Technical Data
Description
Cold Sore Relief is a safe, effective over-the-counter (OTC) medication designed to treat cold sores and fever blisters and provide protection for sensitive skin.
Cold Sore Relief combines allantoin with a specially prepared base of Melissa extract (lemon balm), concentrated at a ratio of 70:1. This medicated cream helps protect skin and lips and can be used at any stage for soothing relief.
Indications
Cold sore/fever blister treatment and skin protectant
Uses
- Relieves dryness and softens cold sores and fever blisters.
- Softens scabs associated with cold sores and fever blisters.
- Helps prevent, protect, and soothe chapped, cracked, or wind-burned skin and lips.
Introduction
Cold sores, also called fever or sun blisters, are small, fluid-filled blisters that occur on the lips, the outer edges of the mouth, and the nose. The skin surrounding the cold sore often becomes red and inflamed, and the blisters themselves can be painful.
1,2 Cold sores often occur following periods of physical stress, including a cold or other infections, sunburn, and hormonal changes in pregnancy or menstruation. Emotional stress may also cause a cold sore outbreak.
2
The herpes simplex virus - type 1 (HSV-1) is responsible for cold sores around the mouth. Infection is quite common and very contagious. Recent reports estimate that 600,000 new cases of HSV-1 infection develop each year. And as there is no cure, prevalence continues to increase with age. In young adults, an estimated 20-40 percent have contracted the virus. The prevalence increases to approximately 90 percent in adults over age 70. 1
While many individuals infected with HSV-1 experience no symptoms, others find cold sore outbreaks to be quite painful. Half of all cold sore sufferers experience initial symptoms, which may include tingling, itching, mouth soreness, fever, sore throat, or swelling of the lymph glands, lasting one to two days before the blisters appear. After the cold sores develop, the blisters usually break open, weep clear fluid, and then scab over after a few days. The healing process may take seven to ten days. 1
Though HSV-1 can not be prevented, the frequency of outbreaks can be reduced and the duration of an attack can be limited with appropriate treatment.
How Does It Work?
When used at the first signs of HSV-1,
Cold Sore Relief can greatly reduce the severity of the cold sore outbreak. This medicated cream combines the OTC approved ingredient allantoin, with a specially prepared base of Melissa extract (lemon balm), concentrated at a ratio of 70:1.
Allantoin is naturally found in botanicals, egg whites, and a few other food sources. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved skin creams, containing 0.5 to 2.0% allantoin, as OTC medications indicated for:
- Preventing and protecting skin and lips against chapping, chafing, cracking and wind-burn.
- Relieving dryness and softening cold sores and fever blisters.
- Providing temporary relief of discomfort associated with cold sores and fever blisters. 3
When applied to cold sores, allantoin helps soften crusted lesions (scabs) to relieve the drying, itching, and discomfort that occur during the healing process.1 Studies of allantoin's active compounds have demonstrated supportive effects on skin health. 4,5,6
Conclusion
When used at the very first signs of a cold sore or fever blister, Cold Sore Relief medicated cream can greatly reduce the severity of a cold sore.
Recommendations
Apply liberally 2 to 4 times daily or as often as desired. For best results, apply at the first signs (burning, tingling, itching) of a cold sore or fever blister.
Precautions
For external use only.
When using this product:
- Avoid contact with eyes
- Do not apply over deep or puncture wounds, infections, or lacerations. Consult a doctor.
Stop use and ask a doctor if condition worsens or does not improve in 7 days.
Keep out of the reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
How Is It Supplied?
Storage Recommendations
Store at controlled room temperature, 59° to 86°F (15° – 30°C).
References
- Pray WS. Preventing and Treating Cold Sores. US Pharmacist. 2007;32(4):16-23.
- Norris J, Ed. Cold sores. In: Professional Guide to Diseases. 5th ed. Springhouse, Pa: Springhouse Corporation, 1995:221.
- “Skin Protectant Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use.” Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 347, Section 347.50. Available at: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/26mar20071500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2007/aprqtr/21cfr347.50.htm/.
- Garnick JJ, Singh B, Winkley G. Effectiveness of a medicament containing silicon dioxide, aloe, and allantoin on aphthous stomatitis. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 1998;86:550-556.
- Vinson J, Proch J. Inhibition of moisture penetration to the skin by a novel incontinence barrier product. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 1998;25:256-260.
- May G, Willuhn G. [Antiviral effect of aqueous plant extracts in tissue culture].Arzneimittelforschung. 1978;28:1–7.