ABSTRACT
Silver sulfadiazine, an antibacterial agent, has been used successfully in the praphylaxis and treatment of burn infection. 42 volunteers with herpes zoster were enrolled in a clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of topical silver sulfadiazine cream. 1% silver sulfadiazine cream was applied 4 times daily until crust removal and epithelialization on 21 patients. As the control, wet compress with 1: 5,000-1: 10,000 KMnO4 solution was done 4 times daily on 21 patients. ln treated group with silver sulfadiazine cream, the durations needed for marked reduction of erythema and edema of lesions, striking control of pain and burning sensation, complete drying of vesicles and crust formation, and crust removal and epithelialization were significantly decreased as compared to the control group. The rate of postherpetic neuralgia was also decreased markedly. The sooner the treatment began after the onset of symptoms, the more dramatic the response was. Signs of local or systemic side effects were not observed.