What is Abreva?

Abreva is a popular over-the-counter (OTC) treatment for cold sores and fever blisters. It contains the active ingredient docosanol, which is an antiviral agent that helps to shorten the healing time of cold sores.

What is Abreva used for?Abreva is specifically designed to treat cold sores/fever blisters that occur on the face or lips. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) and are characterized by small, fluid-filled blisters that usually appear on or around the lips. Abreva works by preventing the virus from spreading to healthy cells, thus reducing the duration of cold sores.

How does Abreva work?The active ingredient in Abreva, docosanol, works by inhibiting the fusion of the herpes virus with the cell membrane, preventing it from entering healthy cells and replicating. This action helps to reduce the severity and duration of cold sores, as well as providing relief from symptoms such as pain, itching, and tingling.

How to use Abreva?Abreva comes in the form of a cream and is typically applied directly to the cold sore or fever blister. It is recommended to start using Abreva as soon as you notice the first signs of a cold sore, such as tingling or itching. The cream should be applied to the affected area 5 times a day, at approximately 3-4 hour intervals, until the cold sore is healed. It is important to follow the instructions provided with the product and to wash your hands before and after applying Abreva.

What are the benefits of using Abreva?Abreva has several benefits when it comes to treating cold sores. Firstly, it is the #1 dermatologist recommended OTC cold sore product in the US. It is also FDA-approved and has been clinically proven to shorten the healing time of cold sores. Additionally, Abreva can help to relieve the symptoms associated with cold sores, such as pain and itching.

Are there any side effects?Like any medication, Abreva may cause some side effects. The most common side effects reported with Abreva include headache, skin irritation, and rash. These side effects are generally mild and go away on their own. However, if you experience any severe or persistent side effects, it is important to seek medical attention.

Where can I find Abreva?Abreva is widely available for purchase at pharmacies, grocery stores, and online retailers. It is important to ensure that you are purchasing genuine Abreva from reputable sources to ensure quality and effectiveness.

In summary, Abreva is an OTC cold sore treatment that contains the active ingredient docosanol. It is used to treat cold sores/fever blisters on the face or lips and works by inhibiting the replication of the herpes virus. Abreva is widely available and has been clinically proven to shorten the healing time of cold sores. It is important to follow the instructions provided with the product and to seek medical attention if you experience any severe side effects.