Tips On Management Of Cold Sores With Neosporin

Content

• Overview
• What causes cold sores?
• Can cold sores spread?
• Symptoms of cold sores
• Managing cold sores using Neosporin
• The lowdown

The pain of cold sores, not to mention the associated social stigma, can cause worry and stress. If you have a cold sore, you’ll want it to heal as soon as possible, but if it becomes infected, it can take much longer to heal.

Neosporin is an antibiotic ointment that kills any germs it comes into contact with. It can be used to prevent and treat secondary infections of cold sores, especially if there is broken skin.

This article will look at how to use Neosporin to manage cold sores.

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The herpes simplex virus type 1, often known as HSV-1, causes cold sores. The virus affects 47.8% of US adults, but most people who catch the virus never show any symptoms.¹

The virus spreads in a few ways:

Even if the infected person is not showing symptoms, they can transmit it to someone else. The virus can spread from when the first warning tingling is felt until the sore has completely healed.

Before you begin treatment, it’s important to confirm that you do have a cold sore. The signs and symptoms of a cold sore include:

• Painful, swollen neck lymph nodes

• Pain in the throat, with brownish tonsil covering and superficial ulcers

• Symptoms of itching, burning, tingling, or discomfort before outward signs appear

• A cold sore’s visible signs begin as a small, shallow gray ulcer on a red foundation

• The last stages of a cold sore are crusting, scabbing, and looking dry and yellow

Cold sores can appear on the lip, gum, nose, front of the tongue, inner cheek, throat, the roof of the mouth, fingers, and chin.

A cold sore will often burst open and drain around two days after it appears. A scab will develop once the cold sore dries up. Cold sores should start to heal within ten days but are contagious and may be irritating or painful while they heal.

Applying Neosporin to the dry, crusted-over site of a cold sore can help prevent further infection. Always keep the area wet with Neosporin or another antibiotic ointment. This reduces the risk of a secondary bacterial infection, which may develop when opportunistic bacteria enter the body via a wound.

Using Neosporin on cold sores speeds up the healing process. There is currently no permanent way to eliminate a cold sore. However, a doctor may prescribe antiviral medicines and creams to speed up the recovery period of a cold sore if it’s taking a while to go away by itself.

Covering the area where Neosporin has been applied with a clean dressing, such as a Band-Aid, will help to keep dirt and bacteria out while the cold sore heals. A thin layer of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) on the cold sore and the skin around it will help prevent further irritation and dryness.

Avoid direct sunlight on a cold sore, whether treating it at home or seeing a dermatologist or general practitioner (GP). Rather than using sun cream on the cold sore, cover it with a lip balm containing sunscreen to prevent the sun cream from going into your mouth. Use a cotton swab or an old cosmetic brush to apply the lip balm, and throw the swab or brush away as soon as the cold sore has healed.

Sunscreen lip balm used directly on a cold sore should also be thrown away once the infection has cleared up.

Since it is an antibiotic, Neosporin can treat wounds caused by various bacteria. Once a cold sore break open, it’s more susceptible to bacterial infection, and Neosporin can help to prevent such secondary infections.

Since cold sores are caused by the herpes virus and not bacteria, using Neosporin will not help the original cold sore to heal but will prevent and/or treat secondary infections.

Another 15 Household Products That Can Help Heal Cold Sores
– Luminance Red

When you’re looking to get rid of an unsightly cold sore and the pain it causes, you might wonder what everyday products can help.

Fortunately, there are a lot of options.

In a previous post, we covered eight common household remedies for cold sores and the effectiveness of each. Today we’re looking at 15 more household products and whether they can help heal your cold sore.

1. Can You Put Lemon on a Cold Sore?

Lemon juice is an astringent, which means that it causes body tissues to contract and shrink. Astringents can help dry out a cold sore, but other astringent options with less acidity may be better options. The acidity of lemon juice makes it extremely painful to apply to a cold sore!

Lemon juice also has antibacterial properties, meaning that it could theoretically protect your cold sore from becoming infected with bacteria. But because cold sores are caused by a herpes virus (most commonly by HSV-1), it’s unlikely to help heal your cold sore any faster.  It can also be irritating on an open active cold sore. 

2. Can You Put Vanilla Extract on a Cold Sore?

Many people have found that dabbing a bit of organic vanilla extract on their cold sore can help to dry it out more quickly. This is likely due to vanilla extract’s high alcohol content.

Vanilla itself also has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce cold sore inflammation and pain. (Note: This does not apply to artificial vanilla.)

3. Can You Put Baking Soda on a Cold Sore?

You can find baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, in most modern kitchens. Baking soda has been touted by many as a way to assist in drying out cold sores.

Though no empirical studies exist to back up this claim, proponents suggest making a thick paste with water, dabbing it on the cold sore, and leaving it for about five minutes to encourage drying. Then repeat several times daily.

Be careful not to attempt drying out a cold sore that has already burst and scabbed over. It’s better to keep cold sores moist at this stage.

4. Can You Put Hand Sanitizer on Cold Sores?

We can’t recommend applying hand sanitizer directly to a cold sore. Though the alcohol content might help to dry out a cold sore, it would also likely be very painful and perhaps irritate the cold sore, which would not be good for healing.

However, it is a good idea to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently during a cold sore outbreak. This is because the virus that causes cold sores is extremely contagious.

Any time you touch your cold sore, you should cleanse your hands immediately after to avoid spreading the virus to others around you.

5. Can You Put Neosporin on a Cold Sore?

Neosporin is an antibiotic ointment, meaning it can fight bacteria, but it’s not effective against viruses. Cold sores are caused by a virus rather than bacteria, so Neosporin can’t address the cause of your cold sore.

Other topical other-the-counter products, like Abreva, are formulated specifically for cold sores. These are better options than Neosporin to help a cold sore heal faster.

However, after a cold sore has dried out, a dab of Neosporin could help keep the open skin from becoming infected with bacteria.

6. Can You Use Salt Water on a Cold Sore?

Salt water is a cheap, easy, and readily available solution that people use on canker sores, and it may also be effective against cold sores.

Applying salt water to your cold sore may be a little painful at first, but it could also provide a drying effect when your cold sore is still in the blistering phase. Salt also naturally soothes inflammation and pain (at least after that initial sting!) and fights infection.

7. Can You Put Tea Tree Oil on a Cold Sore?

Many people are dubious about the claims of all the conditions essential oils supposedly treat. But tea tree oil has proven antiseptic and antiviral qualities. One study specifically showed that tea tree oil had a significant antiviral effect upon the herpes virus (which causes cold sores) in laboratory settings.

More research is needed to specifically evaluate tea tree oil for cold sores in humans.

If you decide to try this in the meantime, dilute about three drops of the tea tree oil in one ounce of a carrier oil, such as olive or coconut oil, before applying it to your cold sore. Undiluted tea tree oil (and other essential oils) can actually harm your skin, so this is an important step. Only apply once per day using cotton pads.

8. Can You Use Lemon Balm for a Cold Sore?

Instead of using freshly squeezed lemon juice, consider applying lemon balm, or Melissa officinalis, to your cold sore instead.

Despite the name, lemon balm isn’t related to the citrus fruit. It’s actually an herb in the mint family that has a mild, lemony scent.

Studies have shown that an extract of lemon balm provides protection and antiviral activity against the herpes simplex virus. If used in the early stages of a cold sore, lemon balm may help shorten the duration of the outbreak.

9. Can You Put Ice on a Cold Sore?

Whether it’s for a skinned knee or a sprained ankle, ice is one of the go-to home treatments for many ailments. Cold sores are no exception.

Cold sores cause swelling, inflammation and pain in the area where they appear. The cold from ice reduces that swelling and inflammation and numbs the cold sore pain just like it would for a sprained ankle.

10. Can You Use Witch Hazel on a Cold Sore?

Witch hazel is made from the leaves and bark of the Hamamelis virginiana tree. It’s often sold in a liquid called witch hazel water.

Witch hazel is an astringent, containing tannins that have powerful antioxidant properties and that help to tighten and dry the skin. This could help to dry a cold sore during its early stages and perhaps promote healing.

One study also showed that witch hazel may have an antiviral effect against HSV-1.

11. Can You Put Manuka Honey on a Cold Sore?

In addition to being delicious, honey also has anti-inflammatory properties.

One particular type of honey — Manuka honey — appears to be especially effective and has antimicrobial properties as well.

Manuka honey is made by bees that pollinate the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium) in New Zealand. Australia has a similar product, but legal disputes over naming rights continue to keep the Australian version in limbo.

Manuka honey in its raw, unpasteurized form may decrease the pain, swelling and inflammation of cold sores. One study showed that kanuka honey, a close “cousin” of manuka honey, is just as effective as common, over-the-counter topical drugs for healing cold sores.

Another study showed kanuka honey performed just as well as prescription acyclovir in reducing cold sore healing time.

Honey may also be an effective treatment for those who suffer from canker sores, as well.

12. Can You Put a Tea Bag on a Cold Sore?

Black or green tea both contain high amounts of tannins, an astringent known for helping to tighten skin and heal wounds. Studies have shown that tannins inhibit cell infection from herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2. Since HSV-1 is what commonly causes cold sores, this household remedy could prove extremely beneficial.

Additionally, cooled unflavored green tea bags could potentially act as cold compresses to reduce redness and swelling around cold sores.

13. Can Zinc Help a Cold Sore?

Zinc is a mineral that contributes to immune health and promotes healing in the body. It’s found in foods like meats, nuts, seeds, eggs and whole grains. Because immune health is so important to preventing cold sore outbreaks, optimizing your zinc intake could help to stop future outbreaks before they start.

Zinc oxide has been used to protect skin from sun damage, which can provoke a cold sore outbreak, and also to soothe diaper rashes and other minor skin irritations. Zinc oxide also appears to be effective in shortening the duration of cold sore outbreaks. One study showed that frequent and immediate application of a zinc oxide cream decreased both the time and severity of HSV-1 outbreaks.

14. Can You Use Colloidal Silver on a Cold Sore?

Colloidal silver is a liquid containing microscopic silver particles that has been touted as a remedy for many health conditions. Though it is sometimes recommended as a dietary supplement, the FDA warns that colloidal silver can actually be dangerous to your health and produce detrimental side effects such as argyria.

Colloidal silver does have some appropriate and safe applications for topical treatments. There is very little research on this remedy for cold sores, but one study suggests that silver nanoparticles could interfere with HSV-1 infectivity and reproduction.

There is much more anecdotal evidence supporting the use of colloidal silver for cold sores. The method most often recommended is to apply colloidal silver ointment directly to your cold sore.

15. Can You Use Camphor on a Cold Sore?

Camphor today is made from turpentine oil and has anti-inflammatory and pain-fighting properties. As a skin protectant, camphor can alleviate pain and itching caused by cold sores, but it will not kill the herpes virus that causes cold sores.

You should apply topical camphor with caution around the mouth, however. Ingestion of camphor is considered unsafe, and it can cause toxicity very quickly. This is even a consideration with applying camphor to broken skin, where it can also enter the body.

If you would like to try camphor versus another cold sore remedy, consult with your doctor or pharmacist regarding the safest way to use it.

An Alternative to Experimental Household Products

Many of the remedies listed in this post are experimental, with little to no medical research showing their safety or effectiveness. While some have plenty of anecdotal evidence from people who swear by them for relief, others, like camphor, can pose potential problems.

If you’re looking for a cold sore solution with no side effects and a proven effectiveness against cold sores, look no further than red light therapy. Clinically proven red light therapy, like that used in the Luminance RED Lip Sore Treatment Device, produces a remarkable reduction in the pain, healing time and frequency of cold sore outbreaks.

For example, studies show that treatment with red light can reduce cold sore healing time by 49% and increase the time between outbreaks from 21 days to 263 days.

Herpes cream: local treatment options

One of the components of a successful complex therapy for herpes is the use of topical agents. Preparations in the form of creams for application to problem areas are highly effective. They do not affect the nervous system and internal organs, in most cases they are well tolerated, although allergic reactions are rarely possible. Treatment of herpes on the face or body with their help allows you to control the symptoms and eliminate discomfort.

Contents

• 1 Topical antivirals
• 2 Pain relief ointments
• 3 Antiseptics
• 4 Auxiliaries

Topical antivirals actions

The drugs of this group directly affect the pathogen. Antiviral cream helps to reduce pain, suppress viral replication, heal lesions, and prevent or relieve postherpetic neuralgia. This treatment helps to reduce the duration of new vesicle formation, the period of crusting and acute discomfort. This herpes therapy is given at the first sign of a rash because it is most effective within 72 hours afterward.

Antiviral creams include:

• Zovirax (analogues – Gerperax, Acyclovir).
• Denavir.
• Viru-Merz Serol.
• Oxolinic ointment.

Zovirax is one of the most popular antiviral creams for herpes on the face and body. The action of the active component of acyclovir is aimed at suppressing the DNA polymerases of infected cells. The cream is applied to lesions 5 times a day for 4 days. Therapy should be started at the first signs or symptoms of viral activity, when the first lesions appear. The cream is applied only to the skin. Use on mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth, genitals) is not recommended, as it is not known how safe it is. Among the contraindications are children’s age, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weakened immunity, impaired renal function, sensitivity to any of the components of Zovirax. It is well tolerated and rarely causes undesirable effects.

Denavir is a topical preparation with the active ingredient penciclovir. This cream works against strains of the herpes simplex virus. The product can be applied to the skin of the face and body. It should not be used for rashes on mucous membranes, as irritation is possible. Denavir is applied every 2 hours. Treatment should begin at the first sign and continue for 4 days. Contraindications for Denavir are the same as for creams containing acyclovir. Among the possible negative reactions are allergic dermatitis, swelling, pain, itching, migraines, burning and tingling at the site of application.

Viru-Merz Serol gel contains tromantadine. This substance opposes the activity of various strains of the herpes virus. Tromantadin prevents the pathogen from attaching to the surface of cell membranes and penetrating inside them. Under its action, the synthesis of glycoproteins changes, and the spread of the virus is hampered. The gel is applied to lesions on the body and face 3-5 times a day. It is effective for rashes in the early stages on the skin and mucous membranes. It is also used for herpes zoster. Side effects are rare and manifest as redness, itching, swelling, pain at the site of application.

If the 2-day treatment does not bring relief, it should be discontinued. Contraindications include age under 12 years and sensitivity to components.

Treatment with oxolinic ointment can last up to 2 months. The main advantages of the product are its low cost and the possibility of use even by children, pregnant and lactating women. Ointment with oxolin is applied to the skin and mucous membranes 2-3 times a day.

Pain relief ointments

Lesions on the body caused by the herpes virus are accompanied by unpleasant symptoms. Severe pain is due to the fact that its distribution occurs along the peripheral nerves. Therefore, it is almost impossible for patients to do without painkillers. For patients, not only analgesics are provided for oral administration, but also for local use.

The most commonly used drugs are:

• Indomethacin.
• Acetaminophen.
• Emla.

Indomethacin cream is effective as an anesthetic to reduce inflammation and swelling. Used for herpes on the body, it relieves soreness. The active ingredient of this non-steroidal agent is indomethacin. It can only be applied to intact skin. On the mucous membranes – it is impossible, as this will cause severe irritation.

Indomethacin should be applied thinly to the rash 2-3 times a day. Children, pregnant and lactating mothers are contraindicated. Allergies are possible, although rare.

With herpes on the body Acetaminophen, the active ingredient of which is paracetamol, has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. It should not be applied to mucous membranes. It is contraindicated in childhood, with sensitivity, anemia, severe kidney or liver ailments.

Emla cream has a powerful anesthetic effect due to the content of lidocaine and prilocaine. The main effect – pain relief – is achieved fairly quickly. Does not affect the acceleration of healing or tissue repair. It can not be applied to large areas of the skin, as intoxication is possible. Emla is contraindicated for children and pregnant women.

Antiseptics

Antibacterials are designed to prevent infection in lesions. They usually contain antibiotics. In most cases, they should be applied pointwise and only on the skin. When applied to mucous membranes, they act in an irritating way. Usual contraindications: age under 12 years, pregnancy, breast-feeding. Among the antibacterial creams used for herpes:

• Zinc ointment.
• Undisputed.
• Betadine.
• Levomekol.

Zinc ointment is famous for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and drying effect. It is accessible and safe. There are almost no contraindications. In rare cases, allergic reactions may occur during treatment. The cream should be applied in small portions to the areas affected by herpes up to 6 times a day.

Neosporin ointment contains 3 antibiotics at once (neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin). To achieve the desired effect, you need to apply the drug in moderate amounts 1-3 times a day. Due to the content of vegetable oils, it helps to accelerate the removal of the crust on the lesion.

The active ingredient in Betadine cream is povidone-iodine, which has antiseptic and wound healing properties. The drug helps prevent infection of the herpetic lesion. Betadine also relieves pain, tingling and burning. It should be applied generously to the affected area at least 4 times a day.

Levomekol ointment contains floramphenicol. In combination with the immune-boosting ingredient, methiuracil, this antibiotic fights infection and inflammation in herpes. Levomekol promotes tissue regeneration. Treatment can be carried out even on damaged skin. The ointment is applied to sterile wipes, which are then applied to the lesions.

Aids

A person suffering from herpetic lesions on the body needs not only to effectively control the symptoms, but also to speed up the healing of the lesions. Medicines in the form of creams will come to the rescue, which relieve irritation, restore the affected epithelium, and have a positive effect on immunity. Among them:

• Panthenol (D-panthenol, Dexpanthenol, Pantoderm).
• Abreva.
• Troxevasin.
• Viferon.

Panthenol will help to cope with weeping and long non-healing wounds in herpes. The main component is dexpanthenol, which gives a regenerating effect. It is applied sparingly to the lesions several times a day.

The active ingredient in Abreva is docosanol at a concentration of 10%. It is also known as behenyl alcohol, which has traditionally been used as an emulsifier and thickener in cosmetics. Treatment with Abreva cream allows you to accelerate the healing period of herpetic sores on the lips, body, and genitals. It also soothes irritation and strengthens cell membranes to prevent worsening of the infection. The cream is applied after 4.5 hours for 10 days. Contraindication – sensitivity. Allergic reactions are rare.

The active ingredient in Troxevasin is troxerutin. Usually this drug is recommended for the treatment of patients with varicose veins and hemorrhoids, as it has a beneficial effect on blood vessels. With herpes, this cream will help with its anti-inflammatory effect, relieve pain and itching. Children, pregnant women and sensitive people are contraindicated.

The action of Viferon ointment is based on stimulating the body’s immune function. The drug fights herpes due to the content of interferon. Viferon is applied to rashes 3-4 times a day. There are practically no contraindications and undesirable effects. Since it contains peach oil, Viferon promotes accelerated healing of ulcers.

Herpes is difficult to treat, but effective creams can help relieve symptoms and prevent the spread of the infection. These topical agents may have different effects, but they have the same task – to improve the quality of life when infected with a virus.

Articles of the network of pharmacies “Classic” – Pharmacy Classic

11/28/2017

Herpes, a cold on the lip, inflammation – whatever you call it, this is an extremely unpleasant thing that can ruin the day. Herpes on the lips cannot be hidden, made less noticeable. In addition, the virus is highly contagious, transmitted by airborne droplets. It is during the winter period that the sore is most active. But in winter only the face is open, and it’s a shame if you can’t show it in all its glory. Today on the market there is a large assortment of effective remedies for herpes on the lips. Among them, ointments are used much more often, due to affordability and relative safety. Let’s get to know them better.

Zovirax

– a popular and effective ointment for herpes on the lips. The ointment is based on acyclovir. Zovirax has an additive in the form of propylene glycol, which allows the ointment to absorb faster and reach its goal. The list of side effects includes allergic reactions, the appearance of a rash at the application site. It is recommended to avoid getting the drug on the mucous membranes of the mouth or food. Use during pregnancy and lactation is not recommended.

Acyclovir

– the best cream for herpes on the lips. It is the Russian analogue of Zovirax. The composition is the same, however, the auxiliary substance in this case will be petroleum jelly, which slows down absorption. Contraindications, indications for use, dosage, advantages and disadvantages are the same as those of Zovirax, but it costs 5-7 times cheaper.

Aciclovir-Acri or Aciclovir-Acriquine

Development of the Russian company “Akrikhin”, present on the market for more than 80 years. It differs from the above drugs only in that the components are supplied from European countries (Slovenia, Poland). It is also a cheap ointment for herpes on the lips.

Vivorax

Ointment for the treatment of herpes on the lips made in India. On the Russian market since 1996. If the previous remedies have not reached their goal, or you have an individual intolerance to them, then you should try this drug. The composition of the ointment is somewhat more complex – the active substance is still the same acyclovir, however, in a bound form, the excipients here are white soft paraffin, purified water.

Panavir-gel

The first preparation in the form of a gel, not an ointment, presented here. Its main advantage is that it is made on a vegetable basis. Instead of the already familiar acyclovir, the antiviral component here is an extract of potato shoots. If you are looking for a homeopathic remedy for a cold on the lip, which has an extremely gentle composition, or you are allergic to acyclovir, then you should try this cream for herpes. It is the only one of its kind, having a plant base, and has no analogues.