Comparison of the treatment of herpes genitalis in men with proflavine photoinactivation, idoxuridine ointment, and normal saline.

36 male patients with genital infection by HSV confirmed by culture were each allocated to one of three treatment groups: (1) Proflavine photoinactivation, (2) 0.5 per cent. idoxuridine ointment (IDU), (3) Normal saline. They were assessed objectively at each attendance by measurement of the lesions with an operating microscope fitted with a measuring grid in one eyepiece. Material for culture for HSV was taken at each visit; the presence of symptoms (pain, discomfort, and irritation) was noted. The areas of lesions in the proflavine photoinactivation group remained larger significantly longer than in the other groups, the healing time was slower, and HSV could be isolated for longer. It is concluded that proflavine photoinactivation is of no greater value than 0.5 per cent. IDU or normal saline in the treatment of genital infection by HSV in the male.