Cream for Shingles Pain and Management: What’s Available

Shingles is a reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox, called varicella-zoster. After you recover from chickenpox, this virus can remain dormant, or inactive, in your body for decades before becoming reactivated.

Its hallmark symptom is a rash on one side of your body. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that this rash most commonly appears as a stripe around your torso.

Shingles doesn’t have a cure. But doctors often prescribe antiviral drugs to shorten its duration and reduce the severity.

Topical treatments like creams, ointments, and lotions can help you manage irritation and itchiness. They may also help manage lingering nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Some topical treatments are available over the counter. For others, you will require a prescription from a medical professional.

Here’s an overview of the creams and other topical treatments available for shingles.

What’s the difference between cream, lotion, and ointment?

Ointments, lotions, and creams are three types of substances you can apply to your skin to help manage shingles.

These topicals are similar, but there are slight differences in their makeup. The primary difference is the amount of water and oil they contain.

According to this 2016 primer, creams are made up of about equal parts oil and water and often have moisturizing properties. They’re thicker than lotions but thinner than ointments.

Lotions are similar to creams, but they are made up mostly of water. They have less oil and have a thinner consistency. Because they’re thinner, your skin absorbs them more quickly. Some lotions are oil-free.

Ointments are the thickest of the three. They are made to stay on top of your skin instead of being absorbed immediately. Ointments are made up of at least 80 percent oil.

Topicals are not a substitute for medical treatment

Topical products can help you manage your symptoms. But they aren’t a substitute for proper medical treatment.

It’s important to visit your doctor if you’re dealing with shingles. Your doctor can prescribe antiviral drugs and other medications that can shorten the duration of your infection and help you avoid severe complications.

Was this helpful?

The following creams may be able to help you manage shingles symptoms.

Lidocaine cream and patches

Lidocaine 5% is a prescription medication. This 2017 study suggests that it’s one of the best-tolerated treatments for PHN.

PHN is a complication of shingles characterized by long-term nerve pain after your rash disappears. The CDC says that about 10 to 18 percent of people experience PHN after shingles.

Lidocaine is often administered in patches. The study linked above notes that up to 3 patches can be applied in a 12-hour window.

Capsaicin

cream

Capsaicin is the chemical found in hot peppers that makes them spicy. Capsaicin cream can desensitize nerve fibers and potentially help with PHN. You can get it over the counter (OTC) or with a prescription.

According to this 2016 review, capsaicin patches and creams are usually not recommended as a first-line treatment for PHN. This is because they can cause side effects like stinging or burning.

The 2017 study in the previous section indicates that capsaicin 0.075 percent cream can be applied four times per day.

Eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA) cream

EMLA cream is a prescription medication made up of a 1-to-1 ratio of 2.5 percent lidocaine and 2.5 percent prilocaine.

A 2018 case study of one person found that EMLA cream may make an effective alternative to lidocaine cream for treating PHN in people with special situations like kidney failure. However, there’s not much available research about its effectiveness. Most existing research is from the 1980s and ’90s.

A doctor can give you specific instructions on how to use EMLA cream.

Topical antibiotic creams

Topical antibiotic creams like mupirocin or soframycin can help prevent bacterial infection around a shingles rash. These antibiotics are only available by prescription. A doctor or pharmacist can recommend how often to apply them.

Other topical solutions that may help you manage your shingles symptoms include:

Calamine lotion

Calamine lotion is an over-the-counter medication that the CDC says may help relieve itchiness. You can apply a thin layer of lotion over your blisters. Try not to put on so much that it forms a crust on your skin.

Liquid dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and idoxuridine

Idoxuridine is an antiviral medication approved in Europe for treating shingles.

One 2015 publication suggested frequent application of 5 to 40 percent idoxuridine dissolved in DMSO may speed up the healing time of shingles. However, in the United States, idoxuridine is only FDA-approved to treat keratitis, a herpes simplex virus infection of the cornea of your eye.

Burow’s solution

Burow’s solution, or aluminum acetate, is an over-the-counter astringent. Astringents have a protective effect against inflamed and irritated skin.

There’s a limited amount of evidence that Burow’s solution can help heal shingles, but it’s possible that it may help soothe blisters.

You can try applying 5 percent aluminum acetate solution for about 30 to 60 minutes at a time.

Saline solution

Bathing your blisters in a saline solution several times a day may help reduce inflammation. You can cover your blisters with a nonstick bandage afterward to keep other people from coming into contact with the blisters.

Aloe and other botanical topical therapies

Aloe vera has antiviral effects. A 2016 study found evidence that it inhibits the growth of herpes simplex virus type 1.

It’s not clear if aloe vera gel is effective at treating shingles, but some people anecdotally report that it helps with redness and inflammation.

In a 2021 case report, one person showed substantial improvement after the application of a topical botanical formulation that included:

• lemon balm
• St. John’s wort
• Siberian ginseng
• English lavender
• licorice
• purple pitcher plant
• versabase gel (containing aloe vera)

When using a topical cream, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions or the instructions on the package. This should help you avoid unwanted side effects.

Applying topicals for too long or too often can lead to skin irritation or even more serious side effects.

Topical lidocaine can cause side effects like:

• severe burning, stinging, irritation
• swelling or redness
• confusion
• bruising
• unusual temperature sensation
• itching
• changes in skin color
• bruising or purpleness

Some topical solutions for shingles are available by prescription only. You can find others OTC.

OTC medications don’t require approval from a pharmacist. You can purchase them online, in pharmacies, and in other places that sell medications.

If you suspect that you have shingles, it’s important to visit a healthcare professional as soon as possible. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), treating shingles within the first 72 hours gives you the best chance of minimizing complications like nerve pain.

Antiviral medications or other medications only available by prescription can shorten the duration of your shingles or lessen the severity.

If a cream or other topical isn’t reducing your pain, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor again. They may recommend trying another treatment like capsaicin cream instead of lidocaine.

If a product is making your symptoms worse, it’s important to stop taking it right away.

You may be able to reduce your symptoms using home remedies while you’re waiting to see a healthcare professional. These include applying a wet cold compress or taking a cool bath.

Learn more about shingles home remedies here.

The AAD suggests that treating shingles within the first 72 hours gives you the best chance of minimizing complications like nerve pain. A doctor may prescribe medications like:

• antiviral drugs, such as acyclovir or valacyclovir, to help your body fight off the virus quicker
• anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, to ease swelling and pain
• opioid medications, such as hydrocodone and tramadol (and less commonly morphine), to reduce pain
• other medications, such as anticonvulsants and tricyclic antidepressants
• antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, to treat itching
• numbing agents like lidocaine

Learn more about shingles treatment here.

Some creams or other topical medications may help you manage shingles symptoms. But they’re not a substitute for proper medical treatment.

It’s critical to visit a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation if you think you have shingles. They may prescribe antiviral drugs or other medications that can reduce your chances of developing long-term complications.

Cream for Shingles Pain and Management: What’s Available

Shingles is a reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox, called varicella-zoster. After you recover from chickenpox, this virus can remain dormant, or inactive, in your body for decades before becoming reactivated.

Its hallmark symptom is a rash on one side of your body. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that this rash most commonly appears as a stripe around your torso.

Shingles doesn’t have a cure. But doctors often prescribe antiviral drugs to shorten its duration and reduce the severity.

Topical treatments like creams, ointments, and lotions can help you manage irritation and itchiness. They may also help manage lingering nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Some topical treatments are available over the counter. For others, you will require a prescription from a medical professional.

Here’s an overview of the creams and other topical treatments available for shingles.

What’s the difference between cream, lotion, and ointment?

Ointments, lotions, and creams are three types of substances you can apply to your skin to help manage shingles.

These topicals are similar, but there are slight differences in their makeup. The primary difference is the amount of water and oil they contain.

According to this 2016 primer, creams are made up of about equal parts oil and water and often have moisturizing properties. They’re thicker than lotions but thinner than ointments.

Lotions are similar to creams, but they are made up mostly of water. They have less oil and have a thinner consistency. Because they’re thinner, your skin absorbs them more quickly. Some lotions are oil-free.

Ointments are the thickest of the three. They are made to stay on top of your skin instead of being absorbed immediately. Ointments are made up of at least 80 percent oil.

Topicals are not a substitute for medical treatment

Topical products can help you manage your symptoms. But they aren’t a substitute for proper medical treatment.

It’s important to visit your doctor if you’re dealing with shingles. Your doctor can prescribe antiviral drugs and other medications that can shorten the duration of your infection and help you avoid severe complications.

Was this helpful?

The following creams may be able to help you manage shingles symptoms.

Lidocaine cream and patches

Lidocaine 5% is a prescription medication. This 2017 study suggests that it’s one of the best-tolerated treatments for PHN.

PHN is a complication of shingles characterized by long-term nerve pain after your rash disappears. The CDC says that about 10 to 18 percent of people experience PHN after shingles.

Lidocaine is often administered in patches. The study linked above notes that up to 3 patches can be applied in a 12-hour window.

Capsaicin

cream

Capsaicin is the chemical found in hot peppers that makes them spicy. Capsaicin cream can desensitize nerve fibers and potentially help with PHN. You can get it over the counter (OTC) or with a prescription.

According to this 2016 review, capsaicin patches and creams are usually not recommended as a first-line treatment for PHN. This is because they can cause side effects like stinging or burning.

The 2017 study in the previous section indicates that capsaicin 0.075 percent cream can be applied four times per day.

Eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA) cream

EMLA cream is a prescription medication made up of a 1-to-1 ratio of 2.5 percent lidocaine and 2.5 percent prilocaine.

A 2018 case study of one person found that EMLA cream may make an effective alternative to lidocaine cream for treating PHN in people with special situations like kidney failure. However, there’s not much available research about its effectiveness. Most existing research is from the 1980s and ’90s.

A doctor can give you specific instructions on how to use EMLA cream.

Topical antibiotic creams

Topical antibiotic creams like mupirocin or soframycin can help prevent bacterial infection around a shingles rash. These antibiotics are only available by prescription. A doctor or pharmacist can recommend how often to apply them.

Other topical solutions that may help you manage your shingles symptoms include:

Calamine lotion

Calamine lotion is an over-the-counter medication that the CDC says may help relieve itchiness. You can apply a thin layer of lotion over your blisters. Try not to put on so much that it forms a crust on your skin.

Liquid dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and idoxuridine

Idoxuridine is an antiviral medication approved in Europe for treating shingles.

One 2015 publication suggested frequent application of 5 to 40 percent idoxuridine dissolved in DMSO may speed up the healing time of shingles. However, in the United States, idoxuridine is only FDA-approved to treat keratitis, a herpes simplex virus infection of the cornea of your eye.

Burow’s solution

Burow’s solution, or aluminum acetate, is an over-the-counter astringent. Astringents have a protective effect against inflamed and irritated skin.

There’s a limited amount of evidence that Burow’s solution can help heal shingles, but it’s possible that it may help soothe blisters.

You can try applying 5 percent aluminum acetate solution for about 30 to 60 minutes at a time.

Saline solution

Bathing your blisters in a saline solution several times a day may help reduce inflammation. You can cover your blisters with a nonstick bandage afterward to keep other people from coming into contact with the blisters.

Aloe and other botanical topical therapies

Aloe vera has antiviral effects. A 2016 study found evidence that it inhibits the growth of herpes simplex virus type 1.

It’s not clear if aloe vera gel is effective at treating shingles, but some people anecdotally report that it helps with redness and inflammation.

In a 2021 case report, one person showed substantial improvement after the application of a topical botanical formulation that included:

• lemon balm
• St. John’s wort
• Siberian ginseng
• English lavender
• licorice
• purple pitcher plant
• versabase gel (containing aloe vera)

When using a topical cream, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions or the instructions on the package. This should help you avoid unwanted side effects.

Applying topicals for too long or too often can lead to skin irritation or even more serious side effects.

Topical lidocaine can cause side effects like:

• severe burning, stinging, irritation
• swelling or redness
• confusion
• bruising
• unusual temperature sensation
• itching
• changes in skin color
• bruising or purpleness

Some topical solutions for shingles are available by prescription only. You can find others OTC.

OTC medications don’t require approval from a pharmacist. You can purchase them online, in pharmacies, and in other places that sell medications.

If you suspect that you have shingles, it’s important to visit a healthcare professional as soon as possible. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), treating shingles within the first 72 hours gives you the best chance of minimizing complications like nerve pain.

Antiviral medications or other medications only available by prescription can shorten the duration of your shingles or lessen the severity.

If a cream or other topical isn’t reducing your pain, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor again. They may recommend trying another treatment like capsaicin cream instead of lidocaine.

If a product is making your symptoms worse, it’s important to stop taking it right away.

You may be able to reduce your symptoms using home remedies while you’re waiting to see a healthcare professional. These include applying a wet cold compress or taking a cool bath.

Learn more about shingles home remedies here.

The AAD suggests that treating shingles within the first 72 hours gives you the best chance of minimizing complications like nerve pain. A doctor may prescribe medications like:

• antiviral drugs, such as acyclovir or valacyclovir, to help your body fight off the virus quicker
• anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, to ease swelling and pain
• opioid medications, such as hydrocodone and tramadol (and less commonly morphine), to reduce pain
• other medications, such as anticonvulsants and tricyclic antidepressants
• antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, to treat itching
• numbing agents like lidocaine

Learn more about shingles treatment here.

Some creams or other topical medications may help you manage shingles symptoms. But they’re not a substitute for proper medical treatment.

It’s critical to visit a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation if you think you have shingles. They may prescribe antiviral drugs or other medications that can reduce your chances of developing long-term complications.

Shingles ointment: top 5 most effective remedies than smearing herpes zoster in humans, can it be smeared with brilliant green?

An acute infectious disease caused by the Zoster virus and affecting the skin with the nervous system is called herpes zoster. The disease affects people who have previously had chickenpox.

After the visible healing of the skin, the body still retains particles of the virus that are in a “sleep” mode. For the virus to be activated, the slightest decrease in immunity due to chronic diseases, hypothermia, bad habits, chemotherapy, etc. is enough.

For the therapeutic purpose of this disease, an ointment from herpes zoster with an antiviral, antihistamine or antifungal effect is widely used. The action of the drugs is aimed at eliminating itching, rashes and inflammation. Let us consider in more detail – how to smear shingles in humans.

Article content

• 1 Aciclovir ointment for herpes infections
• 2 Zovirax ointment for herpes zoster
• 3 Lidocaine ointment
• 4 Ointments based on penciclovir
• 5 Hyporamine ointment in the fight against herpes
• 6 Alpizarin based on herbal ingredients
• 7 Useful video
• 8 Other related articles

Acyclovir – ointment for the treatment of herpes infections 9 0029

Acyclovir ointment is highly effective against viruses herpes simplex types 1 and 2, Varicella zoster virus, cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus.

Manufacturers produce two types of the drug, differing in the concentration of the active substance:

• 3% – used to treat mucous membranes;
• 5% – applied to the skin.

The drug is applied to the affected areas up to 6 times a day. The course of therapy is 7-10 days.

IMPORTANT

Do not stop treatment after the condition improves to prevent further spread of the virus.

Zovirax – ointment for herpes zoster

Zovirax ointment is a foreign analogue of Acyclovir, which prevents the synthesis of viral cells and reduces its activity in the body.

Thanks to this, inflammation is eliminated, skin rashes disappear and the level of local immunity increases.

This ointment for shingles in humans is most effective if it was applied at the first signs of the disease – itching, tingling in the area of ​​​​future rashes, redness of the skin.

Treatment must be continued until the formation of herpes crusts. If the drug does not show positive results within 4-6 days from the start of use, then you should contact your doctor.

IMPORTANT

Herpes zoster ointment on the body of a sick person does not protect people who come into contact with him from infection!

Lidocaine ointment

Gerpferon ointment is an effective combined preparation for the treatment of herpes zoster. The composition of the drug includes the following components:

• acyclovir – inhibits the replication of the virus in infected cells;
• lidocaine – has an analgesic effect;
• interferon – stimulates the phagocytic function of neutrophils in the lesions.

This herpes zoster ointment prevents the formation of fresh rashes, reduces pain in the acute phase, reduces the possibility of further spread of the rash and the risk of developing visceral complications, and brings the recovery time closer. Thanks to interferon, an immunostimulating effect is provided.

Herpferon ointment is applied to the infected areas of the skin evenly in a thin layer up to five times a day. The interval between applications should be at least four hours. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms of the disease and averages 7 days.

Ointments based on penciclovir

If a doctor has prescribed an ointment for herpes zoster on the body with the antiviral agent penciclovir, then you should not think that it is less effective than Acyclovir.

The active substance also penetrates the cells affected by herpes and inhibits the processes of viral DNA replication, which leads to the cessation of their reproduction.

Quick recovery, reduction of pain intensity, reduction of the period of risk of transmission of viral infection – this is only part of the positive effects of the application of the ointment.

Ointments containing the active substance penciclovir:

• Vectavir;
• Fenistil Pencivir;>
• Penciclovir-Fitovit.

Consult your doctor before using any of the above medicines for herpes zoster. Some of them have contraindications for age and other criteria.

Hyporamine ointment in the fight against herpes

The ointment is based on a dry extract from the leaves of sea buckthorn, which has an antiviral effect. The drug not only eliminates the activity of many viruses, but also increases the production of interferon in the body.

The active substance is low toxic and does not cause allergenic, carcinogenic, mutagenic or teratogenic effects. It can be prescribed for infants (from 2 months).

Treatment with hyporamine ointment is started at the first signs of the disease – itching, burning, redness of the skin and mucous membranes. The contents of the tube are applied in a thin layer 5-6 times a day for 4-8 days. If the disease is severe or often recurrent, then therapy can last up to 21 days.

IMPORTANT

With prolonged use of hyporamine ointment, it is necessary to control blood clotting!

Alpizarin based on herbal ingredients

The basis of the ointment is the substance tetrahydroxyglucopyranosylxanthene, which is isolated from the alpine kopek herb and Indian mango leaves.

The drug has the following pharmacological properties:

• bacteriostatic – inhibits the mechanism of protein synthesis of microorganisms;
• antiviral – reduces the reproduction of the herpes virus;
• antibacterial – kills some types of bacteria;
• immunostimulating – activates the synthesis of gamma-interferon in blood cells.

The ointment is used from the age of one year, provided there is no allergy to the constituent components. The course of treatment is determined by the severity of the symptoms of the disease, but not less than 5 days and not more than 21 days. The drug can be prescribed in complex therapy with systemic drugs.

Some patients ask if it is possible to smear green paint on herpes zoster. Any doctor will say that of course you can, but it’s not entirely effective. The fact is that Zelenka does not have an antiviral effect, therefore, it does not help in the fight against herpes infections.

Its use is justified if patients experience severe itching, which can provoke scratching and secondary infection.

Any ointment for herpes zoster should only be prescribed by a specialist, because self-medication can lead to the formation of unwanted complications, such as suppuration of the rash and scars. Remember that prompt medical attention is the key to a speedy recovery.

Useful video

Shingles ointment: Aciclovir, Hyporamine, Zovirax

Contents

• 1 What is the effectiveness of local treatment?
  • 1.1 What ointments are used for herpes zoster?
    • 1.1.1 Acyclovir
    • 1.1.2 Solcoseryl
    • 1.1.3 Zovirax ointment
    • 1.1.4 Hyporamine
    • 1.1.5 Materen plus”
    • 1.1.6 Other creams against shingles
• 2 Summary

Ointments for shingles can help to cope with negative symptoms in time. It will not be possible to completely eradicate the virus, because the pathogen, once it enters the body, lives in the nerve ganglia and, with a decrease in immunity, an exacerbation appears in the form of a rash. But self-treatment of herpes on the body is not recommended, as the disease can worsen. Timely seeking help from a doctor will speed up recovery.

What is the effectiveness of topical treatment?

For the treatment of herpes zoster, the ointment is suitable if symptoms need to be relieved. Local treatment allows you to stop the development of the virus directly in a certain area. Herpes ointment on the body stops the spread of the rash to other areas of the skin and prevents the transmission of the virus by airborne droplets. At the site of the rash, sores form, which can become infected with bacteria. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to treat damaged skin with antiseptics, for example, a solution of “Brilliant Green”, zinc ointment, “Fukortsin” and “Castellani” liquid. If purulent discharges from the wound appear, you can use products containing antibacterial drugs, for example, Levomekol, baneocin ointment. When the wound is covered with a crust, for a speedy recovery and restoration of damaged skin, solcoseryl ointment is recommended.

When herpes on the body is started or the patient’s condition worsens, the disease becomes more severe, inpatient treatment is required.

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What ointments are used for shingles?

The following ointments are used to treat lichen in humans:

902 05 “Ichthyol”, “Born”, “Zinc”, “Betadine”

9 0201

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“Acyclovir”

The drug helps to relieve pain from rashes.

The use of the drug reduces pain. Has antiviral action. You can smear the skin or mucous membranes. Prevents the spread of the disease to healthy areas of the skin. The ointment is quickly absorbed. Apply a thin layer to the affected areas every day. The time between the use of the drug should be at least 4 hours. The course of treatment depends on the stage of the disease – from 5 to 10 days. Contraindicated in patients with individual intolerance to the active ingredient. Acyclovir is the active ingredient of many drugs that can be analogues: “Acik-oftal”, “Gerpevir”, “Xorovir”, “Acigerpin”, “Acyclovir”, “Geksal”, “Cycloviran”, “Virolex”.

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“Solcoseryl”

The cream has a healing, regenerating, cytoprotective, antihypoxic, membrane stabilizing effect. The wound must be disinfected with an antiseptic preparation (“Chlorhexidine”, “Miramistin” in solution), let it dry. Apply the gel in a thin layer 3 times a day, until the final recovery. Contraindicated in patients who have an allergic reaction or hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. Solcoseryl ointment is used only for crusted wounds, and when the wound is wet, use only the gel.

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Zovirax ointment

The drug is applied to the affected areas every 3 hours.

The medicine is used for herpes 1, 2 types accelerates the healing of wounds with herpes zoster. Apply to affected areas up to 6 times a day, every 3 hours. The course of treatment is 7 days. To protect yourself and those around you from infection, put on disposable rubber gloves before use. Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity and individual intolerance to the components of the drug. If there are problems in the work of the kidneys, with neurological diseases.

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“Hyporamine”

Herbal medicine with antiviral effect. When the disease is severe, then the duration of treatment is 14-21 days, and if it is mild, from 3 to 10 days. If necessary, the course can be repeated. It is allowed to use the ointment for babies from 2 months. There may be an allergy to the medicine, an increase in blood clotting is observed in many patients. It is contraindicated for patients with individual intolerance to the components of the drug.

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“Materen plus”

It is an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, locally irritating drug. The gel is applied with a light massaging movement, until it is completely distributed on the affected surface. For the best effect of the cream, it is recommended to put a dry warming bandage on top of the medicine. The drug is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance of the patient, women during pregnancy and lactation.

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Other anti-shingles creams

May be applied when the sores are already crusted.

• Lycrogel. The composition of the ointment is a licorice root, which is endowed with antiviral properties. Apply to the affected surface. Prevents the spread of infection, infection of healthy areas of the skin and prevents the transmission of the virus to other people. Ointment “Likroderm” can be an analogue.
• Capsaicin. The ointment has an analgesic, anti-inflammatory effect. Do not use on open wounds, only when a crust forms. Apply a thin layer, apply no more than 4 times a day.
• Famvir. The active ingredient famciclovir is the most effective agent.