Korean J Dermatol.  2023 Nov;61(9):559-565.

Comparative Study on the Effectiveness of Topical Recombinant Human Epidermal Growth Factor and Antibiotics on Herpes Zoster Skin Lesions

• Park JH
• Kim SG
• Oh SU
• Kang HS
• Seo HM
• Kim JS

Abstract

Background
Topical recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) is effective in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, surgical wounds, burns, and scars. Binding of EGF to EGF receptors results in cell proliferation and differentiation.
Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of topical rhEGF ointment compared with that of topical mupirocin in healing herpes zoster (HZ) lesions.
Methods
Thirty patients diagnosed with typical HZ were recruited in August, 2018. The rats were randomly divided into two groups: topical mupirocin and topical rhEGF ointment. HZ lesions were evaluated using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) at the initial visit, 1st, 2nd, and 4th weeks.
Results
The total number of recruited patients (n=30) included males (n=16, 53.3%) and females (n=14, 46.7%) with a mean age of 58.2. The proportion of patients with a 50% reduction in the VSS score (VSS 50) at 2nd week was significantly higher in the rhEGF group (33.0% vs. 72.0%, respectively, p=0.035). The complete resolution rate (VSS=0, 1) at 4th week was also higher in the rhEGF group (17.5% vs. 50.0%, p=0.03).
Conclusion
Topical rhEGF showed a more rapid treatment response and anti-scarring effect than topical mupirocin in patients with HZ lesions.

Keyword

Epidermal growth factor; Herpes zoster