Zovirax Cold Sore Cream
This information is intended for use by health professionals
Zovirax Cold Sore Cream
100mg Aciclovir equivalent to 5% w/w
Excipients with known effect: 400 mg propylene glycol and 7.5 mg sodium laurilsulfate / gram cream.
Zovirax Cold Sore Cream is indicated in adults and children for the treatment of Herpes simplex virus infections of the lips and face .
Immunocompromised Patients
Zovirax Cold Sore Cream is not recommended for use in immunocompromised patients. Such patients must be advised to consult a physician concerning the treatment of any infection.
Route of administration Topical
Adults and children
Zovirax Cold Sore Cream should be applied five times daily at approximately four hourly intervals, omitting the night time application. Zovirax Cold Sore Cream should be applied to the lesions or impending lesions as soon as possible, preferably during the earliest stages . Treatment can also be started during the later stages.Treatment should be continued for at least 4 days. If healing has not occurred, treatment may be continued for up to 10 days. If lesions are still present after 10 days, users should be advised to consult a doctor. Users should wash their hands before and after applying the cream, and avoid unnecessary rubbing of the lesions or touching them with a towel, to avoid aggravating or transferring the infection.
Use in the Elderly
No special comment.
The excipient cetyl alcohol can cause local skin reactions .
Ocular herpes
Fertility
None known.
Femiclear For Genital Herpes Symptoms Cream Multi
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Item No. 0390614
NEW FemiClear For Genital Herpes Symptoms – Multi-Symptom Relief provides soothing, fact-acting relief from genital herpes outbreak symptoms including itching, tingling, pain and burning using only all-natural, organic ingredients. While there is no cure for herpes, FemiClear has been proven to kill 99.9% of the herpes simplex I & II viruses so you can feel confident in managing painful outbreak sores. Use daily as needed from the first sign of an outbreak until blisters are gone.
- Topical ointment that has been proven to kill 99.9% of the Herpes Simplex I & II Viruses
- Fast-Acting Relief for genital herpes outbreak symptoms – Itching, tingling, pain and burning
- Made with all-natural, organic ingredients
- This item may be eligible for FSA and HSA reimbursement. For any questions you may have regarding FSAs or HSAs, please browse our FAQ.
| No |
Ask your doctor before using this medication for self-treatment if this is the first time you have genital herpes sores or blisters. Adults and children 12 years or over Wash hands before and after applying the ointment. Apply to affected area at the first sign of blisters, sores, or tingling sensation. Early use ensures the best results. Rub in gently and thoroughly. Use at minimum 4 times daily and then as needed. Children under 12 years ask a doctor.
Before Using Topical Acyclovir
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to acyclovir, valacyclovir , any other medications, or any of the ingredients in acyclovir cream or ointment. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any condition that affects your immune system such as human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome .
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using acyclovir, call your doctor.
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Keep The Area Clean And Dry
Its important to keep dry any areas affected by genital herpes sores. Moisture triggers irritation and can make outbreaks even worse. Try drying outbreaks with a hairdryer on low heat settings instead of a towel. It also helps to wear cotton underwear, since cotton is gentle and absorbs moisture much better than synthetic fabrics.
Can You Cure Herpes
Unfortunately, theres no cure for herpes. The virus stays inactive in your body and activates from time to time to cause outbreaks, months or even years after youre first infected. This is when you get symptoms. Antiviral medication for herpes can only help control the outbreaks or suppress the virus.
Also Check: How To Take Valacyclovir For Genital Herpes
How Are Initial Outbreaks Treated
Antiviral medications can help to control the symptoms and shorten the duration of initial herpes outbreaks by 2 to 4 days. The treatment of an initial outbreak should be started within the first three days the earlier, the better.
The medications are taken as tablets. The number of tablets per day depends on the active ingredient and the dose. The World Health Organization recommends the following doses and amounts for treating an initial outbreak:
- aciclovir: 200 mg five times per day or 400 mg three times per day,
- famciclovir: 250 mg three times per day, or
- valaciclovir: 500 mg two times per day.
The WHO recommends that the treatment last ten days.
These three medications are about as effective as each other. Aciclovir is the most commonly used because doctors and patients have the most experience with this medication.
What Are The Alternative Treatment Options For Oral/genital Herpes
Theres an over-the-counter medication known as docosanol thats FDA-approved for the treatment of cold sores on your lips and nose. One study showed that it shortened the duration of outbreaks from five days down to about four days and even was a little more effective than a placebo at preventing outbreaks in people who applied it at the first symptoms of a cold sore coming on .
There are some reports that light therapy can help reduce herpes outbreaks. But so far, only a few small studies have been done to evaluate the effectiveness of these treatments. While the only adverse effects reported were pain or a burning sensation at the site treated, there werent enough people evaluated to be able to say for sure that the treatment worked .
There have been claims that all kinds of herbal products, including everything from echinacea and zinc, to the bee-derived product propolis and aloe can reduce your chances of having a herpes outbreak or reduce the duration or severity of an outbreak once you get one. Unfortunately, the research into these alternative options doesnt suggest that they work .
Luckily there are some things you can do, though, that might reduce your chances of having an outbreak.
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How Soon After Kissing Someone With A Cold Sore Will You Get One
The short answer is that its not. In general, its best to wait until after the scabs and sores completely disappear before you kiss someone or engage in oral sex. This is because the herpes virus can continue shedding in the late stages of a cold sore healing, even if theres no viral fluid present.
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What Are The Differential Diagnoses
Other medical conditions could be confused with genital herpes or cold sores. The conditions are severe, and it is wise to consult with a medical expert. Herpes could be distinguished from these conditions with a lab test or medical exam.
- Medical reactions: Medication might lead to sensitive reactions and allergies that could appear as rashes. Although medication-induced rashes do not appear in the genital area, they are common around the patients mouth and lips.
- Concurrent HSV-2 or HSV-1: If the patient has either type of herpes, they could also be infected with the other. The viruses are different, and having one does not prevent or cause the other.
- Pre-cancer or Cancer: Lesions around and in your genital area could be symptoms of cancer. The appearance of precancerous or cancerous shouldnt have blisters that come with HSV lesions. However, your doctor should be able to tell the difference.
- Syphilis: Syphilis is an STD that manifests in genital sores that could be confused with herpes. Your OBGYN should be capable of telling the difference through visual lesions inspection.
- Canker sores: Usually, canker sores are red, raw, painful, and whitish in the middle. They are due to oral trauma and can appear in the mouth. While the painful sensation of cold sores and canker sores is alike, a lesion looks different.
Read Also: How To Reduce Oral Herpes Outbreaks
How To Get Rid Of Skin Rash
The irritated skin around the eyes reacts to a trigger substance, leaving rashes all across the affected area. You may experience itching, stinging, or burning. Due to this, the skin around the eyes turns dry, red, and scaly. We have compiled a list of 12 remedies to help manage the symptoms and heal the rash. Read on to know more.
How Should This Medicine Be Used
Topical acyclovir comes as a cream and an ointment to apply to the skin. Acyclovir cream is usually applied five times a day for 4 days. Acyclovir cream may be applied at any time during a cold sore outbreak, but it works best when it is applied at the very beginning of a cold sore outbreak, when there is tingling, redness, itching, or a bump but the cold sore has not yet formed. Acyclovir ointment is usually applied six times a day for 7 days. It is best to begin using acyclovir ointment as soon as possible after you experience the first symptoms of infection. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use topical acyclovir exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your symptoms should improve during your treatment with topical acyclovir. If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
Acyclovir cream and ointment are for use only on the skin. Do not let acyclovir cream or ointment get into your eyes, or inside your mouth or nose, and do not swallow the medication.
Acyclovir cream should only be applied to skin where a cold sore has formed or seems likely to form. Do not apply acyclovir cream to any unaffected skin, or to genital herpes sores.
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Counselling For Genital Herpes
If you have just found out that you have genital herpes, it is likely you will have a lot of questions. A diagnosis of genital herpes often comes as a shock.
For many people who have genital herpes, the physical symptoms are outweighed by the emotional stress relating to the diagnosis. There are many misconceptions about genital herpes, including the belief that it is associated with promiscuity.
Seeing a counsellor may be a good idea to discuss any concerns you may have. Counselling offers a way of dealing with your concerns.For more information see the NZ Herpes Foundation or talk with one of their trained counsellors on 0508 11 12 13 free call 0508 11 12 13 or 09 433 6526 .
Genital Herpes And Pregnancy
Women with herpes before pregnancy can usually expect to have a healthy baby and a vaginal delivery.
If you have genital herpes during pregnancy, there’s a risk your baby could develop a serious illness called neonatal herpes.
This can be fatal, but most babies recover with antiviral treatment.
The risk of your baby getting neonatal herpes is low if you have had genital herpes before.
It’s higher if you get genital herpes for the first time in pregnancy.
Recommended Reading: How Long Do Symptoms Of Herpes Last
Key Benefit: Helpful For Preventing Secondary Infections And Cleansing Wounds
How Betadine works:
The active ingredient in Betadine is Povidone-Iodine, long renowned for antiseptic and wound cleansing properties.
Antiseptic in nature, this formula may help to sterilize and control a cold sore infection when applied to the blister.
The active ingredient may also help relieve the pain and burning.
Directions:
Apply liberally to the affected area at least 4 times a day.
How To Take Valtrex
Valtrex is a tablet that should be swallowed. You can take Valtrex with or without food. It is important to stay hydrated when using Valtrex.
If you are taking Valtrex for cold sores, chicken pox, shingles, or genital herpes, start treatment as soon as possible after your symptoms start. Initial signs of infection may include tingling, itching, or burning, or when the sore appears.
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Types Of Antiviral Drugs
There are three oral antivirals recommended for the treatment of oral or genital herpes:
| Famvir, 250 mg | Twice daily |
Preventing genital herpes recurrence is important as it reduces the risk of HIV. According to the CDC, having an active genital herpes infection increases the risk of HIV by 200% to 300%.
Why You Should Go To A Sexual Health Clinic
You can see a GP, but they’ll probably refer you to a sexual health clinic if they think you might have genital herpes.
Sexual health clinics treat problems with the genitals and urine system.
Many sexual health clinics offer a walk-in service, where you do not need an appointment.
They’ll often get test results quicker than GP practices and you do not have to pay a prescription fee for treatment.
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Genital Herpes Is Spread By Skin
The virus can be spread when someone with HSV has an episode or an outbreak characterised by having a sore, blister, ulcer or skin split . It can also be spread between episodes, when there is no sore, blister, ulcer or skin split present called asymptomatic viral shedding.
During viral shedding the virus is on the skin surface and can be spread through genital skin-to-skin contact, or from the mouth or face to genital skin during contact.
Over The Counter Cream For Herpes Is Effective
The most common OTC for herpes is a cream. An over the counter cream for herpes is quite effective remedy which is not very costly. Creams and topical ointments can reduce the intensity of the sores and accelerate the healing process. There are anesthetic cold sore ointment such as Dynamiclear and Herpecil-L which protect his lip area, and reduce the chance of possible outbreak. To relieve pain Neosporin and Polysporin are used. An antiviral medication, Docosonal, is even available without prescription it helps greatly to those suffer from oral herpes to recover.
If you need more choice for the herpes cream over counter, there are some other names:
Penciclovir heals HSV-1 sores, and it take like a half a day faster than if they are healed without treatment. It stops viral shedding and reduces the duration of pain. It is good to apply the cream during the first hour since the symptoms appeared. The treatment usually takes four days, and should be reapplied every 2 hours while awake.
The only FDA-approved non-prescription ointment for oral herpes is Docosanol cream . It is used 5 times a day from the first sign of symptoms.
Acyclovir cream is very well know remedy for herpes if is applied early, the best results can be achieved.
The anti viral pills like Acyclovir , valacyclovir and famciclovir are used to cure genital herpes, but can also treat cold sores.
herpes cream over counter
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Using Hydrocortisone Cream For Skin Rashes
Hydrocortisone cream is a topical steroid used to treat mild inflammatory skin conditions, commonly referred to as dermatitis.
Hydrocortisone cream is available over the counter in different strengths, such as 0.5% and 1.0%. It is also available by prescription, at a strength of 2.5%.
Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid, similar to a hormone produced naturally in your adrenal glands. It works by easing the swelling, itching, and redness caused by dermatitis.
Hydrocortisone is also an ingredient used in a number of antibacterial or antifungal preparations, such as in athlete’s foot creams and diaper ointments.
This article explains the conditions that hydrocortisone cream can treat, those it cannot, how to use the cream, and the possible side effects.
Anupong Thongchan / EyeEm / Getty Images
What Are The Causes Of Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is spread by skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the HSV virus, usually during genital or oral sex. It can also be spread through kissing, foreplay or non-penetrative sex.
- HSV1 commonly causes cold sores on the lips or face.
- HSV2 causes most genital herpes.
The HSV virus is most easily spread when there are blisters or sores, but it can still be passed even if a person has no current blisters or sores or other symptoms.
You cannot get genital herpes from things like hugging, swimming pools or toilet seats.
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Treatment The First Time You Have Genital Herpes
You may be prescribed:
- antiviral medicine to stop the symptoms getting worse you need to start taking this within 5 days of the symptoms appearing
- cream for the pain
If you have had symptoms for more than 5 days before you go to a sexual health clinic, you can still get tested to find out the cause.
How Do You Buy The Best Otc Cream For Genital Herpes
Do you get stressed out thinking about shopping for a great Otc Cream For Genital Herpes? Do doubts keep creeping into your mind?
We understand, because weve already gone through the whole process of researching Otc Cream For Genital Herpes, which is why we have assembled a comprehensive list of the greatest Otc Cream For Genital Herpes available in the current market. Weve also come up with a list of questions that you probably have yourself.
John Harvards has done the best we can with our thoughts and recommendations, but its still crucial that you do thorough research on your own for Otc Cream For Genital Herpes that you consider buying. Your questions might include the following:
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Were convinced that you likely have far more questions than just these regarding Otc Cream For Genital Herpes, and the only real way to satisfy your need for knowledge is to get information from as many reputable online sources as you possibly can.
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