In comparison to the range of antibiotics used in medicine, the spectrum of antifungal and antiviral drugs used in primary dental care is relatively limited. In practical terms, there are only three antifungal agents and two antiviral agents that have a role. This paper will describe the clinical presentation of orofacial candidal and viral infections and the use of antimicrobial drugs in their management.

Topics: Acyclovir; Amphotericin B; Antifungal Agents; Antiviral Agents; Candidiasis, Oral; Cheilitis; Dental Care; Fluconazole; Glossitis; Guanine; Herpes Zoster; Humans; Miconazole; Mouth Diseases; Nystatin; Primary Health Care; Stomatitis, Herpetic

A 29-year-old Turkish woman with allergic contact cheilitis from a lipstick was misdiagnosed as herpes labialis and subsequently worsened with the application of Zovirax cream. Patch tests were positive to Zovirax cream, propylene glycol, the patient's favourite lipstick and propyl gallate. No reaction was seen with Zovirax ophthalmic ointment and Zovirax tablet. The propylene glycol component of the Zovirax cream and the propyl gallate component of the lipstick were regarded as the responsible contact sensitizers. The differential diagnosis was challenging due to concomitant contact sensitization with these agents.

Topics: Acyclovir; Adult; Antiviral Agents; Cheilitis; Cosmetics; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Diagnostic Errors; Female; Herpes Labialis; Humans

Tissue-destructive and more selective cytotoxic therapies are the main methods used to treat actinic cheilitis. A topical immune stimulant, 5% imiquimod cream, has recently been used for treatment of cutaneous epithelial malignancies including squamous cell carcinoma in situ and basal cell carcinoma.. Our aim was to review the results in patients who had been treated for actinic cheilitis with imiquimod cream.. A review identified 15 patients with biopsy-proven actinic cheilitis who had been treated with topical imiquimod 3 times weekly for 4 to 6 weeks. All patients with histories consistent with facial herpes simplex or documented prior facial herpes simplex eruptions were treated with oral valcyclovir, 1 g/d, during imiquimod therapy.. All 15 patients showed clinical clearing of their actinic cheilitis at 4 weeks after discontinuation of the topical imiquimod. Sixty percent of the patients experienced a moderate to marked increased local reaction consisting of increased erythema, induration, and erosions or ulcerations, which in some cases continued through the period of therapy.. Imiquimod appears to have a role in the treatment of actinic cheilitis. However, the dose and duration of therapy, as well as the long-term efficacy, need to be established; and local reactions are to be expected and may not improve during therapy.

Topics: Acyclovir; Adjuvants, Immunologic; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aminoquinolines; Antiviral Agents; Cheilitis; Female; Humans; Imiquimod; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Stomatitis, Herpetic; Valacyclovir; Valine

We report 4 patients with acute contact dermatitis of the lips following application of Zovirax cream. Patch tests with pure acyclovir, and combinations of the ingredients of the cream base, with and without acyclovir, provided no evidence of sensitization to any constituents of the cream.

Topics: Acute Disease; Acyclovir; Adolescent; Adult; Antiviral Agents; Cheilitis; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Female; Humans; Male; Patch Tests