Date of Award
2017
Degree Type
Selective Evidence-Based Medicine Review
Degree Name
Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant
Department
Physician Assistant Studies
Department Chair
John Cavenagh, MBA, PhD, PA-C
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this evidence based medicine review is to determine if laser phototherapy is an effective treatment for herpes simplex labialis.
Study Design: Review of one case study published in 2009, and two randomized controlled trials published in 2010 and 2013. All studies were published in English.
Data Source: One case study and two randomized controlled trials were retrieved from PubMed database to write this EBM review
Outcomes measured: Decreases in healing time or size based on patient reporting, scoring systems, or photo documentation.
Results: The study conducted by Marotti et al determined that the use of laser phototherapy decreases healing time and size of the herpes simplex labialis lesions. In the study by De Carvalho et al, there was a significant difference in monthly average size of the lesions between the groups (p=0.013). The study performed by Dougal et al showed a significant difference in healing time between the groups (p=0.01).
Conclusions: Laser phototherapy is an effective and well tolerated treatment for herpes simplex labialis outbreaks.
Recommended Citation
Landis, Sarah, "Is Phototherapy an Effective Treatment for Herpes Simplex Labialis?" (2017). PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship. 430.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/pa_systematic_reviews/430