Surg Cosmet Dermatol. 2019;11(1):55-58
INTRODUCTION: Lysine is one of the essential amino acids, with a role in the prophylaxis of recurrent orolabial herpes simplex that has been demonstrated in scientific studies. Facial resurfacing procedures with laser and other technologies can reactive herpes simplex.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of cases of orolabial herpes in patients submitted to treatments with fractional ablative and non-ablative lasers and robotic microneedling, under prophylactic l-lysine.
METHODS: A sample of 100 was selected to have prophylactic l-lysine for herpes simplex. A re-evaluation of all patients was conducted seven days after laser treatment. If herpes infection was detected, doses of oral antiviral similar to those used for herpes-zoster treatment would be prescribed, guided by the literature.
RESULTS: Only 2% of the sample demonstrated herpes simplex after the procedure with prophylactic l-lysine. Both patients underwent ablative fractional laser treatment and had past history of herpes simplex infection.
CONCLUSIONS: Besides the low cost, l-lysine is a natural product that proved to be safe and effective for the prophylaxis of herpes simplex in resurfacing procedures, with a similar or lower rate of viral activation to the use of antivirals.
Keywords: Herpes Simplex; Herpes Labialis; Lysine; Laser Therapy; Lasers