Therapeutic Effects of Low Energy Laser on Acute Phase of Herpes Zoster.
- Author:
Jong Min KIM
;
Ho Gyun LEE
;
Dae Hun KIM
;
Sang Hun LEE
;
Sung Ju PARK
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Herpes zoster;
Low energy laser
- MeSH:
Acute Pain;
Analgesics;
Exanthema;
Ganglia, Sensory;
Herpes Zoster*;
Herpesvirus 3, Human;
Humans;
Neuralgia;
Neuralgia, Postherpetic
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
1999;37(3):305-310
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Herpes zoster(HZ), caused by reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus, is manifested by dermatomal distribution of skin rashes, acute pain and post-herpetic neuralgia by pathologic involvement of the sensory ganglia. Low-energy laser(LEL) deliver a small amount of energy without elevation of the tissue temperature. LEL is reported to have various biologic effects such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, regenerative, antiallergic, immunocorrective, and antibacterial effects. OBJECTIVE: We attempted to evaluate the therapeutic effect of LEL on an acute phase of HZ. METHODS: A total of 60 patients with acute HZ were enrolled in the study. The control group(30 patients) received medications including analgesics, antihistamine, and topical care without LEL irradiation. The experimental group(30 patients) were irradiated with LEL daily for 7 days in addition to the same kinds of medications for the control group. The efficacy of LEL irradiation for HZ was assessed by analyzing changes in skin rashes, pain scores, and postherpetic neuralgia.
