Zovirax Cold Sore Cream is available in the following packs -

• Zovirax Cold Sore Cream Tube
• Zovirax Cold Sore Cream Pump

Zovirax Cold Sore Cream is for the treatment of cold sores:

• At blister or tingling
• Protective healing
• Anti-viral treatment

Zovirax works best before the cold sore breaks out: Many cold sore sufferers can recognise when they are about to get a cold sore eg: tingling, itching . 

If your cold sore has already appeared then treatment with Zovirax Cold Sore Cream can speed up the healing process: For any future attacks it is important to start treatment at the first signs of a cold sore developing.

• Treat your cold sore for at least five full days to ensure rapid healing

Zovirax Cold Sore Cream Directions:

Many cold sore sufferers can recognise when they are about to get a cold sore eg: tingling, itching.

It is important to start treatment at the first signs of a cold sore developing. However if you miss treatment at the first signs, treatment can also be started during blister stage.

Please follow the instructions in your own product carefully.

Adults and Children:

• 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 Zovirax cream liberally to completely cover the whole of the affected area
• Do not touch your eyes until you have washed your hands
• Apply to the affected area 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
• Do not exceed the stated dose

If your cold sore has not healed after this time, treatment may be continued for up to 10 days

• If full healing has not occurred after 10 days, or if your cold sore gets worse at any time, consult your doctor.

Zovirax Cold Sore Cream should not be swallowed: If the cream is accidentally swallowed it is unlikely to cause any ill effects, but if you are concerned, consult your doctor.

Do not use Zovirax Cold Sore Cream around the eyes: If you accidentally get cream in your eyes, wash out thoroughly with warm water. If you are concerned consult your doctor.

•  Inside your mouth only use the cream on cold sores on your lips and the surrounding skin
• To treat mouth ulcers
• In the eyes or genital area

• Have ever had an allergic reaction to aciclovir, or any of the ingredients
• Are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breast feeding
• Are receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy, as your immune system may be weakened
• Are already under the care of a doctor because of a weak immune system (this means that your ability to fight infections is reduced)

Consult your pharmacist or doctor if:

• You are in any doubt whether your sore is a cold sore
• Your cold sore is, or becomes, very severe.

Zovirax Cold Sore Cream is normally well tolerated. However, some people may get the following: A mild burning or stinging may sometimes occur directly after application, but this will quickly go away.

• Occasionally, redness, itching or a mild drying or flaking of the skin may occur. This does not prevent the cream from working
• Propylene glycol may cause skin irritation

If you experience these or any other unusual effects, stop using Zovirax and tell your pharmacist or doctor at once. 

More about cold sores: A cold sore is an infection which is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) which is lying dormant in nerve cells supplying your lips and the surrounding skin.

The first infection usually occurs in early childhood, probably after being kissed by a person with the infection. The virus passes through the skin, travels up a nerve and stays in a nerve junction indefinitely.

Various things, including colds, 'flu, menstruation, fatigue, emotional upset, stress, physical injury, bright sunlight and simply when you are feeling 'run down'. Once triggered, the virus travels back down the nerve to the skin on and around your lips where it causes the cold sore to develop.

Remember cold sores are infectious: The virus is capable of infecting other parts of the body. To reduce the risk of passing the infection on, do not allow others to touch your cold sore, or to share your towel, etc. You should avoid kissing and oral sex if you or your partner has an active cold sore. Always wash your hands before and after touching cold sores.

• Avoid touching your eyes. HSV infection of the eye can lead to ulcers on the window of the eye (cornea).
• Avoid kissing - especially children - when you have a cold sore.
• Avoid breaking the blisters and picking the scabs. Not only could you infect your cold sore with other germs, you may infect your fingers with the virus.
• Avoid sharing your eating and drinking utensils