Zovirax Cold Sore Cream, 2g Pump

I have suffered from cold sores since I was quite little and unfortunately I am likely to suffer from them for years to come as once you have the herpes simplex virus (HSV) which causes cold sores you cannot get rid of it and it lies dormant in the nerve cells surrounding your lips.

According to the leaflet accompanying this product cold sores are triggered by ‘colds, flu, menstruation, fatigue, emotional upset, stress, physical injury, bright sunlight and simply when you are feeling run down.’ This last trigger is the one that seems to cause most of my cold sores as I often get them just before/as I go on holiday when the last few weeks have been manic trying to get everything at work and home in order before going away.

For as long as I can remember I have always used Zovirax cream to treat my cold sores and I am so impressed by it that I am content not to look elsewhere.

About the product

Zovirax is available in a 2g tube or pump. I think I am right in saying that originally it was only available in a tube and when the pump was introduced it was more expensive – they are now the same price (in Boots at least.) This review is for the pump.

I prefer the pump because I believe it to be less messy than the tube and also I find that with the tube it is hard to get the right amount out that you need and I always end up with too much product on my finger which obviously is a waste. Also with the tube I have found that if left in a bag it can get squashed against other items so when you go to take the lid of a lot of it has squeezed out already into the lid.

The downside to the pump for me though is that you have no idea how much product is left within as the container is white plastic and not clear. This can be frustrating when you go to use it and there is nothing or next to nothing left inside.

The pump Zovirax comes in a white, plastic, cylindrical container similar in size and design to a lipstick. Once you remove the lid there is the pump. The container is really quite plain, it is white all over with a label stuck on the main body of the container which has the product name, expiry date and basic instructions for use and warnings. The container comes within a cardboard box which also includes a leaflet with more detailed information about the product.

The Zovirax itself is a white cream and the main active ingredient is aciclovir, an antiviral agent.

Using the product

You are advised that the best time to use this product is when you feel the first signs of a cold sore appearing – for those of you who have suffered before you will know this is a slight tingling or itching feeling. If you apply in time then the Zovirax can effectively get rid of the cold sore before it has even properly appeared which is brilliant. It can still be applied once the cold sore has fully come up and in this case it speeds up the healing of a cold sore.

You should always wash your hands before applying Zovirax to ensure they are clean and then again after you have applied it as cold sores are very infectious and not just to the mouth but also to other parts of the body.

The advisory note is to apply the cream liberally to the affected area 5 times a day for 4 full days. Following these instructions they state that one tube is enough for one cold sore. Personally I probably apply it more like 3 times a day if I manage to get it at the tingling stage and then just stop when I feel it has gone away. A tube usually last me for a couple of cold sores rather than just the one – maybe I am not being as liberal as they suggest but it works for me.

When you are using this product (and therefore suffering from a cold sore) you need to be careful not to pass the infection on either to other people or to other parts of your body. You should avoid kissing and oral sex, not let anyone touch your cold sore, avoid touching your eyes, not share a towel or eating/drinking utensils, always wash your hands after touching it and don’t break the blister or pick the scab.

Side effects

I have never experienced any side effects from using this product however you are advised that possible side effects are allery-like reaction, mild burning or stinging, and redness, itching or flaking skin, skin rashes or weals. Should you experience any of the side effects you should stop using the cream and contact your doctor/pharmacist.

Warnings

Zovirax should not be used in the eyes, genital area or inside your mouth.

You should check the full list of ingredient before using this product to ensure you are not allergic to any of them, also pregnant and breast feeding women are to seek advise before using this product.

Conclusion

I could not recommend this product highly enough – it really does work and it works fast. As mentioned if you are able to start applying this at the first tingle then chances are the full cold sore will not even appear but if it does it will disappear very quickly when using Zovirax. It is quite expensive for such a small tube but for me it is completely worth it for not having to walk around with an uncomfortable blister/scab on my mouth which, if accidentally burst, can turn into a very unpleasant mess.

I personally favour the pump because I believe it is cleaner and less wasteful but the tube does have the bonus of you being able to tell how much product is left. They are now the same price so I guess its just down to personal preference as at the end of the day they both have the same product inside and thats the important bit!