Question 1

had coldsore & put abreva on right away. it was healed over in 9days but has left a bright red circular spot another 10days. is it actually healed?

Accepted Answer

It&#x27;s healed, but...: If the red area is intact (no open sore or scab) your outbreak has healed. It can take a few weeks for redness to fade. FYI, Abreva is ineffective; your cold sore probably didn&#x27;t heal any faster than it would anyway. Speak w/ your doctor about prescription for valacyclovir (Valtrex®) to have on hand. One dose by mouth, as soon as an outbreak starts, is very effective, a lot faster than 9 days.

Question 2

will using abreva cause a cold sore?

Accepted Answer

Don't use any one: Else's medications. New abreva should not cause a cold sore but hopefully will help it.

Question 3

can abreva help with hsv2?

Accepted Answer

Not indicated : Abreva is indicated for the treatment of HSV 1. It is not indicated for the use on genital herpes. It is not dangerous but will likely not work. Valtrex (valacyclovir) and Acyclovir are the recommended treatment options. Acyclovir is very expensive with 30 pills costing only $4 at certain large stores.

Question 4

would you treat shingles with abreva ?

Accepted Answer

Shingles: The best way to treat shingles is to start oral antiviral meds such as valtrez as soon as possible to reduce the chance of postherpetic neuralgia.

Question 5

is abreva and denavir (penciclovir) the same?

Accepted Answer

Different: While they are both topical treatments for cold sores (herpes simplex), they are different medications. They both may shorten the duration of an active cold sore outbreak somewhat, but through different mechanisms. Abreva has an advantage in that it is available without a prescription.

Question 6

which is better abreva or denavir (penciclovir)?

Accepted Answer

HSV: Abreva is otc and am not at all impressed with its utility.  Denavir (penciclovir) requires a prescription.  Quite frankly the effect that any topical anti-herpes medication has on a relapse of HSV is minimal at best.

Question 7

is it okay to mix valtrex (valacyclovir) and abreva?

Accepted Answer

Yes: One is topical and the other is oral and they are both used to treat the same thing.

Question 8

is abreva effective in treating cold sores?

Accepted Answer

Has some effect: The best treatment is laser such as the biolase md laser which will relieve the pain immediately and decrease the normal healing time for the cold sore.

Question 9

how effective is abreva at treating cold sores?

Accepted Answer

Don't know: Don't know about abreva, but a dental laser can be used to shorten the life of the cold sores and may stop them from returning to the same tissue area.

Question 10

what is the difference between zovirax (acyclovir) and abreva?

Accepted Answer

One of them works!: To start, Zovirax (acyclovir) works and Abreva (docosanol) doesn't. Acyclovir is proved to be effective against HSV, when taken by mouth. Docosanol slightly inhibits the virus in the lab, but research shows no effect on improved symptoms or faster healing. Even acyclovir cream doesn't work well -- much more ffective by mouth -- but it's for sure better than docosanol.

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Doctor answers about:

Abreva allergy in children

A member asked:

Had coldsore & put abreva on right away. it was healed over in 9days but has left a bright red circular spot another 10days. is it actually healed?

A member asked:

Will using abreva cause a cold sore?

A member asked:

Can abreva help with hsv2?

A member asked:

Would you treat shingles with abreva ?

A member asked:

Is abreva and denavir (penciclovir) the same?

A member asked:

Which is better abreva or denavir (penciclovir)?

A member asked:

Is it okay to mix valtrex (valacyclovir) and abreva?

A member asked:

Is abreva effective in treating cold sores?

A member asked:

How effective is abreva at treating cold sores?

A member asked:

What is the difference between zovirax (acyclovir) and abreva?

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