Cold sores are a curse: whoever has it once, gets it again and again. Although it does not require medical treatment, it can be treated with over-the-counter drugs. The earlier the better.
In theory, almost everyone carries the herpes simplex virus type 1 without knowing it – because it does not break out in everyone. However, if it is activated, for example by a weakened immune system (triggered by a cold, stress, certain medications or hormonal changes), the painful blisters keep coming back. They often affect the upper or lower lip, but can also occur on the chin, in or on the nose and on the cheeks. This mainly happens when the cold sore opens and the fluid it contains leaks out. Because that’s where the highly contagious viruses are. The question arises: what helps against herpes? Thanks to medicine, there are numerous creams that have a virus-inhibiting effect. Which of them are recommended and what you need to know about the application is explained as follows.
When it tingles: That is why it is important to act quickly
Scientific studies have shown that a herpes cream can not only reduce the duration of the outbreak, but also alleviate the typical symptoms (burning, itching, feelings of tension) – but only if you use the antiviral agent in good time. It is best to speak as soon as your lip tingles for the first time, but at the latest within 24 hours. If you apply cream to the affected area too late, the viruses have spread too much and can no longer be stopped.
Important: So that the active ingredients contained in the herpes cream can stop the virus and alleviate the symptoms, it should be applied to the blisters at least every two to three hours during the day. It is best to use a cotton swab to avoid transferring bacteria to the wound through your fingers.
Which Herpes Cream Relieves Symptoms?
An antiviral herpes cream usually contains one of the two active ingredients: acyclovir or penciclovir – the latter being said to be able to contain the cold sores in a later stadium. Both drugs are over-the-counter and therefore available without a prescription. There are also combination products that contain acyclovir and cortisone. In contrast to the classic products, they should be able to contain the lip sores better.
In the following, we will introduce you to five different herpes creams that are based on personal experience stern-Editor recommended are:
1. Zovirax Duo
With this white one it is a combination preparation with two active ingredients: acyclovir and hydrocortisone. Together they fight the first signs such as itching, burning or tingling on the lip, so that ideally no blisters form in the first place. Of course, that always depends on how quickly you react to the symptoms. Thanks to the antiviral and anti-inflammatory agent the inflammation is combated and the spread of the virus stopped. Apply the herpes cream up to five times a day (three to four hours apart) for five days in a row.
2. Zovirax
The herpes cream known from radio and television is a real classic for combating cold sores: contains the active ingredient acyclovir, soothes itching and reduces pain. It also supports and shortens the natural healing process by preventing the viruses from multiplying and accelerating the formation of crusts in the cold sore.
3. Penicivir
These contains the active ingredient penciclovir and is also used at an early stage in order to inhibit the outbreak of the lip sores and thus the multiplication of the viruses. This product can also help to alleviate the typical symptoms and accelerate the healing process. A special plus here is that the white cream is also in so that it doesn’t catch the eye as much on the face (especially on the lip) as the classic products.
4. Aciclovir
As the name suggests, it contains the active ingredient acyclovir. This is particularly suitable for herpes simplex viruses that recur very frequently. It relieves the pain and itching in the early stadium if you smear the cream over the budding lip vesicles early on. The infected areas of the skin should be covered with a large but thin layer of cream with a cotton swab up to five times a day at intervals of four hours.
5. Aciclostad
Also in this one the active ingredient acyclovir is found again. Apply the remedy as soon as you feel the first tingling sensation. The sooner you become active, the greater the likelihood that you will prevent the herpes outbreak – if the first blisters have already formed, you can at least stop the uncontrolled spread.
