Local anesthetic improves individuals affected with herpes simplex type 1 labialis

Infections caused by the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV‐1), commonly called herpes simplex labialis (HSL), are a public health problem, reaching around 40% of the world's population. Thus, the search for effective therapeutic alternatives in the control of the limitations caused by this virus during the stages of evolution of the disease, is necessary, since they have a direct impact on the quality of life of the patients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of the in situ film precursor semisolid composition in the treatment of herpes simplex lesions in human HSV‐1. Ninety‐eight (n = 98) patients with HSV‐1 were used for this study. The initial exclusion criteria left 81 patients to be considered in the present study. Three applications were performed, the first at time zero (T0) and the other two at 8 and 16 hours, after initial application (T8 and T16). Photographs were taken in the first appointment and 24 and 72 hours after the last application. After the three periods, each patient received a total amount of 90 mg of anesthetic and the prognosis of the patients was followed for 6 months and 1 year after the application. Frequency analysis showed that 40.3% of patients had remission of symptoms 24 hours after the last application. For the present study, the film presented a positive therapeutic potential and an esthetic benefit that is absent in the current products (ointments and gels). The invent presents dosage convenience (only three applications in a 24‐hour period) and a low production cost, with a much shorter healing time than that reported using topical antiretrovirals. Highlights Herpes simplex virus (HSV‐1) can be easily treated by an in situ film precursor semisolid The film demonstrated low cost of production and an easy application for the patients The proposed new treatment promoted a psychosocial improvement and well‐being of the participants, against a pathogeny so inconstant and with peculiar characteristics. The present treatment have an effective decrease in the signs and symptoms of the herpetic lesions of the labial and peri buccal lesions. New treatment with a much shorter healing time than that reported using regular topical antiretrovirals.