A 38-year-old member asked:
can i take acyclovir for a canker sore?
3 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jonathan Richards answered
Endodontics 18 years experience
Yes, but...: Not all cankers are viral, so an antiviral may not make any difference. Also, by the time a sore is noticed, it is often time past the window of effectiveness.
4868 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Steven Koos answered
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 21 years experience
Acyclovir: Is for treating herpes simplex, aka cold sore or fever blister. It will not help with aphthous ulcers aka canker sores.
4868 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. J. Lawrence Dohan answered
Dermatology 57 years experience
No benefit: Cankers [APHTHAE] are NOT herpes. Acyclovir does absolutely nothing for them. Usually no treatment is needed. Sometimes they are severe and should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
1162 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Last updated Oct 20, 2019
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