A combined chemical-physical treatment for herpes simplex lesions in guinea pigs

Ultrasound-mediated transdermal drug delivery: mechanisms, scope, and emerging trends

The use of ultrasound for the delivery of drugs to, or through, the skin is commonly known as sonophoresis or phonophoresis. The use of therapeutic and high frequencies of ultrasound (≥0.7MHz) for sonophoresis (HFS) dates back to as early as the 1950s, while low-frequency sonophoresis (LFS, 20-100kHz) has only been investigated significantly during the past two decades. Although HFS and LFS are similar because they both utilize ultrasound to increase the skin penetration of permeants, the mechanisms associated with each physical enhancer are different. Specifically, the location of cavitation and the extent to which each process can increase skin permeability are quite dissimilar. Although the applications of both technologies are different, they each have strengths that could allow them to improve current methods of local, regional, and systemic drug delivery. In this review, we will discuss the mechanisms associated with both HFS and LFS, specifically concentrating on the key mechanistic differences between these two skin treatment methods. Background on the relevant physics associated with ultrasound transmitted through aqueous media will also be discussed, along with implications of these phenomena on sonophoresis. Finally, a thorough review of the literature is included, dating back to the first published reports of sonophoresis, including a discussion of emerging trends in the field.

Use of topical zinc to prevent recurrent herpes simplex infection: review of literature and suggested protocols

Zinc ions have been reported to be antiviral to herpes simplex viruses. A number of treatments using zinc are reviewed which illustrate the effects of topically applied zinc in reducing the duration and severity of human orolabial and genital infections. Long-term topical application of zinc salts appears to greatly reduce or eliminate recurrences of genital herpetic infections.

Treatment of genital herpes simplex virus in male patients

Twenty-three male patients with herpes simplex virus type 2 blisters on the prepuce, glans penis, and penile shaft were divided into 2 groups. Ten patients served as controls, and thirteen patients were treated with ultrasound (1 W/cm2 for 60 sec) and Herpigon on 3 consecutive days. Results showed a negative virus culture after 3 days of treatment and significant reduction of the recurrent infection in the treated group while the control group experienced recurrent infection within 62--80 days. This method offers a new therapeutic treatment for genital herpes simplex virus.