Can you use abreva inside your mouth

Topical barrier gels and ointments help lessen discomfort while the sore heals. Topical hydropropyl cellulose adheres to the lesion to keep out irritants Zilactin and Ziladent are both over the counter , per Dr. Certain medications, such as Abreva, may also help cold sores heal faster if used as soon as you feel a cold sore developing.

Abreva works by helping to prevent the herpes virus from spreading to healthy skin cells. The exact cause of canker sores is unknown, but common triggers include stress and trauma to soft tissues in the oral cavity—for example if you bite the inside of your cheek.

Most medications aimed at treating cold sores are antivirals in order to stop the herpes virus from replicating. In addition, says Chris Airey , M. One notable exception is Zilactin, which is safe for inside your mouth. But in general, topical OTC creams should cause you to show improvement somewhere between 72 hours to four days later.

Sometimes, though, it can take a week or more. But in general, your OTC medication should speed up recovery by two to three days. That said, according to Airey, "sometimes if medication is taken at the first signs of a cold sore, you can prevent a breakout entirely. As a seasoned health writer, Jennifer Nied understands how vital quality product recommendations are for treating symptoms safely and effectively at home.

For over 10 years, she has reviewed products, interviewed experts, scrutinized ingredients, and pored over research studies and claims, to help readers like you understand what works for your specific conditions. Every product in this piece was selected taking into account recommendations from doctors, published research, and real customer reviews. Additional reporting to this story by Simone Scully.

Simone Scully is a New York-based writer and editor with years of experience writing about health, wellness, science, and lifestyle.

Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Oral herpes. Quantum Health. Cold sore study published in Alternative Medicine Review. August 23, Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth.

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Learn about our Medical Review Board. Our Top Picks. It is not recommended for use Abreva cream longer than 10 days. Also, it could be the sign of a more serious infection. You should contact your doctor if your cold sore has not healed within 10 days while using Abreva cream.

Getting the doctor to look at it will ensure that you receive an updated diagnosis and possibly additional treatment. Then, re-apply lipstick, over Abreva cream.

However, use a separate applicator, like a cotton swab, to apply cosmetics or sunscreen over an unhealed cold sore to avoid spreading the infection. This statement is precautionary in the event that someone swallows a large amount of the tube contents. The amount ingested by licking the affected area will be minimal and should not give cause for concern.

Since cold sores are contagious, kissing should be avoided during a cold sore outbreak. Getting up-close and personal spreads cold sores. And remember, though not as common, cold sores can spread to other parts of the body, too. Abreva cream is safe to apply on both normal skin and cold sores. In fact, applying Abreva cream both on and around the sore is good as it will ensure both the obvious cold sore and areas still developing are adequately treated.

Skip to Content link. Be sure to apply enough to completely cover your cold sore and follow the directions on the package. For best results, use an ample amount to completely cover your cold sore and the area around your cold sore. Per package directions, rub in the cream gently, but completely.

It should be used five times a day for up to 10 days. Doing so may spread the infection. Also, it could be the sign of a more serious infection. What causes sores in the mouth? Canker Sores. What is canker sores in the mouth? What is the best cold sore medicine? How do you get a bacterial infection in your mouth? Why are canker sores so painful? What is difference between canker sore and cold sore? Do canker sores spread? How fast does abreva work? Is abreva poisonous? Can you over apply abreva?

Is abreva clear or white? Is there a generic abreva? Should I drain my cold sore? How do I stop getting cold sores? How good is abreva? Why do I keep getting cold sores inside my mouth? Similar Asks.