Abreva Cold Sore Treatment
Abreva cold sore treatment (treatment of cold sores with Abreva cream, that is) is one of the most popular cold sore treatment methods today.
Many people all over have attested to the effectiveness of this cold sore medication. What is Abreva and what does it claim to do?
Abreva: Its Main Ingredient against Cold Sore
The main active ingredient for Abreva is docosanol (10% content), which is a known as an effective cure for cold sores. Abreva's website states that docosanol works by preventing the herpes simplex virus type 1, the main causative agent for cold sores, to invade the surrounding uninfected cells.
By preventing further infection, it can effectively control the outbreak to hasten healing. Docosanol is in fact the first FDA approved cure for shortening cold sore outbreaks. Among its inactive ingredients include benzyl alcohol, propylene glycol, purified water, light mineral oil and sucrose stearate, all of which do not commonly cause harsh or allergic side-effects. It does not contain any fragrance, which people find favorable.
In terms of usage, Abreva cream is very easy to apply and the directions are very easy to follow. The label instructs application of Abreva five times a day with clean hands and a clean face. Abreva cream is quick drying and inconspicuous, making them quite ideal as a cold sore medicine.
Abreva is Effective, but Results May Vary
By the sound of it, Abreva medication seems to really be effective remedy for cold sores. It has shown to work in shortening the duration of a cold sore outbreak and preventing further infection. People agree that it also works very well in moisturizing the affected area, thereby preventing breaks, leaks and scars after scabbing. The effectiveness of Abreva medication seems to vary from one individual to another. While some are surprised to have their cold sores gone in a matter of 4 or 5 days, it may take time for others.
Some people find Abreva medication to be ineffective in relieving pain and discomfort, while it can ease all forms of discomfort for others. As in most other cold sore remedies, Abreva medication works most efficiently if it is applied as soon as the first symptom of an outbreak is felt. It proves to be hardly effective when administered long after the first few stages of the outbreak.
Effective yet Not the Miracle Medicine
Therefore, you should note that Abreva cold sore medicine is not entirely a miracle medication to immediately stop your cold sore outbreak when you need it to. It seems to work well in shortening cold sore outbreaks, but it only works best when administered early. As in all other fever blister medications, Abreva is only effective in managing the symptoms or cold sores and hastening the healing process.
Abreva cold sore treatment does not go deep into the root of the problem to provide the real cure to the – which is permanently get rid of the herpes simplex virus type 1. For best results, it is still highly recommended that you try out natural methods for curing cold sore outbreaks. Supplementing home remedies and natural treatment methods with Abreva cold sore treatment will increase your chances to permanently getting rid of those annoying cold sore outbreaks.