Abreva Lip Ointment is a widely available over-the-counter medication designed to treat cold sores, also known as fever blisters. Its primary purpose is to help shorten the healing time of these common facial lesions. The ointment also works to reduce associated symptoms. This treatment offers relief from cold sore discomfort.
How Abreva Works
Abreva’s effectiveness stems from its active ingredient, docosanol, present at a 10% concentration. Docosanol operates by a unique mechanism that differs from traditional antiviral medications. It does not directly kill the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which causes cold sores. Instead, docosanol works to prevent the virus from entering healthy skin cells.
The herpes simplex virus has an outer envelope that needs to fuse with the host cell membrane to initiate infection. Docosanol, a saturated fatty alcohol, integrates into this viral envelope, disrupting its structure. This disruption makes it difficult for the virus to merge with healthy cells, limiting its ability to replicate and spread.
Correct Application for Best Results
For optimal outcomes, Abreva should be applied at the very first sign of a cold sore outbreak. This includes sensations like tingling, itching, or the appearance of redness or a small bump. Prompt application can significantly influence the treatment’s success in reducing healing time.
The ointment should be applied five times a day, typically every three to four hours, during waking hours. Continue this consistent application until the cold sore is fully healed, for a maximum duration of 10 days. Before and after applying the cream, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly to prevent the spread of the virus. Ensure enough ointment is applied to completely cover the cold sore area, rubbing it in gently. If applying cosmetics, do so after Abreva has been absorbed, using a separate applicator to avoid contamination.
What to Expect from Treatment
Using Abreva can lead to a noticeable reduction in the healing time of cold sores. Clinical trials indicate it can shorten the duration of symptoms by an average of 18 hours compared to untreated cold sores. Beyond accelerating healing, the treatment also helps alleviate common cold sore symptoms like pain, itching, and tingling.
While generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience mild side effects at the application site. These can include a temporary burning or stinging sensation, skin irritation, or redness. In rare instances, more serious reactions, such as an allergic response with symptoms like facial swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing, can occur. Should any severe reactions develop, it is advisable to stop using the product and seek medical attention.