Aphthae and herpes
Traditional treatments
There is no cure for aphthae. Treatment consists of different medications to reduce the pain and discomfort they cause and to promote/accelerate the healing process. Such medications include: local anaesthetic gels to reduce the pain, antibacterial mouthwashes, protective pastes and in extreme cases sufferers may be prescribed topical corticosteroids.
There is also no cure for herpes simplex. However, traditional treatment involves the use of anti-viral drugs such as Acylovir. Acylovir has been shown to help speed up the infection cycle hastening the end of the outbreak. If used in the prodome stage it can also prevent the development of blisters and it has also been shown to reduce the number of future outbreaks.
Laser treatment
Studies have shown that patients who have their aphthae treated by laser therapy have immediate pain relief, faster healing and fewer recurrences in the future.
The application of laser energy to a person with HSV-1 equally has significant effects. If applied during the prodormal period nearly all patients will heal within the first 48 hours. In later stages (blistering or crust) over 90% will be cured within 48 hours and all by 4 days. In most cases between 2-4 treatments with laser energy will be required. In addition studies reveal that patients that have laser therapy for the treatment of herpes also see fewer recurrences when compared to conventional treatments.
Fotona's Nd:YAG lasers are an ideal choice for the treatment of aphthous ulcers and herpes simplex but also Fotona's diode laser can be of help.