5 ointments for cold sores (and how to use them)

Ointments for cold sores, such as acyclovir or penciclovir, help reduce the multiplication of the virus Herpes simplexfacilitating the healing of blisters, preventing the formation of new wounds, reducing itching and relieving pain.

In this way, the ointments accelerate the recovery of mouth wounds, which generally last around 7 to 10 days, and can be used from the first signs of herpes until the wounds completely disappear.

Ointments for cold sores should be used with the advice and guidance of a dermatologist or general practitioner, and if symptoms do not improve, the doctor may recommend the use of antiviral tablets. Check out the main pills used to treat cold sores.

5 ointments for cold sores

The main ointments for cold sores are:

1. Acyclovir

Acyclovir ointment works by blocking the virus’s multiplication mechanisms Herpes simplex preventing it from multiplying and infecting new cells, and can be used by adults, or children, with medical advice.

This ointment should be used from the first symptoms of the infection, such as burning or burning sensation, and can be found in pharmacies or drugstores under the trade names Zovirax or Hpmix, or in generic form under the name aciclovir sodium.

How to use: Apply a layer to the herpes blister or wound, 5 times a day, at intervals of about 4 hours, skipping application at night. Treatment must continue for at least 4 days and, if healing does not occur, the ointment must be used for another 5 days, or as per medical advice. See also how to use acyclovir tablets.

2. Penciclovir

Penciclovir ointment can be used by adults or children over 12 years of age, and works by preventing the virus from Herpes simplex multiply, reducing the severity of wounds and accelerating skin recovery.

This ointment can be found under the trade name Penvir labia cream.

How to use: apply the lip ointment to the affected area, on the lips or face, every 2 hours, for 4 consecutive days. This ointment should not be applied inside the mouth, nostrils or eyes.

Read too: Are you worried about herpes?

3. Silver sulfadiazine + cerium nitrate

Silver sulfadiazine and cerium nitrate ointment has healing and antiviral action and can be used to relieve symptoms of itching or burning sensations on the lips.

In addition, it also has antimicrobial action, preventing infection of the blister or wound on the lips.

This ointment can be found under the commercial name Dermacerium HS gel, sold in pharmacies or drugstores, and should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.

How to use: Apply the ointment directly to the affected area on the lips, about 3 times a day, until complete healing. Dermacerium HS gel should not be used on the eyes and should not be swallowed.

Read too: Herpes: what it is, symptoms, types, transmission and treatment

4. Lysozyme hydrochloride

Lysozyme hydrochloride ointment has anti-inflammatory and immune system stimulating effects, helping to alleviate the symptoms of cold sores.

This ointment does not prevent the cold sore virus from multiplying, but only helps to alleviate symptoms. It can be found under the name Murazyme and should only be used under medical advice.

How to use: Apply the ointment directly to the cold sores or ulcerations, 2 to 3 times a day, after cleaning your lips.

5. Extract Uncaria tomentosa

The ointment for cold sores containing extract of Uncaria tomentosa, or cat’s claw, is a herbal ointment that helps relieve symptoms of itching and pain, due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory action.

This ointment does not have antiviral properties and is not able to reduce the multiplication of the herpes virus. However, it can be used to complement treatment with antiviral tablets or ointments prescribed by your doctor.

And pomade de Uncaria tomentosa can be found under the trade name Imunomax Gel-cream 50 mg/g, and should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How to use: Apply a small amount of the ointment to the blister or wound in the genital region, every 8 hours, as per medical advice. See other benefits and how to use cat’s claw.

Read too: 11 home remedies for cold sores

Care when using ointments

Some important precautions when treating cold sores with ointment are:

• Use the ointment at the correct timesas advised by the doctor;
• Wash your hands before and after applying the ointmentwith water and neutral soap, to prevent the infection from worsening or spreading to other parts of the body;
• Avoid kissing or having contact with the herpes sore from other people while there are blisters or sores on the lips;
• Avoid sharing utensilstowels or lip balm with other people;
• Avoid eating spicy foods or citrus fruits to avoid irritating the mouth sore.

It is also recommended to consume some foods, such as peas or fish, which are rich in lysine, a protein that acts to inhibit the growth of the virus. Herpes simplex, which can help complement the ointment treatment and accelerate skin healing. Check out the complete list of foods rich in lysine.

Watch the video with other tips that can help fight cold sores: