How to Treat Fever Blisters With Abreva
Fever blisters, also called cold sores, are painful blisters that occur anywhere from the lips to the nostrils. Caused by the herpes simplex I virus, fever blisters usually last about 10 days, eventually crusting over and forming scabs before healing. Abreva is an over-the-counter medication which may speed the healing of fever blisters by preventing the virus from spreading into healthy cells. It contains the active ingredient 10 percent docosanol in a white cream that dries clear.
Instructions
-
Treating Fever Blisters with Abreva
-
1
Decide when it's time to use Abreva. For maximum effectiveness, the manufacturer recommends applying the product at the first sign of a fever blister. The symptoms may be tingling, itching, a pinprick area of pain or a small red bump. If you've had fever blisters before, you probably know the moment when one begins to form.
-
2
Remove any cosmetics from the affected area and wash your hands with soap and water before applying Abreva.
-
-
3
Use your fingers or a cotton swab to apply Abreva, and wash your hands afterward. Apply the product five times a day for up to 10 days. Continue the entire 10 days or until the scab has fallen off. Don't peel the scab off, as this can delay healing.
-
4
Apply cosmetics over Abreva if you choose to, but do this with an unused applicator such as a cotton swab when touching the affected area and nearby. Then throw the swab away. This prevents spreading the virus to other areas of your skin.
-
5
Contact your doctor if the fever blister does not heal within 10 days or becomes worse. You may need further treatment, such as a prescription antiviral medication.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Don't use Abreva inside your nose or mouth, such as on canker sores. Also do not apply the product to genital herpes or shingles.
