Topical antiviral creams are medications applied directly to the skin to treat viral infections like cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus.
Related products/activities
Acyclovir Cream
Application
Antiviral Medications | Skin Topical Treatments | Cold Sore Relief | Antiviral Medication | Cold Sore Treatment
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Topical Antiviral Cream FAQ


Image credit: webmd.com

What are topical antivirals?

Topical antiviral agents are applied locally to treat viral infections. Different antiviral agents have different mechanisms of action but they all inhibit production of viruses that cause disease. Topical agents are used to treat viral conditions such as cold sores (facial herpes simplex ).

Are antiviral pills better than oral herpes creams?

This could save you money and offer a potentially more effective treatment. Antiviral pills are often a better choice for treating oral herpes, especially if you have recurrent outbreaks (outbreaks that come back many times). They’re typically less expensive than oral herpes creams and are effective options to consider.

What is acyclovir (Zovirax) 5% cream used for?

Acyclovir (Zovirax) 5% cream or ointment is an antiviral medication with several important uses. In addition to being an effective treatment for oral herpes, Zovirax can also be used to treat outbreaks and rashes caused by the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles. Acyclovir works by stopping HSV’s ability to reproduce.

How do topical antivirals work?

Topical antivirals work by inhibiting the growth of the virus (prevents the virus from multiplying). Although they will not cure the viral infection (as they cannot kill the virus), but they may help reduce the pain and discomfort caused by the sores and can help speed up the healing process.

Why is acyclovir cream prescribed?

Why is this medication prescribed? Acyclovir cream is used to treat cold sores (fever blisters; blisters that are caused by a virus called herpes simplex) on the face or lips.

Topical Antiviral Cream References

If you want to know more about Topical Antiviral Cream, consider exploring links below:

What Is Topical Antiviral Cream

  1. https://www.drugs.com/drug-class/topical-antivirals.html
  2. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-5231-432/acyclovir-topical/acyclovir-cream-topical/details
  3. https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/herpes/best-treatment-for-oral-herpes
  4. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a606001.html
  5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/acyclovir-topical-route/proper-use/drg-20061579
  6. https://patient.info/medicine/aciclovir-cream-lipsore-virasorb-zovirax
  7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525789/

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