Abreva Cold Sore/Fever Blister Treatment - I AM NOT AN ANIMAL!!
Written: Apr 24 '03
Product Rating:
Pros: Definitely speeds healing time, dries clear, no scent
Cons: Expensive, and tube is very small
The Bottom Line: Shortens healing time for colds sores, and lessens severity of the symptoms. Expensive, but worth it if you get cold sores or fever blisters.
amyk49's Full Review: Abreva Cold Sore/Fever Blister Treatment .07oz
I can expect to endure a cold sore about 3 to 5 times a year. Not all that frequently, but when I do have one I want it gone NOW! Unfortunately, untreated a cold sore can take up to two weeks or even more to completely heal. I feel like some kind of freak, especially when the cold sore is in that scabby stage, and I won't even leave the house. Not fun.
I had heard of a product called Abreva, and decided to give it a try.
~ Product Description
From the Abreva website, "Abreva is the first FDA-approved non-prescription cold sore healing medicine clinically proven to shorten the healing time and duration of symptoms such as tingling, pain, burning and itching."
Abreva contains the active ingredient Docosanol at 10%. Docosanol penetrates the skin cells, modifying the membrane surrounding the cells, and acts like a barrier to the cold sore virus, thus protecting the still healthy skin cells.
Abreva comes packaged in a tiny 2.0g tube. The tube is similar to a toothpaste tube, that you roll up from the bottom as it is used. The top just screws off, to reveal a very small, pointed tip. You only need a teeny bit of this stuff, so the tube is easy to use and only a little bit comes out.
The only problem is that this tube is so small it is VERY easy to lose or misplace! On the plus side, it will easily fit into your purse or pocket.
The directions for use say to apply Abreva at the very first signs of a cold sore, such as tingling, redness, bump, or itch. Since it helps prevent the infection from getting into healthy cells, this is the key to using Abreva with the most success. We are told to continue to apply it to the affected area five times a day until the cold sore is completely healed.
~ My Experience
Well, you know how it goes - wake up on morning with that weird tingling feeling that usually signals a budding cold sore. This time I was prepared, and after digging through the medicine cabinet a bit I finally found that tiny tube. Oh, please, please, please work, I think, as I dab a little bit of the white cream on the tingling area and rub it in gently. It quickly disappeared into my skin, leaving no obvious trace. There was no obnoxious odor or scent either. I proceeded to go about my day, taking my tube of Abreva with me and reapplying several times throughout the day.
The next morning the cold sore was still there, a little bigger I guess, but not blossoming into something horrible. I continued to apply Abreva throughout the day.
The next morning the cold sore seemed better. It had stopped growing, and seemed to be entering the healing phase, which typically can actually take a pretty long time. I continued to apply Abreva whenever I thought of it.
During the next two or three days, the cold sore healed, with just a little bit of scabbing, I think the Abreva cream also tends to soften the scab so it doesn't get as bad. Within I'd say about five days or so, the cold sore was basically gone. From my previous experience with cold sores, the healing time was definitely shortened by using Abreva, and the symptoms were not as bad as they typically tend to be for me. No, it didn't totally eradicate the cold sore, but the whole experience was much less of a drag than when I used Blistex or any other cold sore treatment.
~ Cautions and Other Notes
- Abreva is intended to treat cold sores or fever blisters on the face or lips.
- Do not use in or near the eyes.
- Avoid applying directly in your mouth.
- Do not share the tube with anyone, as this may spread the infection.
- This product is appropriate for adults and children 12 years or old.
- We are told to wash our hands before and after applying Abreva
The inactive ingredients are: Benzyl Alcohol, Light Mineral Oil, Propylene Glycol, Purified Water, Sucrose Distearate, Sucrose Stearate
~ Final Thoughts
After using Abreva to treat several cold sores now over the last year or so, I make it a point to always have a tube handy for the next outbreak. It really does work as advertised, and shortens the healing time and severity of the symptoms. But it is crucial to begin using it at the very first symptom. The sooner you start using it, the less your symptoms will be and the faster your cold sore will heal. If I even have the slightest inkling that a cold sore is starting I'll use the Abreva, even if it turns out to be nothing.
Yes, it is expensive - $15 for this teeny tube. But it's worth it to me to be rid of the cold sore as soon as possible. Get some and have it ready for your next outbreak.
Docosanol 10% cream. Cold sore treatment. Portable and convenient pump. Only FDA approved medicine to shorten healing time - Only non-prescription col...More at Walgreens
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Treats cold sores and fever blisters on the face or lips. shortens healing time and duration of symptoms : tingling, pain, burning and or itching.More at AmericaRx.com Health Shop
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