Question 1

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 2

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 3

what does abreva do to cold sores?

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.

Question 4

how will i know what does abreva do for cold sores?

Accepted Answer

Docosanol.: Abreva contains docosanol which is reported to prevent the herpes simplex virus from penetrating the membranes of your cells. I am hoping some other physicians who prescribe this produce can comment on effectiveness.

Question 5

how do i apply abreva to my cold sores without infecting myself?

Accepted Answer

Good hygiene: Good handwashing and cleaning towels/surfaces is a start. Like eating chips and dip: no double dipping.  Ensure your fingers are cleansed before touching the applicator tip.

Question 6

i keep getting cold sores back to back i saw one coming up so i used the abreva it went down n couple days later it came bk up what is causing that?

Accepted Answer

See your doctor: This problem can only be solved by seeing your doctor and being evaluated face-to-face.  After a thorough examination, your doctor should be able to tell you what's wrong and what to do about it.

Question 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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.

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Doctor answers about:

Can abreva cause cold sores

A member asked:

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

A member asked:

Can abreva work on cold sores?

A member asked:

What does abreva do to cold sores?

A member asked:

How will i know what does abreva do for cold sores?

A member asked:

How do i apply abreva to my cold sores without infecting myself?

A member asked:

I keep getting cold sores back to back i saw one coming up so i used the abreva it went down n couple days later it came bk up what is causing that?

A member asked:

Is abreva effective in treating cold sores?

A member asked:

How effective is abreva at treating cold sores?

A member asked:

Will using abreva cause a cold sore?

A member asked:

Can abreva work to get rid of cold sores?

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