Cold Sores

NotAMoodle on 28/04/2015 - 14:49
Last edited 01/05/2015 - 15:02 by 1 other user

Mod warning: This post contains information about medical treatment based on OP's personal experience. As with any other internet source, please consult a doctor for medical advice instead of following advice on the internet.

G'day OzBargain community.

After dealing with cold sores for most of my 31 years on this planet, I feel I have finally got them to a point where I have reduced an outbreak to 4 times a year max, sometimes with none.

Anyone who has the Cold Sore virus in their body knows how taboo it is, almost to the point where you feel ashamed when you get one of those horrid looking sores. This post is simply to let you know what works for me, as it may also work for you. I have read just about everything there is to read in regards to natural remedies etc, most of which are actually bullshit. I've also been to the doctors regarding them but I always leave the medication they recommend as a last resort.

I have a photo of me around age 9 months with a cold sore, so trust me when I say, I have seen it all, and tried it all.

Although I will be recommending specific brands, I have no affiliation to anything, and will not be receiving monies for mentioning their names, they are simply what work for me.

Things I do to help "prevent" get a cold sore

  • 2 x 1000mg Natures Own Double Cold Sore Relief (L-Lysine) per day, with first meal of the day
  • Ensure lips are always hydrated either with Blistex Medicated Relief SPF15 tube or Pawpaw if you don't have Blistex handy

Optional:

  • If you go to the doctors, ask for a superscription for the Antiviral medication named "Famvir". If you take this medication (3 tablets) as soon as you have the tingle, it will stop you getting the cold sore. Period. It never fails. The reason I don't use this every time, is because it normally makes me feel ill for 24 hours, however it may effect you differently. It has been reported this is also available over the counter at the pharmacy as of last year.

Things I do when I get the first "tingle"

  • 5 x 1000mg Natures Own Double Cold Sore Relief (L-Lysine) per hour, for first day from when you wake up, to when you go to bed (warning: exceeds recommended dosage. This may also cause a diarrhea effect)
  • Simply Essential Virasoothe Concentrate Cold Sores (purchase it from NZ company website, they are great to deal with, you can Google it) - Apply once per hour for first 48 hours which should eliminate tingle and stop the cold sore from appearing.

Using the above method when getting the "tingle", stops anything appearing in blister form 95% of the time when I get to it straight away.

Things I if I get the actual cold sore

This is days 1-3, where it is a white looking bubble (blister) type of thing, but it hasn't actually broken/popped.

  • 2 x 1000mg Natures Own Double Cold Sore Relief (L-Lysine) per day, with first meal of the day - Unfortunately L-Lysine has no repair properties at this stage, but continued use will stop you getting more clusters of them during the infectious stage
  • Zovirax - the chemical in Zovirax (acyclovir) is superior when it comes to healing blisters and preventing them to get any larger or worse than they currently are - Apply once per hour

Optional:

  • Simply Essential Virasoothe Concentrate Cold Sores - Apply once every few hours. In my experience, once the blister has fully formed, this stuff doesnt work, but it does "sooth" the pain associated with the blister.

Things I do once (if) the cold sore pops. This is the most infectious stage (no kissing, wash your hands before playing with things) 3-10 days

  • 2 x 1000mg Natures Own Double Cold Sore Relief (L-Lysine) per day, with first meal of the day
  • Any brand Zinc supplement dosed at 50mg every 2 hours. Zinc is an amazing accelerator of scab healing, not to mention other benefits.
  • Zovirax - Keep applying until scab is fully formed (it becomes useless once scabbed is formed, despite what they market to you)

Optional:

  • Compeed Cold Sore Patches. These work great, but you must apply as soon as the blister pops and before the scab forms. These actively prevent the scab from forming. The main reason these are optional, is because unless you have 3-5 days to spend at home and no body will see you, then you cannot wear these things in public, even though they say you can, trust me, they are noticeable. Also they are around $35, but this is the brand I keep handy as you can cut the patches in half to fit the actual cold sore size which you will then get more value for money.

Things I do when scab has fully formed and is hard as a rock 10-21 days:

  • Any brand Zinc supplement dosed at 50mg every 2 hours until scab is gone
  • Keep scab dry, do not wet. You may clean the area gently with a damp flannel, but try to not get it moist, this will just delay the scab from getting hard enough to fall off
  • Do not pick it, it will fall off by it self when it's ready (should be sped up if followed all the correct procedures)

Hopefully this info can help someone else, and I look forward to hearing any other remedies which may have worked for you in the comments :)

Health & Beauty

Comments

    • NotAMoodle on 28/04/2015 - 15:20
      +6

      Hence why I said "This post is simply to let you know what works for me, as it may also work for you"

        • tobs90 on 29/04/2015 - 23:17
          +8

          To be 100% clear, and not wishing to start an argument, nor comment further, (its that the statement is dangerous) raw fruit diets do not cure cancer.

        • bongom on 30/04/2015 - 12:22
          +7

          Why so many Domino's pizza posts if you only eat raw fruit?

        • deal seeking missile on 01/05/2015 - 02:43
          +2

          @tobs90:
          lol guys, he was clearly trolling

  • jzdhgkd on 28/04/2015 - 18:02

    In addition to what you've already recommended also consider Virasolve if the blister bursts. It is also OTC and contains an antiviral+anaesthetic. Apply every couple of hours until things heal. $10-15

    Famciclovir/ezovir/famvir that you've mentioned is also available OTC. $15-20

    • NotAMoodle on 28/04/2015 - 19:46

      Excellent, thanks

      • jzdhgkd on 28/04/2015 - 22:31
        +2

        One more thing: HSV-1 activation seems to be triggered by sunlight so maybe try some lipbalm with SPF or plain old sunscreen to protect your lips.

        http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1683420

        • NotAMoodle on 29/04/2015 - 09:38
          +1

          As I wrote in my prevention post "Ensure lips are always hydrated either with Blistex Medicated Relief SPF15 tube"

          Most of what I do is based on the many research articles I've read! However in the last 5 years there hasn't been a great deal of new studies done unfortunately. Maybe they've given up ever finding a cure? I guess there are bigger fish to fry :)

  • scatman00 on 28/04/2015 - 18:04
    +2

    120 double strength caps in 24 hours…. really?

    "5 x 1000mg Natures Own Double Cold Sore Relief (L-Lysine) per hour, for first 24 hours (warning, this may cause a diarrhea effect)"

    • scrimshaw on 28/04/2015 - 19:28

      GI adverse reactions, such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain, have been reported with lysine ingestion. A case report described the development of the kidney disorders Fanconi syndrome and tubulointerstitial nephritis associated with lysine supplementation taken over a 5-year period.

      This could ruin your kidneys, and you may produce gallstones as a result.

      You don't want gallstones now, they're painful.

      Consult your doctor and do blood tests if you're taking such high doses.

      • NotAMoodle on 28/04/2015 - 19:48

        Lysine is a naturally forming amino acid in the body. What you've given me is a study where they were taking too much of it for 5 years, I'm talking about shocking the body for 24 hours. Big difference. Go and talk to any doctor and they will tell you the same thing, its where I got my original info from.

        • [Deactivated] on 28/04/2015 - 20:36
          +4

          Aluminium and mercy are natural within foods and found in everybody. However, large doses are toxic and ultimately fatal.

          Just because it is natural, doesn't mean it is healthy.

        • PVA on 28/04/2015 - 22:33

          but you say you also take 2 every day when you dont have a tingle.

        • NotAMoodle on 29/04/2015 - 09:35

          @PVA:

          Prevention. When you keep your body stocked with Lysine, it helps prevent outbreaks. This is fact.

        • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2015 - 09:41
          +1

          @dazzywazzy:

          You're only supposed to take ONE tablet per day, you're recommending 120x that dose.

          I for one do not envy your liver.

        • NotAMoodle on 29/04/2015 - 09:46

          @Drew22:

          You're one of those guys that resorts to petty name calling during every arguement?

          So what you're saying is fact? There is no room for movement in your opinion in this issue? For the purpose of your opinion, can you link me your studies which you quoted?

          edit: I see you removed your reference calling me an idiot. Good move.

        • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2015 - 09:53
          +1

          @dazzywazzy:

          The manufacturer puts the dose at one per day.

          The maximum dose for Lysine is 100mg per kg of body weight. Which is 10grams if you weight 100kg. You are telling people to take more than TEN TIMES the maximum dose.

          Taking such high doses of Lysine can and does lead to kidney damage, and that is just from 3g per day for five years.

        • NotAMoodle on 29/04/2015 - 10:14
          -5

          @Drew22:

          I concede that I should've written it better, obvioluisly no one can stay up for 24 hours taking the tablets, what I meant was real world scenario where you take 5 every hour from when you wake up to when you go to bed on the first day of a tingle. I will now edit what I wrote to reflect this, just wanted to let you know before I did incase you notice the edit.

          I would still like to see the link to your study you found. I mean are you going to sit there and tell me if I studied you for 5 years taking 3mg of a naturally occurring amino acid that every human and animal creates internally, that over that 5 years the subject took NOTHING else that would harm their kidneys. No alcohol? No Meds? 2-3L of water per day? That's the most bullshit thing I've ever heard, I'm sure you can agree how stupid that sounds?

          (PS I'm 102kg, 13% BF) so its not that rare being 100kg.

        • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2015 - 10:16

          @dazzywazzy:

          Google FDA Lysine Maximum Dose

          Lysine may very well be natural in the body, fine.
          However as the old saying goes. The dose makes the poison.

          Nothing is truly poisonous, in a small enough dose. Everything is a poison, in a high enough dose.

          Water is poisonous in a large enough quantity, and we're 50-60% water.

        • NotAMoodle on 29/04/2015 - 10:16

          @Drew22:

          Also, just out of curiosity, do you get cold sores?

        • NotAMoodle on 29/04/2015 - 10:21
          -4

          @Drew22:

          Just as I suspected, the study you were looking at (http://www.fda.gov/ucm/groups/fdagov-public/@fdagov-foods-ge…) is for L-Lysine monohydrochloride

          What I take, the naturally occurring amino which is sold over the counter (and the body creates) is Lysine hydrochloride

          One (L-Lysine monohydrochloride which you are referencing) is a food additive for snack products.

          The other (Lysine hydrochloride which I am referencing) is found naturally in the body.

        • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2015 - 10:28

          @dazzywazzy:

          You might want to brush up on your chemistry.

  • Lexus101 on 28/04/2015 - 18:14
    +6

    Hi Dazzywazzy

    Thanks for posting your thorough cold sore regime for cold sore sufferers.

    While I think taking supplements (in moderation) are generally a good thing and taking care of the general condition of one's lips help to prevent cold sores from forming is advisable.

    I will caution against taking Famvir Antiviral drugs at the slightest onset of cold sores. Like all Antibiotics and Antivirals, there is a chance the organism may evolve to become resistant to these otherwise effective medications.

    I will, however, encourage all cold sores sufferers to improve their lifestyles…by improving one's diet, exercise regularly and sleeping adequately; will do much to improve immunity and hence lessening the cold sore event.

    In any case, thanks for your insights and recommendations.

    • NotAMoodle on 28/04/2015 - 19:46

      Thanks for that Lexus - as you'll note, I said use Famvir rarely as prevention is always best :)

    • tobs90 on 29/04/2015 - 23:10
      +2

      Acyclovir resistance is rare in HSV and unlikely to form from use such as this. Antibiotics are a bit different in their mechanism of action and dosing regime. :)

    • ansible on 30/04/2015 - 18:57
      -1

      "I will caution against taking Famvir Antiviral drugs at the slightest onset of cold sores. Like all Antibiotics and Antivirals, there is a chance the organism may evolve to become resistant to these otherwise effective medications."

      Medication is being marketed this way, three pills with a massive dose of antiviral drugs to stop the virus dead in its tracks.
      Problem is, if you take too long, it's too late.
      Worse still, I've never had them work. Every time I've ever taken them it's flared my cold sore up to 10x size, making the subsequent scab huge and impossible to hide.

  • sleepy120 on 28/04/2015 - 22:02
    +1

    Abalone blood?
    http://sydney.edu.au/news/84.html?newsstoryid=13927
    wouldn't know where to buy it tho

  • PVA on 28/04/2015 - 22:36
    +1

    I rarely get a cold sore, maybe one every two years, zovirax sorts it out.
    Man they are painful, it must be hell for you getting them constantly.
    thanks for offering what helps you.

  • [Deactivated] on 28/04/2015 - 23:13

    Are cold sores on your mouth actually taboo / something to be ashamed of? I have them (they show up about once or twice a year together with a cold) and I'm not fussed. The majority of people get them at some point since they're so contagious you could contract it even by sharing a cup. Fortunately my symptoms are at the mildest end, but if I ever experience worse I'll try out your above remedies, thanks for sharing.

    • NotAMoodle on 29/04/2015 - 09:37
      +2

      No probs mate, I guess it depends on the persons personality about how "taboo" they believe it to be. I'm extremely shy which is probably why I get embarrassed when I have them.

  • cupcake on 29/04/2015 - 10:25
    +2

    Try Carmex lip balm on a daily basis. I highly recommend it.

  • dfr on 29/04/2015 - 10:26
    +1

    Use this gadget and forget about everything your doing now. It really works and will save you a fortune in medications and ointments and that feeling that everyone is looking at you.

    http://www.international.boots.com/en/Boots-Electronic-Cold-…

    • NotAMoodle on 29/04/2015 - 10:31

      Have you used it and had success?

      • dfr on 02/05/2015 - 09:05
        +1

        I have been using it for years and every time I have had a tingle I would use it a few times over the next 24 hours and never had a breakout.

        Only recently I had a problem where it didn't seem to be working, the tingle turned into a sting and I realized the battery was dying and it wasn't going through its full 2 minute cycle. I replaced the battery and all is well again.

        My cold sore cycle would usually take at least a week to clear up fully, 2 or 3 times a year. Sometimes one cold sore would clear up and another start. So I guess I would have 4-5 weeks of misery a year.

        I have used all the methods mentioned here but not anymore. I was skeptical too but don't take my word for it, read the reviews.

        • iFetch on 08/06/2015 - 10:50

          Does it take a standard AA battery?
          Should the device last at least a couple of years?

    • [Deactivated] on 02/05/2015 - 12:51

      These devices are fairly simple, they deliver infrared light in a narrow band around 1070nm through a couple of laser LEDs for 3 minute treatments. Reviews seem to point to it being an effective treatment.
      Can anyone suggest a local supplier of these devices? If others are wondering, the lowest price option I have found is the "LipZor" on ebay for $65 delivered. (from the UK, but not sure if they can ship to Australia)

  • stephi on 29/04/2015 - 12:53
    +1

    I put a cooled used teabag on the spot when I get the tingle. Works most of the time. I got my son to do the same and works for him too!

    • NotAMoodle on 29/04/2015 - 13:17
      +1

      Haven't heard that one before! Glad it works!

  • goosegog on 29/04/2015 - 17:57

    TCP or the australian version - will kill the virus extremely quickly - BUT BE AWARE , it will sting when applied. No pain, no gain. Grin & bear it ( no pun intended )
    Cold sores of course are a form of Herpes - in this case they are Herpes Simplex - certainly none of us want the other form of Herpes! Although Herpes Simplex can be treated & alleviated for a time unfortunately it does remain dormant in the body & does flare up again. Triggers can be stress,bad hygiene, bad diet intake, lack of sleep & certainly any drugs, excessive alcohol intake & smoking + lack of adequate skin care to remove all bacteria from your face.
    For most of us who follow a regular cleansing routine for both face & body + eat a regular balanced diet & clean our teeth regularly , it shouldn't prove a problem unless your stress levels are up.

  • NotAMoodle on 29/04/2015 - 20:10

    Stress levels are usually high and the main cause for me unfortuanetly! Diet is perfect 95% of the time. What is TCP in regards to cold sores?

    • FarmBoi on 30/04/2015 - 00:59
      +1

      TCP is a brand name for an overseas phenolic antiseptic. In Oz, think Dettol! I wouldn't be recommending it. Hospitals use phenolic disinfectants to mop their floors. If you want an antiseptic product, try Betadine Cold Sore Ointment or Paint. Povidone Iodine is an excellent broad spectrum anti-infective - working against bacteria, viruses, fungi etc. Have you ever tried it? I don't suffer from cold sores but I always use the Sore Throat gargle product for that mega sore throat associated with a cold or flu.

      • NotAMoodle on 30/04/2015 - 08:27

        Haven't tried it mate, sounds nasty Haha!

      • rickxs on 30/04/2015 - 10:33
        +2

        No that's wrong , TCP isn't like Dettol , im from the UK & its used for sore throats, would you use Dettol to gargle ?
        it would be ideal at 1st tingle ,——- I even get them in the nose linings & outer nose
        I use blistex cold sore cream, when killed use Carmex to stop scab splitting then bleeding

        http://www.boots.com/en/TCP-Antiseptic-Liquid-200ml_6342/

        • FarmBoi on 08/05/2015 - 23:48

          It is not wrong! Read my post carefully. I did not say that Dettol can be used as a gargle, I merely pointed out that both products are based on phenolic compounds that are used as antiseptics and disinfectants. You should note that the marketing info for TCP doesn't suggest it is used for cold sores or as an antiviral. I'll say it again for your benefit - I wouldn't recommend the use of TCP (if it was even available in Australia) for cold sores. There are far better products available such as the Betadine products - as long as one doesn't have a sensitivity to them.

  • expertreader on 29/04/2015 - 21:33

    for cold sores - folic acid(5mg) twice a day and they are gone within 48 hours… works without fail….bottle of 100 costs around $5 so doesnt cost much at all.

  • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2015 - 22:10
    +5

    If you go to the doctors, ask for a superscription for the Antibiotic named "Famvir"

    Famvir is not an antibiotic. As evident from the name, it is anti viral.

    • NotAMoodle on 30/04/2015 - 08:28

      Thanks for the correction

  • what on 29/04/2015 - 22:35

    Have you tried essential oils?

    • NotAMoodle on 29/04/2015 - 22:36

      Nah I haven't, which ones are you talking about exactly? Is this for prevention or once the tingle forms?

      • what on 29/04/2015 - 23:01
        +1

        You would start using them at the first tingle.

        There are a few oils that may be of help. Check out the link below.

        http://www.altmd.com/Articles/Aromatherapy-Essential-Oils-fo…

        When I have any problems such as cold sores or rashes, I do some research and make up a recipe for myself. Have been lucky so far with my concoctions.

        Also a number of sites suggest that you need to build up your immune system.

        http://www.naturalnews.com/035530_immune_system_herbs_spices…

        Don't take anything for too long though. It is always good to give your body a break.

        I used to get cold sores alot too, and mostly when I was stressed and run down.

        • NotAMoodle on 30/04/2015 - 08:29

          Excellent, cheers!

  • gimli on 29/04/2015 - 22:58

    unicorn blood

    • Ambush on 30/04/2015 - 13:02

      Side effects include a growth on the back of the head.

  • mokorusmania on 29/04/2015 - 23:04
    +2

    You dont need a script for famvir anymore. It was changed to a pharmacist only medication last year; meaning you get it by asking the pharmacist behind the counter.

    • FarmBoi on 30/04/2015 - 01:09

      That applies only to the small pack of 3 x 500mg tablets. If you want any of the larger packs you will need a script and it will be a private script as it is not subsidised on the PBS for treatment of cold sores.

      • [Deactivated] on 30/04/2015 - 04:32

        it is not subsidised on the PBS for treatment of cold sores

        If it needs to be taken as part of suppressive therapy, it is subsidised on PBS.

        • FarmBoi on 08/05/2015 - 23:28

          Actually, it is NOT subsidised on the PBS for cold sores (herpes simplex). If you happen to have got it that way it was only because the doctor incorrectly wrote the prescription or the pharmacy incorrectly dispensed it. Check for yourself at www.pbs.gov.au

        • FarmBoi on 09/05/2015 - 16:55

          @ms: Yep, I know the site well - don't need directions. Did you bother clicking on any of the Restrictions links. If you did, you will see that the clinical indications do not cover the common cold sore for the average Joe.

    • NotAMoodle on 30/04/2015 - 08:30

      I did not know that, it only ever used to come in the 3 pack of 500mg tablets which you were instructed to take all at once. Always gave me nausea for 24 hours but never failed to work.

      Cheers for that info.

  • jenki on 30/04/2015 - 09:44

    If I feel a cold sore coming I zap it with a device called 'Herpotherm', which basically just emits concentrated heat for 4 seconds. It has stopped the cold sore from appearing every single time.

    However I became too complacent and last time I went on holiday I forgot to take it with me and I ended up with an outbreak of cold sores.

    I paid about $100 for it and was skeptical about its claims (such as "In dermatological testing of Herpotherm the formation of blisters were prevented in 100% of test subjects when used at the tingling stage") but it works really well for me.

    There are also some other devices that use concentrated light to zap cold sores, they look interesting too.

  • easternculture on 30/04/2015 - 09:45
    +1

    Looking forward to next forum advise on what to do Before, during and after sex .

    On a serious note, thanks for the tips OP. Im sure they will come handy.

  • belongsinforums on 30/04/2015 - 11:38

    My body produces feces. Feces are natural. So they're safe to digest, everyone!

    • scrimshaw on 30/04/2015 - 19:42
      -1

      Only the young of herbivore animals eat their parents feces. Please do not attempt to eat your parents feces. Not only would you get very sick, they would also disown you.

  • [Deactivated] on 30/04/2015 - 13:03
    +1

    I have found that taking executive B complex vitamins http://www.blackmores.com.au/products/executive-b-stress-for… in combination L-Lysine tablets works for suppresing coldsore outbreaks.

  • RefusdClassification on 30/04/2015 - 15:47

    Viruses like Herpes Simplex are nasty since they take up permanent residence if your nerve cell bodies and can never be destroyed while hiding in there. Varicella Zoster (Chicken Pox) is similar, producing shingles when it reawakens. I hate viruses.

    • [Deactivated] on 30/04/2015 - 20:49

      The pharmaceuticals can make medicine that kills the virus completely, but repeat customers are better for the bottom line.

  • smpantsonfire on 30/04/2015 - 18:30
    +2

    I just don't stress. Works for me!

  • Oliver on 30/04/2015 - 22:53
    +1

    As a pharmacist I would definitely not recommend using anything above the recommended dosages. Again, it's also not a good idea to recommend prescription medications to other people. This is the doctor's job. But having said that, chances are, if you go to the doctor with a cold sore, they will prescribe you famciclovir. For those who don't already know, this is now available directly from the pharmacist without a prescription.
    Other cold sore advice I can give includes:
    The following seem to be common triggers:
    - ultraviolet light exposure (i.e. being out in the sun a lot)
    - stressed
    - run down
    - sick
    As mentioned by OP lysine may help to minimise frequency and severity of cold sore outbreaks.

    Once you feel the coldsore tingling coming on, best treatments are:
    - famciclovir 500mg tablets x3 as a single dose
    - aciclovir cream 5x a day
    - lysine tablets
    - moisturising patches to place over the cold sores overnight

    You'll note I dont use brand names, rather I use active ingredient names. This is because in pharmacy, it doesn't matter what brand you take as long as it's got the right ingredient in it.

    • NotAMoodle on 02/05/2015 - 23:19

      Thanks Oliver.

      Can confirm I got famciclovir over the counter today.

      I was at the docs about 5 months ago and they gave me a prescription for it, how long has it been available over the counter?

      Thanks

  • Funky Kong on 30/04/2015 - 22:54
    +1

    ice ice baby
    … … .

    Seriously, as soon as you feel a tingle, grab a tissue and an ice block and hold that sucker on your lip until your lip feels like you paid a trip to an overenthusiastic dentist. Then do it for another minute. The tissue is just to soak up the drips and stop your fingers going numb. I may or may not repeat this once or twice depending on how busy I am and how my lip feels. Works a charm.

    I usually follow that up with some coldsore cream of varying brands, I've tried a few and they are all helpful to a degree, but not as effective as ice. I always keep some in the fridge and will apply that to the spot in question a few times a day for a couple of days afterwards. It's also good to have handy if you feel it tingle but are about to ie. drive to work and don't have time to go with the ice block routine.

    I've had a lot less cold sores the last few years than I had up to age 35, and I think it is due to backing off vigorous exercise (basketball) and cutting back on the heavy drinking sessions. This is despite my working hours and stress levels going up, and my sleep time going down.

    Once or twice I've felt a cold sore and quickly swung by Macca's and grabbed a coke just to get some ice. My mum swears by the ice treatment too.

  • [Deactivated] on 30/04/2015 - 23:16

    I read it cold sore throat :)

  • frostman on 01/05/2015 - 09:26

    http://www.releev.com/releev_1.html

    This is the best product for Cold Sores, removes it in almost 1 day as long as you apply it at first outbreak.
    Unfortunately the stupid AU Government hasn't regulated this hence it's not available in AU, only in EU and US

    • Brouw3r on 01/05/2015 - 11:06
      +1

      Unfortunately the stupid AU Government hasn't regulated this hence it's not available in AU

      • INGREDIENTS: Active Ingredients: Benzalkonium Chloride 0.13%

      Why would the government bother with this? It's just another topical biocide, there's already plenty available.

  • rickxs on 01/05/2015 - 10:06
    +1

    May I add Dazzy the acyclovir your buying is a darn expensive way to buy — some $12 for 2g at CW
    same one I use $8 for 5g same active ingredients [ acyclovir 5%]

    as mentioned earlier I also get them in the nostril linings, around the rim of nose & the tip on the outside
    hit every hour ,i find my cream most effective once killed its a must to be kept moist or its blood city
    once I had top & bottom lips in cold sores from 1 side to the other !

  • YTW on 01/05/2015 - 13:02
    +2

    While we're sharing information about cold sores, just thought I'd share something I never knew until my friend had babies in the NICU (they don't allow you in there if you have a cold sore and we asked why).

    Cold sores can be especially dangerous for young babies - in some instances they've resulted in the death of a newborn after contracting it from a simple kiss or touch. A young child can also get very ill if they contract it and end up hospitalised.

    So please resist handling and kissing babies/toddlers if you have a cold sore! Common sense for most people, but some people don't understand just how serious it can be.

  • Dariush78 on 01/05/2015 - 13:12
    +1

    I have the same problem but 1000mg l lysine daily and a protein shake seems to stop it completely.

    • NotAMoodle on 01/05/2015 - 13:14

      Check your protein shake, you'll prob find it nice dosage of Lysine added to it also.

      • Brouw3r on 01/05/2015 - 13:32
        +1

        Considering it's an amino acid, there would be plenty - probably more than your 2x1000mg tablets.

      • Dariush78 on 01/05/2015 - 13:44

        I use ON gold standard. So it has some additional substances that help the body immune system to prevent cold sore. It has some vitamins minerals and added gelutamin. I'm not sure which one helps the most.

  • [Deactivated] on 01/05/2015 - 14:55
    +2

    Not a bad write up for layman's information (I don't mean this is a sarcastic way whatsoever; someone has taken the time to contribute without remuneration).

    I should point out that cold sores are a strain herpes simplex, a virus. Famvir is indeed the treatment for it, but it is not an antibiotic. Antibiotics work on bacteria.

    Most crucial bit of information here is Famvir and the correct use of Zovirax. Zovirax is only effective when applied during the prodromal stages.

    • NotAMoodle on 01/05/2015 - 15:04

      Thanks mate,

      Another poster mentioned this earlier and I forgot to update my summary. Have done this now. I thought it was an antibiotic which was my mistake. You're right in saying it works, 100% of the time, just doesnt agree with myself unfortunately. Hopefully others can use it just fine.

      • CheapCoffee on 01/05/2015 - 20:48
        +1

        Was going to say the same thing :) Good job with the write up. I was expecting a lot worse to be honest considering internet forums are filled with people claiming all sorts of stuff, but you really put in effort for your research.

  • littleDealFish on 10/05/2015 - 23:42
    +1

    A big dollop of Bepanthen works really well actually, (i had no cold sore cream, and still had it in a drawer after getting a tatt) it's worked better than anything else i've used.

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