About Abreva
Abreva is one of the best selling creams for treating colds
sores formed on the face or the lips. The Abreva's medicine, docosanol 10% is an active
ingredient that is clinically proven to lessen the severity of symptoms and
shorten the healing time of cold sores. Abreva is an over-the-counter product,
but patients are recommended to speak with their doctors to determine if Abreva is the right option for treatment.
Abreva should be applied on the affected area a couple of
times a day, until it is completely cured. It
is recommended to apply Abreva as soon as the first symptoms of an outbreak
appear.
About Docosanol Topical
Docosanol is an
antiviral medication that can speed up the healing process of the cold sores
which are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Docosanol is a FDA (Food and Drug
Administration) approved pharmaceutical that
prevents the virus from entering the healthy skin, and limits its growing.
The medication is not appropriate for treating
canker sores (sores in the mouth), genital herpes, or shingles. It does not
prevent future occurrence, as well as passing the infection to another person.
How to Apply Abreva
Abreva should be
used as soon as the first symptoms of a cold sore occur - burning, tingling,
redness, itch or a little bump. Hands should be washed and dried very well,
before the cream application. Clean the sore area (remove any cosmetics), and
after drying, apply a thin layer of the cream, and rub it gently. Repeat the
procedure for about 5 times per day, usually in 4 hours. Abreva is applied only
on the skin. If it gets in your eyes, simply wash with plenty of water. After
the cream application, you may apply cosmetics on the sore area. Abreva is
working well when you apply a fixed amount of the medication on the skin,
during evenly spaced intervals. If you remove the medication by accident, make sure
you reapply it right away. You should stop using Abreva, if the cold sore
worsens, and is not fully healed in 10 days. You should see your doctor in such
a case. Do not share your Abreva with other people, as the virus is contagious
and this may spread the infection. Until the sores are completely cured, you
should avoid any physical contacts, especially kissing. You can store Abreva at
room temperature, and do not expose it to heat, moisture, or cold.
Who should not use Abreva
Abreva is not
intended to be used by children under the age of 12. If pregnant, do not use Abreva without first
consulting with your doctor.
Possible Side Effects of Abreva
In most cases Abreva do not cause any negative side effects. Serious allergic reactions are very
rare, but if they occur it can include difficulty breathing, excessive itching,
hives, lips, tongue or face swelling. You should seek medical attention immediately.
Some patients have
reported that their skin became abnormally dry and red after applying Abreva.
Other reports include minor headaches after continuous use. If you experience
any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor promptly, to prevent
further complications.
