DOS AND DON'TS

Treat it early

When it comes to treating a cold sore, it’s important to act early – when that tingling sensation first appears. Although, even if you miss the tingling, it’s not too late.

The cold sore will then start to appear as a blister. At this stage, treatment is essential. You can use Zovirax Antiviral Cream as a first step to help treat and heal your cold sore, and in situations where you want to prevent the spread of your cold sore – or stop it from being seen – we recommend you use Zovirax invisiSeal Patches.

Zovirax is also the only cold sore cream that contains MAC-P, an absorption accelerant that penetrates the skin 5 x faster* allowing the active ingredient (aciclovir) to reach the sight of the infection rapidly.

If applied at the tingle, Zovirax can help prevent the development of a cold sore.

* 24hr aciclovir penetration compared to other aciclovir creams

Lifestyle Dos and Don'ts

Eat well

Eat a balanced, varied diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Use sun block

Use sun cream and sun block on your lips to help moisturise and protect against U.V. rays. This is especially important when you’re heading for the beach or the ski slopes.

Get plenty of sleep

Get as much sleep as you can as not getting sufficient rest can impact your body's immune system.

Keep out of cold winds

Wrap up well – wind-burn can also damage your lips or face and make it easy for a cold sore to take hold.

Take care of your lips

Any type of damage to your lips can make you more vulnerable to a cold sore. If they’re dry, use a lip balm or moisturiser.

Treat at the tingle

If you get that tingling feeling, apply Zovirax antiviral cream immediately and you could help prevent the development of a cold sore.
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Treatment Dos and Don'ts

Keep it clean

Wash your face twice a day with a mild soap and wash your hands thoroughly after touching or treating a cold sore.

Be careful

When you're washing your face or applying make-up, wash your hands thoroughly and watch out if you use contact lenses too. Don't ever use saliva to wet your lenses!

Cover up

Cosmetic concealing sticks (ideally with a sunblock) are really effective. But remember, if you use one, don't share it and don't reuse it after the cold sore's gone.

Keep living your life

Although cold sores may be painful they don't last forever.

Ask for advice

It is always wise to check with your pharmacist before putting anything on cold sores, as some things can just make them worse.

Apply Zovirax cold sore cream

The antiviral ingredient can help prevent the virus reproducing – and can also soothe and keep your cold sore moisturised.

Protecting others - Dos and Don'ts

Don't Share

Things like towels, glasses or plates shouldn’t be shared. These can all spread the virus through contact with your saliva.

Sorry, No Kissing

Kissing's off the agenda or you’re very likely to pass on the virus. Be really careful around anyone who's ill, in particular, as they may be more susceptible.

Fool around

Be careful when you have sex - if you kiss your partner, they could get a cold sore too. As for oral sex, don’t do it. If the cold sore hasn't healed completely, you could give your partner genital herpes.

Cover up with a Zovirax invisiSeal patch

By wearing a Zovirax invisiSeal patch you can help reduce the risk of infecting others with the cold sore virus. This is especially important if you have young children or work in the child care or hospitality industries.