No cold sore treatment guarantees immediate relief.
Almost 90 out of 100 people are carriers of herpes simplex viruses. If you start feeling a tingling sensation on your lips, it's important to act fast. There are various treatments that claim to provide relief from this condition. But how effective are they?
Cold sores can be quite unpleasant and unsightly. If left untreated, they usually disappear after one to two weeks. A large number of people who carry herpes simplex viruses experience these sores multiple times a year.
A plethora of remedies is available in the market, ranging from over-the-counter medications like Zovirax or Pencivir creams, gels, patches, and serums to the Herpotherm warming stick. However, a recent test by Stiftung Warentest revealed that not one of these products proved highly effective in speeding up the healing process. Whether they're over-the-counter creams or medical products like a serum or a thermal pen, the testers couldn't find any substantial proof that these products significantly shorten the healing time or alleviate the symptoms.
The research concluded that all the 26 products tested were "not particularly suitable."
Limit the suffering by half a day to a full day
It's possible to limit the suffering by half a day to a whole day with creams containing acyclovir or penciclovir, such as Zovirax, Ratiopharm, or Pencivir. But just applying these creams doesn't cure the condition. The active ingredients don't penetrate the skin deeply enough.
On the other hand, gels containing silicon, serum, and hydrocolloid patches like Compeed, SOS, or Master Aid can potentially minimize the healing time by about half a day. These products also have an additional function: they act as a barrier to dirt and germs and help reduce the risk of infection from the herpes viruses.
Moreover, people often feel more comfortable when they can cover the blisters. Although the transparent patches aren't entirely invisible, they can be easily concealed with makeup or lipstick.
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Despite the promising claims of various cold sore treatments, a recent test by Stiftung Warentest found no significant improvement in their efficacy. Products like Zovirax, Pencivir, and Herpotherm, popular among consumers, failed to demonstrate any substantial reduction in healing time or alleviation of symptoms.
Men and women alike turn to over-the-counter creams and medical serums to manage cold sores, but these remedies often only provide minor relief. Gels like those found in Compeed, SOS, and Master Aid can potentially reduce healing time by half a day due to their barrier properties against dirt and germs.
While medical advisors may suggest various treatments, hygiene plays a crucial role in managing cold sores. Regular hand washing and avoiding direct contact with infected areas can help prevent the spread of herpes simplex viruses.
To lessen the discomfort caused by cold sores, consumers tend to rely on cover-up options such as transparent patches like those offered by SOS or Master Aid. These patches can be concealed with makeup, offering an additional level of comfort during this uncomfortable period.
Source: www.ntv.de
