Zovirax

Zovirax Cold Sore Cream is an effective treatment for cold sores.  It contains the antiviral agent aciclovir and the patented MAC-P™ carrier, which helps to carry aciclovir to the site of the cold sore.  This means, by using Zovirax, you can cut the healing time for your cold sore by up to half (compared to no treatment).

There are 4 stages of a cold sore – tingle, blister, weeping and scab. You can use scientifically proven Zovirax Cold Sore Cream at any stage to speed healing and get rid of your cold sore.

 

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What is Zovirax?

Zovirax Cold Sore Cream is an effective treatment for cold sores.  It contains the antiviral agent aciclovir and the patented MAC-P carrier, which helps to carry aciclovir to the site of the cold sore.  This means, by using Zovirax, you can cut the healing time for your cold sore by up to half (compared to no treatment).

The active ingredient aciclovir by itself is poorly absorbed. Zovirax has patented MAC-P to assist aciclovir to penetrate the skin and reach the site of the infection.

There are 4 stages of a cold sore – tingle, blister, weeping and scab. You can use scientifically proven Zovirax Cold Sore Cream at any stage to speed healing and get rid of your cold sore fast.

 

What are cold sores?

A cold sore is an infection which is caused by an organism called the herpes simplex virus (HSV).  This virus is different from the one that causes colds.  Although most of the population carry the virus, not everyone gets attacks or cold sores.

The first infection usually occurs during childhood.  The virus passes through the skin, travels up the nerve and then hides in a nerve junction until reactivated.

The virus can be reactivated by a number of things, such as cold & flu, menstruation, emotional upset and stress, bright sunlight, stomach upset, fatigue, physical injury, feeling run down.

When the virus is reactivated, it travels down the nerve to the face where it starts to replicate – causing the tingling sensation.  The tingle is your warning that a cold sore is about to appear.  The tingle is your signal to start using Zovirax Cold Sore Cream.

 

How does Zovirax work?

Zovirax Cold Sore Cream contains the antiviral agent aciclovir, in a special MAC-P Penetrating Formula.  The aciclovir (with the help of MAC-P) enters the cells that are infected with the cold sore virus and stops the virus multiplication to speed healing and get rid of cold sores fast.

There are 4 stages of a cold sore. You can use scientifically proven Zovirax Cold Sore Cream at any stage to lessen its impact on your life.

1) Tingle Stage
Your skin tingles and itches and you know a cold sore is on its way. Treat this symptom with Zovirax Cold Sore Cream and you could stop the cold sore appearing. Remember, if you are prone to cold sores and you sense the tingle, the cold sore is at the early stages. This stage may only last 24 hours so it's important to use Zovirax Cold Sore Cream right away.

2) Blister Stage
A small, raised blotch swells and forms a painful single blister or cluster of blisters. When the blister first breaks through the skin, healing can take several days. Apply Zovirax Cold Sore Cream at this stage and it helps to speed up the healing by days. Carry on using it if your cold sore does develop.

3) Weeping Stage
Now the blisters collapse and join up to form a large, weeping sore. The virus can spread very easily at this stage. Most people find this the most embarrassing stage.

4) Scab Stage
The blisters begin to dry out and heal. A scab begins to form. If picked at, the scab may crack painfully and bleed.

 

How to use Zovirax

Ideally, you should start using Zovirax as soon as you feel the tingle of a cold sore.  However, if you miss this, you can still use Zovirax at any stage during the cold sore to speed healing.  Apply according to the directions on the leaflet:

• Wash your hands before and after treating the cold sore so as to avoid making it worse or giving the infection to someone else.
• Apply the cream to the affected areas 5 times daily about every 4 hours.  If you forget a treatment, apply some as soon as you remember, then continue as before.
• Continue treatment for 4 days.  If your cold sore has not healed after this time, or your cold sore becomes very severe, consult your doctor.

 

Safety / Precautions

Always read the label carefully and use strictly as directed. If symptoms persist or side effects develop, see your healthcare professional.

Do not use Zovirax:

• If you are pregnant
• If you are breastfeeding

Cold sores are very infectious.  Some tips for dealing with cold sores:

• Always wash your hands before and after touching cold sores.
• Avoid touching your eyes and be careful when applying makeup.
• Don't use saliva to wet contact lenses.
• Avoid kissing.
• Don't break the blisters and pick scabs, you could infect your cold sore with other germs.
• Don't share your eating or drinking utensils.
• Don't share the same towel with other people.

 

Where can I purchase Zovirax?

Zovirax is available from pharmacies only.

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Consumer Medicine Information: Zovirax contains aciclovir 5% w/w. For external use only. Medicines have benefits and some may have risks. Always read the label and use strictly as directed. If symptoms persist or side effects develop consult your health professional. GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, Auckland.

Zovirax is a registered trade mark of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies.

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