None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
There are reasons to believe that medical grade-honey applied directly to skin may be an effective treatment for cold sores. In this study 15 adults with recurrent cold sores will take part in a cross-over study comparing medical grade honey and topical aciclovir for the treatment of cold sores When participants develop a cold sore they will start using the first allocated treatment on it for the duration of the lesion (maximum 2 weeks) and complete a subject diary. When participants develop a second cold sore they will use the second allocated treatment for the duration of the lesion (maximum 2 weeks) and complete a subject diary. The sequesnce of honey then aciclovir or aciclovir then honey will be allocated randomly. This trial will provide useful information on the practicalities of topical honey as a treatment for eczema. It will also give an initial signal as to whether honey may be effective.
Interventions
Topical medical grade honey applied to lesion with an amount sufficient to cover the lesion in a thin film for 15mins, five times per day
Sponsors
Medical Research Institute of New Zealand
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Primary purpose
Treatment
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
16 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Aged 16 or over at the time of enrolment At least two episodes of cold sores in the past 12 months
Exclusion criteria
Known immune suppression or receiving medication likely to cause immune suppression Requirement for systemic antiviral or antibiotic therapy, as judged by treating doctor Known or suspected allergy to honey or acyclovir Any other condition which, at the investigators discretion, it is believed may present a safety risk or impact the feasibility of the study or the study results
Outcome results
None listed