Efficacy of Acyclovir in Combination With a Glucocorticosteroid on UV-Induced Herpes Labialis

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18 years or older * A history of reactivation of recurrent herpes labialis with overexposure to sunlight in the last 12 months, or 2 or more cold sore lesions in the last 12 months * Generally healthy as determined by medical history and verbal interview * Females who were still able to conceive were to have had a negative pregnancy test on enrolment * Fritzpatrick skin type category of I to IV Exclusion Criteria: * Previous inclusion in this study * Participation in clinical investigational drug studies in the 4-week period prior to enrolment * Participation in any herpes UVR reactivation study within the previous 3 months * Previous herpes vaccination at any time * Occurrence of herpes labialis (end of episode) within one month prior to enrolment * Inflammatory, congenital or iatrogenic underlying immunodeficiency disorders * Use of topical steroids in or near the face or on the forearms, systemic steroids (within 30 days from enrolment) or anti-inflammatory drugs (within 10 days from enrolment) * Women who were pregnant, lactating or breast feeding * Women of child bearing potential not using adequate contraception as judged by the investigator * Recent history of alcohol or drug abuse which in the opinion of the investigator could interfere with compliance * Significant skin disease such as atopic dermatitis or eczema, that would interfere with the assessment of lesions * Allergy or hypersensitivity to steroids, acyclovir, penciclovir and/or other nucleoside analogues * Administration of any drug commonly associated with photosensitivity (tetracycline, Retin A) within one week of UVR exposure * Any antiviral therapy within 14 days prior to enrolment * History of allergy or sensitivity to sunscreen * History of herpes keratitis