This review is for any of you who suffer from cold sore flares or will do in the future.
₪ Introduction ₪
Seeing as up to 85% of people have the "Herpes Simplex Virus no.1" laying dormant in their nerve cells until it's triggered by any of the many daily triggers that will cause it to become active. I am sure that many of you can relate to me when I say a "cold sore" really makes you feel down.
The symptoms of a cold sore are:
• A tingling sensation around the mouth and lip areas. • Small and painful, fluid-filled blisters on a raised, red, painful area of your skin. These blisters may in-turn develop into a larger blister. • A pain or tingling sensation, often preceding the blisters by a day or two. • If allowed to develop, the blisters will weep and the sore will scab over. 'Herpes Simplex Virus no.1, (HSV-1)' is highly contagious so do not share face cloths, towels, cutlery and avoid kissing. HSV-1 is a virus that you have for life, if you follow a healthy diet and avoid potential triggers then this will reduce your chances of an outbreak. Unfortunately though, like me you'll always be susceptible to reoccurring flares throughout the rest of your life.
Please read on
if you want to know what you can do to help yourself.
₪ Packaging ₪
The 2g pump of 'Zovirax' is supplied in a small carded box. Contained in this box is the usual pack leaflet that will explain any contraindications etc. As with all medicated products, you must always read this leaflet before using the product. The pump itself is the same size as a chap stick and is white with a white capped lid.
'Zovirax Cold Sore Cream' is the branded name for the sole ingredient Aciclovir BP, 5.0% w/w. It is a topical treatment that will not cure the infected sore, but will certainly help ease and aid the clearance of reoccurring sores/flares. The cream itself is white in colour and of a nice thick consistency. Only a small amount is needed in any one application, normally a single pump will be sufficient. 'Zovirax' doesn't have a scent to it and nor does it taste of anything, so should you like me, end up accidentally tasting it with your tongue you won't be screwing your face up with disgust.
How 'Zovirax' Works: Aciclovir BP works by preventing the HSV-1 virus from duplicating and forming any blisters or sores on the infected area.
This cream is for the sole use of the Herpes Simplex Virus no.1 which infects the mouth area. It hasn't been unheard of either to develop a sore inside the mouth or nose. There are also other forms of the 'Herpes Simplex Virus' which in turn affect the genital areas or eyes - this cream is not for use in these areas. You should see your GP for medical advice if you are concerned.
Side Effects of 'Zovirax': Apparently very few people have been allergic to 'Zovirax'. There have been a few rare reports of allergic reactions. Some of these include swelling, especially of the lips, face and/or eyelids and skin rashes. Mild flaking and dryness can occur on the affected area as well. If you experience any of these symptoms, please check with your GP immediately and do not use this cream again unless your GP or Pharmacist tells you to do so. I have never suffered myself from any side effects and nor has anyone I know. Seeing as it is can now even be purchased in supermarkets, this just highlights the safety of using this product. None the less though, of course be cautious. ₪ Application ₪
Okay so we are in the same boat here, you've had a flare. Ideally, as advised on the packaging, you should apply this cream to the first sign of a flare up. When you start to feel a tingling or burning sensation this is when you should apply a small amount of the 'Zovirax' cream to the affected area, I find that ideally a single pump of the tube is all that's needed to cover the entire infected area. I also find that after applying this treatment, there is an initial stinging sensation which lasts albeit a few seconds.
By applying this cream at the first symptom of a flare you do greatly speed the healing process by days. I find it to be a complete god send.
I always massage the cream carefully over the sore/s with a clean finger tip. A useful tip is that you could also use a cotton bud to aid your application if you don't wish to use your fingers. I always ensure that I wash my hands both before and after the application as you can run the risk of not only infecting another area of your mouth but also passing it onto others.
I repeat this same process as advised 5 times a day at 4 hourly intervals.
₪ Results ₪
Here is how I have found 'Zovirax' to work for me:
Day 1: The treatment immediately eased my pain and discomfort from my very first application. The soothing sensation relieves my need to touch it and helps keep the tingling sensation to a minimum. No other visibly noticeable effects from this cream.
Day 2: The cold sore has dramatically reduced overnight, its redness and size is less visibly noticeable. The small collected blisters have seemed to dry out a little and the sore is starting to show the first visible signs of healing.
Day 3: The sore has halved in size, the amount of cream needed from each of my 5 daily applications is reducing. The small blisters have completely dried out/disappeared and the redness is now to a minimum. There is no longer an annoying pain sensation and the skin around the sore is repairing itself with every application. I can really see the effects of this treatment.
Day 4: Carrying on with my 5 daily applications, I am now only left with a substantially smaller and ever so slight noticeable red sore on the corner of my mouth. The skin seems to be repairing itself and there are no visible cracks or dry skin. There is no more pain.
Day 5: My cold sore is nearly totally gone. Only a very slight trace of what was a very unsightly sore. Applications are continuing as above but with less cream in each application. I recommend the continual use of this cream to prevent the chance of another flare.
Day 6: Completely gone.
Now that can't be bad! As I mentioned earlier this does not cure the infected area, but dramatically reduces the symptoms and aids its repair much quicker than just leaving it. Without this treatment it could take between 7-14 days for a sore to clear on its own accord (If at all).
'Zovirax' should be used for 5 days and then if not completely clear, can be used for a further 5 days to a maximum of 10 days. If yours has not cleared at this point please seek medical advice.
'Zovirax' is available to purchase at any chemist and is available to buy in a 2g tube or 2g pump. Some of the more popular supermarkets stock it as well.
'Zovirax' retails in most chemists/supermarkets at around £5.49. Now although it is expensive, anything to help aid and sooth the discomfort of a flare, is to me, money well spent.
Another good point to make is that a 2g pump or tube will last you through 3-4 flares so it makes the initial cost much more acceptable.
There are also other brands available to buy which contain the same active ingredient: Aciclovir BP, 5.0% w/w, but I am sure you would have to look around as I find that many chemists primarily only stock this extremely popular brand - 'Zovirax'.
I used to make the mistake of buying 'Blistex Relief Cream' thinking it would work on my cold sores, but have found that it isn't effective enough to help fight against the HSV-1 virus. It's much more effective to help chapped or dry lips. If you wish to aid cold sores then please don't make the same mistake as me.
₪ Further Information ₪
For further cold sore information please go to:
www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/coldsores.htm
For further information on 'Zovirax' please go to:
www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100003323.html
The manufacturer of 'Zovirax' is the household name - GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). For more information on this product you can go to their website:
www.gsk.com/products/zovirax_uk.htm
₪ Recommendation ₪
This is a superb cream for a painfully nasty reoccurring problem. With 'Zovirax' having a long shelf life of approximately 3 years, it means that even if you don't have regular flares then you can keep it for those irregular ones too. It really does work and is well worth every single penny in my opinion. It is very easy to apply, there are few side effects and is easily available.
Zovirax Cod Sore Cream for the treatment of cold sore.Before you use your cream :Only use ... more
the cream on cold sores on your lips and face. Do not use the cream inside your mouth. Zovirax should notbe used to treat mouth ulcers. If you are in any doubt wh...
Postage & Packaging: £1.51 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: Probably psychosymatic. Maybe the cream starts the healing process. Disadvantages: Doesn't work fast enough, I don't think it makes a major difference
Advantages: None really Disadvantages: It's expensive, doesn't work very well, and there is a host of other, cheaper, more effective solutions out there
LouisaNott 03.07.2001 (03.07.2001)
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Review of Zovirax Cold Sore Cream
Jul 13th, 2005
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