Question 1

can abreva actually work?

Accepted Answer

Shortens duration: Abreva is a topical over the counter treatment for cold sores (herpes simplex). While untreated outbreaks may last up to 10 days, abreva may shorten the duration of the outbreak by perhaps 1-2 days.

Question 2

how quickly does abreva work?

Accepted Answer

See below:: It was shown to shorten the healing by 17.5 hours on average (95% confidence interval: 2 to 22 hours) in a placebo-controlled trial.Three other trials showed negative results, but these were not published. Studies showed that the average healing time of a recurrent oral-facial herpes simplex episode-treated patients was approximately one day shorter than placebo.

Question 3

can abreva work on cold sores?

Accepted Answer

Yes But: Do not play with it or it will get bigger,  do anything that makes you comfortable. It takes about 2 weeks to go away no matter what you seem to do. However check with your pharmacy for a few items that may make you more comfortable - remember that they generally do not shorten the 2 week time.

Question 4

can abreva work to get rid of cold sores?

Accepted Answer

Sort Of: It helps with the symptoms & can make an outbreak less painful & maybe last a little shorther time. Even prescription meds do this but are more effective. There are meds that can be used to prevent them but you will need a prescription from your md or dentist. Some you take all the time, others you take when you first feel the burning sensation but both keep it from coming out.

Question 5

how can valtrex (valacyclovir) and abreva work with cold sores?

Accepted Answer

They are both: antiviral medications. Cold sores are caused by the Herpes Simplex which is a virus.

Question 6

can you tell me how could valtrex (valacyclovir) and abreva work with cold sores?

Accepted Answer

Abreva/ Valtrex (valacyclovir): Abreva (topical Docosanol) is an antiviral medication that can be used to treat recurrent oral/ facial herpes simplex virus infections.  Valtrex (Valacyclovir) is a nucleoside analogue DNA polymerase inhibitor. Both decrease  replication of the Herpes Simplex virus.

Question 7

does abreva really work to heal cold sores? i feel like
it did the opposite and caused my cold sore to spread

Accepted Answer

Not effective: Docosanol (Abreva) slightly inhibits the virus in the lab, but not effective in treating oral herpes. So it's not quite quackery, but comes close. But it shouldn't make an outbreak worse, unless maybe you're allergic and it caused increased redness, itching, etc. Ask your doctor about a prescription for valacyclovir: 2 g twice, 12 hr apart as soon as an outbreak starts, is very effective.

Question 8

which works better for genital herpes carmex or abreva?..

Accepted Answer

Neither: Neither of these will work well for genital herpes.  The best option would be to call your doctor for a prescription for an anti-viral medication, such as valtrex (valacyclovir).

Question 9

what can i use to speed healing of a cold sore? i'm using abreva, vitamin c and valtrex, (valacyclovir) will a cold compress and lysine work?

Accepted Answer

Cold sores: Too many cooks spoil the stew.  You only need the Valtrex (valacyclovir).  For symptomatic relieve, ask your dermatologist for a topical steroid.  You need nothing else.

Question 10

what does abreva do?

Accepted Answer

Abreva: Abreva (topical Docosanol) is an antiviral medication that can be used to treat recurrent oral/ facial herpes simplex virus infections. It works by blocking fusion of plasma membrane &amp; envelope of herpes simplex virus. This decreases replication of the virus.

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Can abreva actually work?

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How can valtrex (valacyclovir) and abreva work with cold sores?

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Can you tell me how could valtrex (valacyclovir) and abreva work with cold sores?

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Does abreva really work to heal cold sores? i feel like it did the opposite and caused my cold sore to spread

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Which works better for genital herpes carmex or abreva?..

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What can i use to speed healing of a cold sore? i'm using abreva, vitamin c and valtrex, (valacyclovir) will a cold compress and lysine work?

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What does abreva do?

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