Is Abreva Good For Genital Herpes
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!
HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.
How Are Cold Sores Treated
Cold sores will usually start to heal on their own within a few days. But if they cause pain or make you feel embarrassed, they can be treated. Treatment may include skin creams, ointments, or sometimes pills. Starting treatment right away may get rid of the cold sores only 1 to 2 days faster, but it can also help ease painful blisters or other uncomfortable symptoms.
The herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores cant be cured. After you get infected, the virus stays in your body for the rest of your life. If you get cold sores often, treatment can reduce the number of cold sores you get and how severe they are.
Key Benefit: May Help To Clear Cold Sore Scabs More Quickly
How Neosporin works:
The active ingredients in Neosporin ointments are primarily antibiotics.
Hate that ugly cold sore scab? Agghh so do we! Well although Neosporin ointment is usually recommended for healing minor cuts and infections, we found it can sometimes help get the scab stage annoying moving a little quicker if applied toward the end of an outbreak.
Directions:
Apply a small amount 1 to 3 times daily.
Read Also: How Do You Stop Herpes From Spreading
Whats The Difference Between Cold Sores And Genital Herpes
Cold sores and genital herpes have many similarities. Theyre both members of the Herpesviridae family of DNA viruses, so they share many of the same characteristics and symptoms, including recurring infections and painful sores.
However, each condition is caused by a different strain of the herpes simplex virus . Cold sores are classified as herpes simplex virus type 1 while genital herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 .
Cold sores are easily spread through simple touch and typically develop on or around the mouth. A tingling or burning sensation marks the first sign a sore about to erupt. Cold sores tend to cause pain and discomfort for seven to ten days until they burst, scab, and heal.
Genital herpes, meanwhile, is most often transmitted through intimate contact with a sexual partner and causes sores and blisters to develop around the genital area. These painful sores eventually break open and may cause flu-like symptoms. After the first outbreak, recurring genital herpes outbreaks tend to heal within three to seven days. The number of outbreak periods may even decrease over time.
Can I Use Abreva On Genital Herpes
- Asked
- 30 Oct 2011 by Rachel_Marie22
Official Answer
Abreva is indicated for the treatment of cold sores around the mouth caused by Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1. Abreva is not to be used on genital herpes which is most commonly caused by Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2
There is no medication to cure your body of the genital herpes virus. Treatment is aimed at easing symptoms, reducing the frequency of recurrences and reducing transmission.
Symptoms can be improved by:
salt bathsice packs to the affected areapain-relieving medication such as acetaminophenantiviral medication such as acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir. These can reduce the severity of an episode if taken early enough .
Topical antivirals like Abreva usually used for cold sores on the lips or face are not appropriate for use on the genitals.
For more information see:
+0Sapphyreopal5
If you have HSV-1 genitally, I don’t see why not. Of course as with anything you put on the skin, test it somewhere else beforehand. For those who are saying no you can’t because HSV-2 causes genital herpes and HSV-1 causes cold sores, they are not 100% correct . While most cases of oral herpes is HSV-1, it’s possible for them to be caused by HSV-2. There are also more cases of HSV-1 being found in the genital region, possibly due to the decreased number of people having HSV-1 orally say in childhood. HSV is NOT a site-specific virus .
+0dixie12488CAMPOSPAULAK
Read Also: Can Herpes Cause Stomach Pain
What Can Potentially Trigger Outbreaks
When people do experience outbreaks in the form of blisters on either the face or genitals, it’s most often after a trauma or when the immune system is compromised, Zeichner says: “It lives within the nerve and it forms a new active skin infection when the immune system is run down or after having a cold, the flu, or after a sunburn.” So, if you do know your HSV status and it’s positive , it’s important to do what you can to keep your immune system running at 100.
How To Use Abreva Cream
Follow all directions on the product package, or use as directed by your doctor. Use this medication at the first signs of a cold sore . Wash and dry your hands before applying the medication. Clean and dry the affected areas. Apply a thin layer of medication to completely cover the area of the cold sore or the area of tingling/itching/redness/swelling and rub in gently, usually 5 times a day every 3-4 hours, or as directed by your doctor. Wash your hands with soap and water after applying. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Apply to skin only. Do not apply this medication in or near the eyes since this medication can irritate the eyes. If you do get medication in your eyes, flush with plenty of water. Do not apply inside the mouth or nose.
Remove any cosmetics from the affected area before applying. You may apply cosmetics after applying but use a separate applicator on infected areas to prevent spreading the infection. If you accidentally wipe off the medication, reapply as soon as possible.
Dosage is based on your medical condition, type of infection, and response to treatment. Do not use this drug more often or for longer than directed.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. This medication works best when the amount of drug absorbed by the skin stays at a constant level. Therefore, use this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.
Also Check: What Is Herpes Simplex Virus
How Much Abreva Cream Dispenses With Each Pump
The pump is designed to dispense the right amount of cream for one application. Gradually press the pump until you get the amount thats right for you. More cream may be needed when a cold sore is large and less as it gets smaller. It is okay to include the area surrounding the cold sore so it is not wasted.
VIDEO FAQS
What Triggers Herpes Outbreaks
If youve had herpes for a while, you might have identified things that cause your herpes to crop up. Some of the most well-known triggers for herpes are things that stress your body, like lack of sleep or even a common cold. While your body is off dealing with some other stress, your immune system is essentially distracted, allowing your herpes to wake up. Thats why theyre called cold sores or fever blistersbecause they often appear when you have a cold or fever.
Other common triggers include:
- Exposure to sunlight
- Physical stress
- Hormonal changes
- Reduced immune function
And while herpes viruses might be best known for causing cold sores and genital herpes, theres a whole range of herpes viruses. Different ones are responsible for causing various diseases. These include chickenpox and shingles, eye infections, mono , and more. Classic cold sores and genital herpes are typically caused by herpes simplex virus 1 or herpes simplex virus 2 .
Also Check: How To Know If I Have Herpes Or Not
Risks And Side Effects
The three main treatments for herpes acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir are all FDA-approved drugs, though there are side effects and interactions to be aware of.
Common side effects of these antiviral drugs include headaches and nausea. Famciclovir can cause dizziness, confusion, or sleepiness.
Acyclovir and valacyclovir, which are very similar to each other, can cause your kidneys to stop working. If you have kidney problems, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose. These medications may interact with other drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, which may weaken kidney function.
Manifestations Of Herpes Simplex Labialis
Herpes simplex labialis outbreaks generally proceed in several predictable stages.5 For a large number of patients, the first stage is the prodrome. In this stage, the patient experiences a set of problems that precede the actual appearance of the lesion. Prodromal symptoms include any or all of the following: 1) pruritus of the lips or of the skin around the mouth 2) a tingling sensation near the lips and/or mouth area 3) burning near the lips or the perioral region 4) inflammation or erythema and 5) hypersensitivity of the area.3,5 The prodromal symptoms are often located at the exact spot where the lesion is shortly due to erupt.
The most common site for herpes simplex labialis is found in the namelabialis, referring to the lip. More specifically, the area is the mucocutaneous junction where intraoral tissues abut the upper and lower lips, an area also referred to as the vermilion border.3,6 Patients with recurrent herpes simplex labialis usually report that the prodrome and lesion occur at the same site from episode to episode. Occasionally, they break out on the skin surrounding the nose or cheek, and intraoral tissues such as the gingiva may be affected.3
The prodromal stage of herpes simplex labialis may also include general symptoms, such as sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, malaise, and odynophagia .3,5 The prodrome can last for as long as 1 to 2 days.
You May Like: What Happens When You Get Herpes
What Are The Symptoms
The first symptoms of cold sores may include a spot that tingles, burns, or itches around your mouth and on your lips. You may also have a fever, a sore throat, or swollen glands in your neck or other parts of the body. Small children sometimes drool before cold sores appear. After the blisters appear, the cold sores usually break open, leak a clear fluid, and then crust over and disappear after several days to 2 weeks. For some people, cold sores can be very painful.
Some people have the virus but dont get cold sores. They have no symptoms.
Genital Herpes Treatment Options
Antiviral prescriptions are available to control the herpes virus and prevent new outbreaks. Two of the most common antivirals include acyclovir and valacyclovir.
Acyclovir is a prescription medication used to improve the healing of sores or blisters caused by a number of conditions, including first-time and repeat outbreaks of herpes. It works by slowing or stopping the spread of the herpes virus within the body, though it can’t cure herpes.
Valacyclovir is another antiviral prescription drug used to treat genital herpes and shingles. Taken twice a day for five days, Valtrex can decrease uncomfortable symptoms and help sores heal faster. In some cases, this antiviral can also prevent new sores from forming.
If you’d like an alternative to medication, here are a few tried-and-true natural ideas to get you started:
- Dry, warm compress using warmed rice in a sock
- Cold compress using an ice pack or soft washcloth filled with ice
- Cornstarch paste
- Topical apple cider vinegar using one-part apple cider vinegar and three-parts warm water
If you want something store-bought, Abreva® is the only FDA-approved topical option for genital herpes. This over-the-counter cream contains non-prescription ingredients shown to accelerate the healing process. It’s most effective when used at the first sign of an outbreak and can be applied up to five times a day.
Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Oral Herpes Outbreak Fast
Home Remedies And Lifestyle
There are some things that you can do at home to lessen the pain of a cold sore or genital herpes, prevent worsening of your condition, and reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.
- Apply cold compresses: Place a well-insulated ice pack on your lesions for as long as it makes you feel better. The cold will not worsen or improve the lesion, but it can lessen the pain.
- Don’t scratch: Avoid touching and scratching lesions caused by herpes, as this can spread the infection to other areas of your own skin.
- Keep the sores clean: Cold sores and genital herpes infections can become infected with bacteria from your hands or, in the latter case, from urine or feces. Keep the sores and blisters, and the areas around them, clean and dry to avoid an additional infection.
- Reduce stress: Stress can affect how well your immune system can keep your herpes infection in check. Reducing your stress may help prevent excessive herpes recurrences.
Some Side Effects Can Be Serious If You Experience Any Of These Symptoms Call Your Doctor Immediately:
- hives
- swelling of the face, throat, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- hoarseness
Topical acyclovir may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administrations MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone .
You May Like: What To Put On Herpes Scabs
Otc Herpes Treatment Today
Over the counter herpes treatment can be effectively used for controlling the Herpes virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2, which is highly contagious virus. The virus cannot be cured completely, but its symptoms can be managed to avoid suffering from them. There are many options to deal with the virus including medications and ointments.
It is well known that the Herpes Virus can be in two major states: active and inactive, or dormant. When flare-ups come in the virus’ active state, it is very important to keep a good hygiene. Avoid touching the sores, keep the area clean and dry. You can wash the area in lukewarm water and use cornstarch on it. There are other handy things that can be used to bring some relief: ice, wearing sun block and cotton loose clothing .
The most unpleasant thing with the herpes besides its bad look is pain and itching sensation. So the main treatment here is the one that simply brings the relief. OTC or over the counter medicines for herpes and cold sores are widely available. They are fall into three main groups: one group gives relief to pain and itch and is applied in the tingling stage of cold sores other two groups prevent or slow down the cold sore lesion from aggravating. The result may vary though, since everybody has the unique health conditions and different stage of the cold sore severity.
To Use Acyclovir Cream Follow These Steps:
You May Like: What Ointment Is Good For Genital Herpes
Rule #: Dont Touch It
Touching the sores can increase the chance that you spread the virus to other parts of your body or to other people. Make sure to wash your hands frequently. Also, you can use a cotton swab or a finger cot to apply cream or ointment to the affected area instead of your fingers to avoid spreading the virus to other regions .
Are Acyclovir And Abreva Safe To Take While Pregnant Or Breastfeeding
Acyclovir
There are no adequate studies of acyclovir in pregnant women. In a patient registry of women who used acyclovir during the first trimester, the rate of birth defects was similar to the rate of birth defects in the general population.
Acyclovir is excreted in breast milk, and a significant amount may be transferred to the infant.
Abreva
There is no information about Abreva and pregnancy or breastfeeding safety.
Also Check: How Can Herpes Be Detected
Can You Use Abreva For Hsv2
4.4/5HSV-2 canwillyoucanAbreva
No interactions were found between Abreva and acyclovir. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Furthermore, can abreva be used on shingles? Zovirax is used to treat shingles, chickenpox, and genital herpes. Abreva is used to treat cold sores/fever blisters on the face or lips. It shortens healing time and duration of symptoms such as tingling, pain, burning, and/or itching.
Also, can you use Abreva and Valtrex together?
No interactions were found between Abreva and Valtrex.
Whats better than abreva?
Valacyclovir thus is active against the same viruses as acyclovir, but valacyclovir has a longer duration of action than acyclovir and can be taken fewer times each day. Abreva is used to treat cold sores/fever blisters .
You May Like: How To Heal Genital Herpes Sores
What Are The Side Effects Of Acyclovir Ointment
Topical acyclovir ointment is usually well tolerated. When you use a topical ointment to treat herpes labialis, you may experience adverse effects, including burning, itching, and tingling where you apply the treatment or dry, flaky skin in that area . These side effects typically go away quickly.
In rare instances, some people may experience an allergic reaction to acyclovir. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever experienced an allergic reaction when using other antiviral medications . Signs of an allergic reaction include sudden swelling in the lips, face, or mouth, hives, itching, and difficulty breathing. If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately.
Topical acyclovir ointment is for external use only . Keep this product out of reach of children and only use this product according to the medical advice youve received from a healthcare professional.
Don’t Miss: How Can You Not Spread Herpes