How do you use abreva

If in doubt, however, consult your doctor. If you miss an application time, just reapply immediately and then again after a few hours. By applying the cream as soon as you feel a tingle, itch or burning or any other symptom you associate with an oncoming cold sore, you can reduce the length of time a cold sore takes to heal by several days.

If you have a painful area inside your mouth, it is most likely a canker sore or an ulcer, which is not caused by the herpes simplex virus and requires a different treatment.

If your cold sore hasn't healed after two weeks, seek professional medical help as it could be a sign of a more serious infection. It also contains the only non-prescription ingredient the FDA has approved to shorten cold sore healing time. Clicking any of the links below takes you to an external website that is independently operated and not managed by GSK.

GSK assumes no responsibility for the content on the website. To be sure this product is right for you always read and follow the label.

An untreated cold sore can last approximately days. You are now leaving the Abreva. GSK assumes no responsibility for the site. Search Search. Some helpful tips Keep it clean Remove any cosmetics before applying Abreva Cream.

Don't share Cold sores are contagious. DailyMed will deliver notification of updates and additions to Drug Label information currently shown on this site through its RSS feed. DailyMed will deliver this notification to your desktop, Web browser, or e-mail depending on the RSS Reader you select to use.

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Allergy alert This product may cause a severe allergic reaction. This may spread infection. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article methods. Related Articles. Method 1. Use the medication as soon as you start experiencing symptoms. Early signs of a coming cold sore include pain, burning, or feeling the blister emerging.

Don't apply it inside your nose or mouth. If a small amount gets into your mouth, such as cream that you licked off your lips after application, there is no need to worry.

It is not harmful in small amounts. Wash the area before applying the product for best results. Start by washing your hands with soap and water, then remove any makeup. Cleanse the area with soap or cleanser and warm water. Lightly pat the area dry with a clean towel. You don't want to use the same towel on unaffected skin, as you can spread the virus. Apply a dab of Abreva on top of the cold sore. Use your finger or a cotton swab to cover your cold sore with the cream.

You should apply a generous amount to be sure that the whole sore is treated. Don't worry if you get the cream on your unaffected skin, as the medicine is safe on both healthy skin and cold sores. Rub the medicine into your cold sore using a light touch.

Gently massage the cream into your sore until it is fully absorbed. You should not have a remaining white residue [6] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source.

Wash your hands after treatment to avoid sharing the virus.