Herpes Antiviral Cream: How It Works to Treat Cold Sores & Outbreaks?

Although there is no cure for the herpes virus, modern science offers effective topical treatments that can shorten outbreaks and ease discomfort. This herpes antiviral cream has become the mainstay for many patients with cold sores. This article explores how acyclovir cream works, the science behind it and how it is best used. 

What are cold sores, and why do they occur?   

Cold sore develops most often on the lips, or nostrils, and on the gums and roof of the mouth, sometimes on the cheeks. An individual dealing with a cold sore often feels tightness, soreness, burning, or swelling at the site. A set of small, painful blisters forms and grows together into a large, irregular sore that releases fluid. If the affected area is large, the skin may crack or separate due to continuous movement, such as in the lips. Scabs (hard, dried blood clots that can form over a cut or broken skin to prevent bleeding) can take 7 to 14 days to heal. 

About 20% to 45% of the adult population is affected by cold sores, which can be transmitted from one individual to another. The contagious virus herpes simplex type 1 most commonly causes cold sores, but it may also cause herpes simplex type 2. The virus does not travel through the body and will not cause sores elsewhere than the previously affected skin. Because the virus can’t be cured or eliminated from the system, but some medicines can significantly reduce the symptoms of cold sores.     

Many children may get the virus through contact with parents, siblings, or other infected relatives. Sports that require close contact, such as wrestling, can create an environment for skin-to-skin transmission between participants. An individual who is developing a cold sore or who already has one can transmit the virus to other participants. An individual who is developing a cold sore or has one can transmit the virus to another person by kissing. Moreover, sharing straws and drinking glasses can also transmit the viral condition. Here, it is important to note that the virus can also be transmitted from an individual who is developing cold sores and who already has a cold sore to a sexual partner’s genitals when indulging in oral sex.

The herpes virus is usually transmitted through direct contact with an infected body part. In general, a herpes sore will occur 2 to 20 days after exposure. The very first episode often occurs with a very sore mouth, trouble eating, fever, swollen glands, fatigue and a sense of being ill. Symptoms during the first infection may be more severe than those during recurrences. Also, the first infection may last longer than recurrences.   

How to treat cold sores with an antiviral cream?  

Cold sores often resolve on their own in 2 to 4 weeks. Your healthcare specialist might have prescribed an antiviral medicine that may speed up the healing process. Acyclovir cream is to be put on the sores several times daily. It is important to start this prescription medicine as soon as possible for it to be most effective. Your healthcare specialist will prescribe a herpes antiviral cream to treat existing cold sores and keep it on hand for any outbreaks. A prescription herpes simplex cream may be particularly helpful if the episodes are frequent or severe.    

What is an antiviral cream?

Antiviral cream for herpes treats infections caused by the herpes simplex virus and cold sores. They accelerate healing and significantly reduce symptom severity. When applied to the skin, a topical antiviral cream inhibits viral growth and prevents multiplication. Although they do not cure the infection, meaning they cannot kill the virus, they may be effective at reducing the pain and discomfort cold sores cause and at speeding up the healing process. Moreover, they can’t prevent the virus from spreading to other people. Generally, treatment should be started within 24 hours of the first symptom of the herpes infection (pain, burning, or blisters). The most commonly used topical antiviral is Acyclovir, which is FDA-approved to treat genital herpes. It is an agent used to treat infections caused by the herpes simplex virus. You can buy herpes cream online to treat cold sores and genital herpes. Once applied to the skin, acyclovir cream penetrates the infected skin cells and starts working to relieve symptoms. Using Acyclovir herpes cream for sores helps heal the condition gradually.

Rinse your hands thoroughly before and after applying the cold sore treatment cream. Use a thin layer of the formulation on the infected site or the cold sore five times daily. You need to apply the cream every four hours. Avoid putting this topical antiviral cream in your mouth, eyes, or vagina. You might be advised to use the formulation for at least four days. If the sore has not healed by then, your healthcare provider may ask you to continue using the cold sore treatment cream for another 6 days. If the cold sore has not healed after 10 days, discontinue the medication and inform your healthcare professional.

How to use herpes cream effectively?

To get the most benefit from an antiviral cream like Acyclovir, start treatment at the first sign of redness and tingling, if possible. Apply the formulation correctly. Stick to the recommended frequency and duration to achieve optimised outcomes. Most herpes simplex creams are meant to be applied multiple times a day over several days. Do consult your healthcare provider before you buy herpes cream online.

In addition, combine the treatment with supportive care. This should include sun protection, lip hydration, and symptom management to improve comfort and enhance lesion healing.                                                                         

Herpes cream for genital herpes: Rinse your hands before and after using the cream. Squeeze out a small amount that forms a thin layer when applied to the affected skin area. Use the cream five times daily. For best effects, you should apply the product every four hours. The cold sore treatment cream must be applied for at least 5 days. If the genital sores do not heal by then, you can continue using the genital herpes cream for another 5 days. If your cold sore is still not healed after about 10 days of continuous use of the cream, continue the topical treatment and let your healthcare professional know.   

You should inform your healthcare specialist if you develop pus in your sore, a fever over 100 degrees (F), eye irritation, or an ongoing cold sore or blister. Exercise caution to prevent the virus from spreading to another individual by concentrating if you think a sore is about to appear. This is especially important in preventing transmission of the virus via oral sex.     

Take away!     

Antiviral cream for herpes is most effective when used at the earliest signs of an outbreak, typically when itching, redness, and tingling begin. As the viral load is still low at this stage, it interrupts replication sooner, resulting in better outcomes.