Using hand sanitizer to treat herpes simplex virus-1 lesions
Herpes Simplex Virus-1: A Pilot Study Using Hand Sanitizer
This study is testing if using Purell hand sanitizer can help people with herpes simplex virus-1 lesions heal faster and feel less pain compared to using mineral oil.
Quick facts
| Phase | Early Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 99 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Idaho State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Pocatello, Idaho and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06135844 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Purell hand sanitizer in reducing the duration, pain, and size of herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) lesions compared to medical grade mineral oil. Participants will be divided into a treatment group using the hand sanitizer and a control group using mineral oil, applying the product to their lesions every waking hour for 14 days or until healing occurs. Daily journals will be maintained to track lesion size, pain levels, and discomfort, with clinic visits scheduled for re-examination and documentation of healing progress. The primary endpoint is the duration of the HSV-1 lesion, while secondary endpoints include size and pain assessment.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older experiencing early symptoms of an HSV-1 outbreak with visible lesions.
Not a fit: Patients who are immunocompromised, pregnant, or have recently used antiviral medications or creams will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new, effective treatment option for managing HSV-1 lesions.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research on the use of hand sanitizers for HSV-1, similar studies exploring alternative topical treatments have shown varying degrees of success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: For the purpose of this study participants must be: * in the early prodromal stage of an HSV-1 outbreak (less than 24 hours from initial symptom) * have a visible manifestation of a lesion * be 18 years or older * capable of following daily treatment instructions * willing to complete a daily journal * willing to come to the clinic twice for records and pictures during the14 days that the lesion is present or until participant is free of lesion. Exclusion Criteria: For the purpose of this study participants cannot: * be immunocompromised * be pregnant * have taken any antiviral medication within the last two weeks * have used any creams in the last ten days.
Where this trial is running
Pocatello, Idaho and 2 other locations
- Idaho State University — Pocatello, Idaho, United States (Recruiting)
- Cotton Creek Dental — Saint George, Utah, United States (Recruiting)
- Utah Tech University — Saint George, Utah, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Leciel Bono, MS
- Email: bonoleci@isu.edu
- Phone: 2082823076
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.