The ointments and creams used to treat cold sores have antivirals in their composition that help to eliminate and reduce the spread of the virus that causes herpes, accelerating wound healing.
In addition, there are also transparent patches, which can be applied directly to the lesion and, although they do not have an antiviral in the composition, they facilitate healing and prevent the spread of the virus.
In more severe cases of cold sores, which appear very often, the doctor may also recommend taking oral antivirals, such as penciclovir, fanciclovir or aciclovir in tablets , for example, for a certain period of time.
The most commonly used ointments and creams to treat cold sores are:
1. Acyclovir
This cream is available under the brand name Zovirax and Ziclovir or as a generic and works by blocking the replication mechanisms of the virus, preventing the infection from spreading.
Aciclovir should be applied daily, every 4 hours directly on the lesions. After healing occurs, treatment should be continued for another 5 days to prevent recurrence.
See when not to use this ointment and what are the most common side effects .
2. Penciclovir
Penciclovir is available under the trade name Penvir Lábia , and should be applied every 2 hours daily for about 4 days.
This cream should not be used on people who are allergic to any component of the formula, and should also be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The most common side effect that can occur with the use of this remedy is reaction at the application site.
3. Dermacerium HS gel
This gel contains silver sulfadiazine and cerium nitrate hexahydrate in an effective concentration to destroy the herpes virus.
The use of this gel should be avoided in people with allergies to the components of the product, pregnant women, lactating women and children under 2 months of age.
The most common side effects that can occur are changes in the color of the skin and mucous membranes where the gel is applied.
