Por cierto, aqui un articulo que encontre por alli.
Comenta que en el 2008 la FDA anunciaba que se aniadian las sales de aluminio en la lista de medicamentos y alimentos que son reconocidos como seguros y efectivos. Es mas, el acetato de aluminio se usa en soluciones topicas para combatir el herpes, pero no para reemplazar los antivirales.
Citando el articulo, aqui su mecanismo de accion:
Mechanism of Action
According to University of North Carolina dermatologist Craig N. Burkhart, M.D. in the 2008 edition of "Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine," aluminum acetate solution works as an astringent. Topical application causes contraction of the tissues, arrest of secretions and inhibition of bleeding. In the case of shingles, aluminum acetate decreases the infiltration of inflammatory mediators within skin. This quells irritation, itching and pain. In addition, says Burkhart, the solution is germicidal, so it decreases the risk of secondary bacterial infections...
Disclaimer
Aluminum acetate does not replace prescription antiviral drugs as a treatment for herpes zoster. Patients who are not candidates for antiviral drugs may experience relief from shingles rash with aluminum acetate. Patients who are candidates for antiviral drugs may experience additional benefits from concurrent use of aluminum acetate. As with any treatment, patients who use aluminum acetate solutions should always inform their doctors about their use.
El alumbre no es exactamente acetato de aluminio, pero al fin y al cabo es una sal de aluminio.