Fever blister ointment
What is a fever blister ointment?
A fever blister ointment is a medication for cold sores in the context of a herpes infection. The ointment usually contains an active ingredient such as acyclovir. After being applied to the skin, it acts locally against the multiplication and spread of viruses by influencing their cell division. Its protein building blocks are falsely incorporated into the genome of the virus and the virus cells die. As a result, the infection subsides and the lip sores recede, with no evidence of accelerated healing from the use of fever blister ointment.
Find out more about the topic: Fever blisters
Indication for a fever blister ointment
The use of a fever blister ointment is always indicated if the person affected is noticeably suffering from the cold sores. It does not matter whether the severity is particularly bad or the pain is in the foreground. In addition, accompanying factors such as immunosuppression or increased relapse also play a role, whereby the indication for drug therapy should be more generous.
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Effect of the fever blister ointment
Ointments are often used for drug therapy of fever blisters. They contain antivirals as active ingredients such as acyclovir or penciclovir. The special thing about these active ingredients is that their components influence the metabolism of the virus cells. By incorporating their protein building blocks, the virus cells can no longer reproduce and thus the fever blisters recede.
However, in order for the virus to be effectively combated by the active ingredient, it must be applied regularly. On the other hand, virus cells that have not yet been treated can continue their cell division and attack other healthy cells.
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Side effects
Side effects are rare with the external application of fever ointments. Independent of the active ingredients, experience has shown that mostly only harmless symptoms such as a burning sensation in the area of the ointment application occur. In the case of herbal active ingredients, the reddening in the lip area may spread due to an allergic reaction.
Other side effects actually only occur when antivirals are administered in tablet form, such as those given in severe cases of fever blisters. Those affected complain more of headaches and dizziness as well as gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. These side effects are based on the fact that the protein building blocks contained in the active ingredients can also be built into healthy body cells and then lead to the death of the cell. Conversely, this means that the drug is not specific for virus cells and can damage any cell when its components are incorporated. Here it is important to inform those affected exactly about possible side effects and to discontinue the drug in the event of intolerance.
Interactions
Antiviral agents such as acyclovir are excreted via the kidneys. Therefore, there can be interactions with all drugs that are also eliminated via the kidneys. If two drugs compete for a transporter in the genitourinary system, the breakdown can slow down and the dose in the body increases. If the therapeutic range is exceeded, side effects can ultimately occur. For those affected, this means asking a doctor or pharmacist in individual cases about possible interactions with the long-term medication.
When should fever blister ointment not be used?
Fever blister ointment should not be used with particularly pronounced skin symptoms in the lip area. This means that cracked blisters with a bloody wound base should not be rubbed with fever blister ointment. But even if flare-ups of a herpes disease that occur in a flash with general symptoms such as high fever and a clear feeling of illness should not be treated locally with an ointment.
In this case, the administration of tablets and, in the most severe cases, even intravenous infusion therapy in the hospital is recommended. The use of fever blister ointment is generally not recommended for pregnant women, babies and small children, as side effects can be more serious for them.
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Can you use fever blister ointment in children?
It should be emphasized that fever blisters will resolve in around two weeks even without treatment and that the affected child will not suffer any harm or disadvantage from simply waiting if the disease is mild. However, if the infection with a herpes virus is so severe that the child is severely affected, the use of fever blister ointment or even intravenous therapy with acyclovir is indicated, regardless of the age of the child.
In the case of children, the principle applies as little as possible and as much as necessary to use an antivirustant such as acyclovir as part of therapy, whereby the dosage and administration must be adapted to the age and weight of the child. However, if a doctor decides on therapy with a fever blister ointment, the application should be carried out by the parents or the caregivers and the exact dosage should be observed. If side effects such as headache, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea occur, a doctor should be consulted immediately and the therapy adjusted.
How many times a day should the ointment be applied?
Manufacturers recommend applying the ointment every four hours in a sufficient dosage. For those affected, this means applying a thin film of the ointment to the lip vesicles about five times a day. No white ointment residues should be visible after application.
The amount is just right if it is absorbed directly by gently massaging in briefly and leaves at most a light, greasy shine on the lip vesicles. The time interval of four hours is important to the extent that as many virus pathogens as possible can then be reached and thus the spread of the infection can be prevented as well as possible
How much does the fever blister ointment cost?
Fever blister ointments are generally affordable for everyone. The price varies a bit from manufacturer to manufacturer, but is generally always in the single-digit euro range. Whether the cost of the ointment is covered by health insurance depends entirely on the health insurance company. Those affected must ask their insurance company about this individually. Experience has shown, however, that only a few health insurance companies cover the costs.
What alternative is there to the fever blister ointment?
The best alternative to a fever blister ointment with the fewest side effects is to patiently wait for the lip sores to heal. Even if they visually impair the affected person and sometimes burn or itch, they heal best if you leave them alone. Any manipulation of you can spread the pathogen to healthy skin areas and further sustain the inflammatory reaction.
If those affected only want to alleviate the symptoms, they can temporarily cool itchy areas of skin. Here, however, it is important to disinfect the cold pack after use to prevent smear infection.
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Can you use fever blister ointment during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Fever blister ointment should only be used during pregnancy after consulting a doctor. Experience has shown that the active ingredient only enters the bloodstream in very low concentrations in pregnant women, but theoretically it can be teratogenic. After all, acyclovir achieves its antiviral effect by changing the genetic material of the virus cells and thus preventing their reproduction.
Theoretically, this mechanism is possible in every human cell, which can lead to damage to the unborn child, especially in the early stages of pregnancy. It is therefore important to assess the risks in each individual case and have the indication made by a gynecologist.
Read more on the subject at: Cold sores in pregnancy
