Herpes genitalis – Topical zinc sulfate: An alternative therapeutic and modality

BACKGROUND: Herpes genitalis is one of the commonest sexually transmitted infections in the world caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 and 2. All herpes viruses show latency. Herpes genitalis caused by HSV-1 and HSV-2 is recurrent in 55 and 90% of case respectively. AIMS: To comparatively evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of topical zinc sulfate (ZnSO(4)) in varying concentrations in herpes genitalis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety patients clinically diagnosed as herpes genitalis and confirmed by Tzanck test were taken up for study and divided into 3 groups of 30 patients each which were applied topical ZnSO(4) in concentrations of 1%, 2% and 4% respectively for 3 months. Ten patients of herpes genitalis were kept as control in whom only distilled water was applied. Patients were followed up for a total period of 6 months for any recurrences. RESULTS: Ten patients of group 1 (1% ZnSO(4)) showed recurrence, 6 patients in group 2 (2% ZnSO(4)) and only one patient in group 3 (4% ZnSO(4)) showed recurrence. In the control group, 8 out of 10 patients showed recurrence. No serious side effects were seen in all 3 groups. CONCLUSION: Topical ZnSO(4) has been found to be an effective therapeutic modality not only for treatment but also for prolonging remissions in herpes genitalis. Topical 4% ZnSO(4) has been found to be most efficacious out of the three concentrations, without any side effects.