New Zealand Health Blog

Zovirax Cold Sore Cream

Zovirax Cold Sore Cream is the market leading treatment for cold sore attacks. A cold sore is an infection caused by an organism called the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV is different from the one that causes colds and flu. Although most of the population carries the virus, not everyone gets attacks of cold sores. However around 25% of people do have repeated cold sore attacks. Typically a cold sore sufferer may have between one and six attacks a year.

The first infection usually occurs in early childhood probably after being kissed by a person with a cold sore – for example a parent or other adult, brother or sister. The cold sore virus passes through the skin, travels up a nerve and then hides in a nerve junction until reactivated.

Reactivation of HSV occurs when triggered by any of the following factors: having a cold or flu, being physically or mentally exhausted, bright sunlight, cold and wind, physical trauma or injury and menstruation. There are also dietary triggers. The amino acid, L-Arginine is notorious for triggering cold sore attacks. Chocolate and peanuts are rich in arginine and are well known for initiating a cold sore attack.

Upon activation the cold sore virus returns down the nerve to the face where it starts to replicate – causing the tingling sensation. If not treated, the virus replication results in the formation of a cold sore blister. The tingle is your warning that a cold sore is about to appear. The tingle is your signal to start using Zovirax Cold Sore Cream.

Zovirax Cold Sore Cream contains the antiviral agent Aciclovir, in a new easy to rub-in cream formula. When used at the tingle stage, Zovirax Cold Sore Cream can stop the virus activity and so prevent the cold sore blister from appearing.

When used at the blister stage, Zovirax can stop the virus activity to speed up healing.

Apply the cream to the affected area five times daily or approximately every four hours. If you forget a treatment apply some as soon as you remember, then continue as before. Continue treatment with Zovirax for 5 days. If your cold sore has not healed after this time, treatment may be continued for up to a further 5 days. If full healing still has still not occurred after 10 days, or if your cold sore becomes very severe, consult your doctor.

For more information on Zovirax Cold Sore Cream click here

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Treating Cold Sores and Avoiding Triggers

A cold sore is an infection, which is caused by an organism, called the herpes simplex virus (HSV). This virus is different from the one that causes colds. Although most of the population carries the virus, not everyone gets attacks of cold sores or fever blisters, as they are sometimes known. However, one in four people do get repeated attacks. It is not uncommon to have between one and six attacks a year.

The first infection usually occurs in early childhood probably after being kissed by a person with a cold sore – for example a parent or other adult, brother or sister. The virus passes through the skin, travels up a nerve and then hides in a nerve junction until reactivated.

The cold sore virus returns down the nerve to the face where it starts to replicate – causing the tingling sensation. If not treated, the virus replication results in the formation of a cold sore blister.

Triggers for cold sore attacks can include the following: menstruation, emotional upset and stress, bright sunlight and wind, stomach upset, fatigue, physical injury or just feeling a bit run down. There are also dietary triggers. Foods high in L-Arginine such as pork, chocolate and peanuts are notorious for triggering cold sore attacks. I once conducted an informal survey of clients presenting for cold sore treatments. Seven out of ten told me that they had either chocolate or peanuts or both in the few days prior to a cold sore attack.

Cold sores are infectious. Always wash your hands after touching cold sores or after applying medication to them. Avoid touching the eyes – it is possible to get the virus in the eyes and it can be a serious problem. For the same reason never use saliva to wet a contact lens. Avoid kissing while you have a cold sore.

Cold sores can be treated with anti-viral creams such as Zovirax or Vectavir. Both these creams are not suitable for use if you are pregnant. A relatively new treatment, the Compeed Cold Sore Patch works as effectively as the creams and may offer some cosmetic advantages not found with the creams.